CHARMAINE - Free Jazz Leadsheet

“charmaine” was written in 1926 by Ernö Rapée with lyrics by Lew Pollack for the film *What Price Glory*. The first influential recording was released by the orchestra of Lewis James and later popularized internationally by Guy Lombardo’s version in the 1920s.

The lyrics express devoted longing, and the melody is marked by broad, sweeping phrases that suit both crooning and instrumental treatments. Its lush harmonic movement made it especially popular with big bands and string-accompanied dance orchestras.