I'M MAKING BELIEVE - Free Jazz Leadsheet

Composed in 1944 by Jimmy Shirl and Mack Gordon, "i'm making believe" is a tender ballad blending romantic lyricism with jazz sensibilities. Its emotive melody and heartfelt lyrics made it a popular standard in the mid-20th century.

The first recording was by Ella Fitzgerald with the Ink Spots in New York in 1944, setting a precedent for smooth, sentimental interpretations. Later notable recordings include those by Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby, each highlighting the song’s expressive melodic lines.

The lyrics convey longing and imaginative devotion, while musically the song uses a 32-bar AABA form with harmonically rich chords, providing performers with opportunities for nuanced phrasing and emotional interpretation.