Free Jazz Standard Sheet Music Downloads

"Don't Worry 'Bout Me" is a ballad composed by Rube Bloom with lyrics by Ted Koehler, introduced by Cab Calloway and His Orchestra in the "World's Fair" edition of the Cotton Club show in 1939. Hal Kemp and His Orchestra had the first commercial hit with their recording that same year, and the song quickly entered the standard repertoire.

Set in A-flat major with a 32-bar AABA form, the tune features a flowing, lyrical melody that rises and falls with an elegant sense of line. The harmonic language is built on a graceful chain of ii-V-I progressions, with subtle variations at each phrase ending that invite nuanced phrasing and dynamic shading. The lyrics portray a tender farewell in which the singer reassures a departing lover, lending the entire piece a bittersweet warmth that suits both slow, intimate readings and gently swinging interpretations.

Frank Sinatra scored a major hit with his 1953 recording arranged by Nelson Riddle, later featuring the song on both This Is Sinatra! (1956) and Sinatra at the Sands (1966). Billie Holiday's 1959 version with Ray Ellis and His Orchestra stands as one of her final recording sessions, adding poignant weight to this graceful standard.