I DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT YOU - Free Jazz Leadsheet
Composed by Duke Ellington with lyrics by Bob Russell in 1944, "i didn't know about you" is a tender ballad expressing sudden awareness of love and emotional revelation. Its lyrics capture reflective intimacy.
The first recording, by Duke Ellington and His Orchestra in New York, 1944, showcased smooth orchestration and expressive phrasing over a sophisticated harmonic framework. The melody provides room for subtle improvisation.
Later renditions by jazz vocalists and instrumental ensembles preserved its delicate balance of lyricism and harmonic depth, making it a favorite for both intimate and larger performance settings.