EMPTY BED BLUES - Free Jazz Leadsheet

"empty bed blues" was composed by Bessie Smith in 1928. The song explores themes of heartbreak and emotional vulnerability, delivered through Smith’s expressive vocal performance.

The first recording was by Bessie Smith in New York, accompanied by piano and brass elements. Later blues and jazz musicians have reinterpreted it while preserving its emotional intensity.

The piece uses a 12-bar blues form, providing performers with a foundation for improvisation while emphasizing vocal expression and storytelling.