LONG AGO AND FAR AWAY - Free Jazz Leadsheet

“Long Ago (and Far Away)” was composed by Jerome Kern with lyrics by Ira Gershwin and published in 1944 for the film Cover Girl. It was performed on screen by Rita Hayworth, whose singing voice was dubbed by Martha Mears, along with Gene Kelly. The song quickly became a popular success, leading to multiple recordings by major vocalists of the era.

It later entered the jazz repertoire, with interpretations by artists such as Chet Baker. The lyrics evoke nostalgic longing, while Kern’s subtle modulation of the opening theme to a higher key area lends the melody a dreamlike quality. Its 32-bar song form and rich harmonic movement make it suitable for expressive vocal phrasing and improvisational instrumental renditions.