TENDERLY - Free Jazz Leadsheet

"Tenderly" was composed by Walter Gross with lyrics by Jack Lawrence and published in 1946. The first recording was made that same year by Dick Farney in New York, though Rosemary Clooney’s 1952 version became the definitive popular hit that established the tune globally.

Its lyrical theme centres on gentle, romantic devotion, supported by a flowing melody and rich harmonic palette that suit both vocal and instrumental arrangements. The song’s structure follows a 32-bar form marked by warm, arching phrases, making it a frequent choice for jazz ballad interpretations by artists such as Oscar Peterson and Bill Evans.