THE MOON WAS YELLOW - Free Jazz Leadsheet

"The Moon Was Yellow"—sometimes subtitled "And the Night Was Young"—was written by Fred E. Ahlert with lyrics by Edgar Leslie and published in 1934. The earliest widely distributed recording was made that same year by dance-band vocalists who helped introduce the tune to radio audiences.

The song later gained prominence through recordings by Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and others drawn to its lush romantic imagery. Its 32-bar structure and gently lilting melody create an atmosphere of moonlit reflection, making it a favorite among ballad interpreters.