SONNY BOY - Free Jazz Leadsheet

sonny boy, composed by Ray Henderson with lyrics by Buddy DeSylva and Lew Brown in 1928, is a sentimental ballad that became one of the era’s most popular tunes. Its emotional narrative and simple, memorable melody helped secure its place in early jazz and pop performances.

The first recording was made by Al Jolson in 1928, capturing the song’s heartfelt sentiment. Later interpretations by Bing Crosby and jazz musicians have reinforced its enduring emotional appeal.

The lyrics focus on parental love and protective affection, while the musical form typically follows a verse-chorus structure, with melodic phrasing that allows for expressive interpretation and ornamentation.