Free Jazz Standard Sheet Music Downloads

"Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me" originated as Duke Ellington's 1940 instrumental "Concerto for Cootie," a showcase for trumpeter Cootie Williams and his distinctive growl technique. In 1942, lyricist Bob Russell added words, giving the piece its present title and transforming it into one of Ellington's most enduring vocal standards.

The tune follows a classic 32-bar AABA form, typically played in G major or E-flat major. The A sections feature an elegant, blues-tinged melody that exudes Ellington's characteristic sophistication—graceful yet soulful, with a relaxed swing feel. The bridge offers harmonic contrast and dramatic shape before returning to the familiar theme. The accessible chord changes and singable melody make it equally effective for vocalists and instrumentalists. As with much of Ellington's vocal catalog, the song bridges the worlds of popular song and jazz with effortless class.

The song was introduced in 1943 by Al Hibbler with the Ellington Orchestra, and the 1944 recording topped the R&B chart for eight weeks. Among the most celebrated jazz interpretations are Ella Fitzgerald's version on Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Duke Ellington Song Book (1957) and Billie Holiday's deeply personal 1955 recording. The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2011.