THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE - Free Jazz Leadsheet

"The Best Things in Life Are Free" was composed by Ray Henderson with lyrics by Buddy DeSylva and Lew Brown, published in 1927 for the musical "Good News." The first recording appeared the same year by George Olsen and His Orchestra in New York, helping the song quickly become a popular radio and dance-band staple.

Later interpretations by Bing Crosby, The Hi-Lo’s, and jazz vocalists underscored its optimistic message that life’s true rewards lie beyond material wealth. Built on a bright 32-bar structure, the melody’s buoyant phrasing and clear-cut harmonies made it especially adaptable for big-band and vocal-group arrangements.