Jazz is vast, unpredictable, and beautifully complex. It’s a universe where improvisation, intricate harmonies, and infectious swing come together in perfect harmony. From timeless classics to lesser-known gems, here’s a look at the jazz songs that capture the soul of the genre, each one telling its own story of innovation, emotion, and artistry.
1. “My Funny Valentine” – Chet Baker
Originally written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart for the 1937 Broadway musical Babes in Arms, this haunting ballad has been recorded by over 600 artists. But it’s Chet Baker’s version—later added to the U.S. National Recording Registry—that stands as one of the most iconic renditions. His voice and trumpet phrasing give the song a fragile, melancholic charm that has become a touchstone in jazz history.
2. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” – Judy Garland
This classic track from the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz was the last song written for the movie. Composed by Harold Arlen with lyrics by E.Y. Harburg, it became Judy Garland’s signature and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. Arlen reportedly discovered the melody while driving with his wife, and the song went on to become a beloved standard, reinterpreted across countless jazz styles.
3. “Summertime” – Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong
Penned by the Gershwin brothers with lyrics by DuBose Heyward for the 1935 opera Porgy and Bess, “Summertime” blends classical structure with African American folk influences. While its chords are simple, the song has been transformed by countless jazz musicians. The version by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong remains definitive—sensual, melancholic, and timeless.
4. “Autumn Leaves” – Nat King Cole
First written as “Les Feuilles Mortes” in 1945 by Joseph Kosma and Jacques Prévert, then translated into English by Johnny Mercer, this wistful ballad reflects on lost summer love. It became widely popular through interpretations by Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and especially Nat King Cole, whose version adds a smooth, romantic depth.
5. “Take Five” – Dave Brubeck Quartet
Written by Paul Desmond in 1959 and performed by the Dave Brubeck Quartet, this tune became a jazz anthem thanks to its unusual 5/4 time signature and catchy saxophone riff. After Desmond’s death, royalties from the song were donated to the American Red Cross, highlighting the cultural and humanitarian impact of this iconic track.
6. “Moon River” – Audrey Hepburn
From the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s, “Moon River” was composed by Henry Mancini with lyrics by Johnny Mercer. Although initially rejected by the studio, Audrey Hepburn insisted it remain in the film. The melody was crafted to suit her limited vocal range and has since become one of Hollywood’s most memorable jazz ballads. In 2004, the American Film Institute ranked it among the top jazz songs in cinema history.
7. “The Girl from Ipanema” – Astrud Gilberto, João Gilberto & Stan Getz
Composed in the early 1960s by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes, this bossa nova classic was inspired by a real-life girl—Heloísa Eneida Menezes Pais Pinto—seen walking near the beaches of Rio de Janeiro. Originally titled “Menina Que Passa”, the song was later adapted into “Garota de Ipanema” and then translated into English. The version with Astrud Gilberto, João Gilberto, and Stan Getz became a global hit and remains one of the most recorded Latin jazz songs of all time.
8. “What a Wonderful World” – Louis Armstrong
Written by Bob Thiele and George David Weiss, this 1967 hit was made legendary by Louis Armstrong’s heartfelt delivery. Though it saw modest success in the U.S. initially, it topped the UK charts and became Armstrong’s best-selling single. Featured in films like Good Morning, Vietnam and The Muppet Show, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.
9. “Just the Two of Us” – Grover Washington Jr.
Written by Bill Withers in the 1980s, this smooth jazz hit blends soulful chemistry and groovy rhythms. Performed by Grover Washington Jr., it marked a shift in the genre toward more pop-oriented arrangements, minimizing improvisation in favor of clean, radio-friendly hooks. It remains a cornerstone of the Smooth Jazz movement.
10. “Don’t Know Why” – Norah Jones
Closing the list is a modern jazz classic. Written in 1999 by Jesse Harris, “Don’t Know Why” gained fame when Norah Jones recorded it for her debut album Come Away With Me. With its subtle blend of pop and jazz, the song won three Grammy Awards in 2003—including Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance—cementing its place in contemporary jazz history.
