IF I HAD YOU - Free Jazz Leadsheet

Composed by Jimmy Campbell, Reg Connelly, and Ted Shapiro in 1928, "if i had you" is a romantic ballad blending lyrical sentiment with melodic charm. It became a popular choice for both jazz bands and vocalists due to its memorable tune and flexible structure.

The first recording was by Rudy Vallée and His Connecticut Yankees in New York in 1928, showcasing its smooth vocal phrasing. Subsequent interpretations by Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and later jazz musicians solidified its status as a standard.

The lyrics revolve around the idea of love as a transformative and desirable experience. Musically, it follows a 32-bar AABA form, with melodic lines that invite expressive phrasing and improvisation.