NOBODY KNOWS THE TROUBLE I'VE SEEN - Free Jazz Leadsheet

“Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen” is a traditional African American spiritual with origins in the early 19th century. Its exact composer is unknown, but it emerged from the oral tradition of enslaved communities in the United States, conveying resilience and hope amidst hardship.

Early recordings include Paul Robeson in the 1920s, whose rich bass voice and expressive delivery captured the song’s solemn yet uplifting character. The piece often follows a simple verse-chorus structure, making it easily adaptable for both solo and choral arrangements.

Over the decades, artists like Louis Armstrong, Marian Anderson, and Mahalia Jackson have performed it, emphasizing themes of struggle, perseverance, and spiritual solace. The melody often incorporates pentatonic and modal elements, allowing singers to convey deep emotional expression.