HELLO YOUNG LOVERS - Free Jazz Leadsheet
hello young lovers was composed by Richard Rodgers with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II for the musical The King and I (1951). Its lyrical melody and gentle harmonic structure made it a jazz standard for ballad interpretation.
The first Broadway performance in New York City showcased its romantic and melodic qualities, suitable for both vocalists and instrumentalists. Structurally, it is a 32-bar AABA ballad, allowing expressive phrasing and improvisation.
Later jazz performances emphasized the song’s tender mood, lyrical storytelling, and timeless appeal, making it a crowd favorite in intimate and larger settings.