Free Jazz Standard Sheet Music Downloads

Louis Silvers composed this song in 1921, with lyrics by B.G. De Sylva, for the Broadway musical Bombo. Al Jolson introduced it and scored a major hit, establishing the song as one of his signature numbers. Built on the old English proverb that April showers bring May flowers, the lyric delivers an uplifting message of perseverance and hope.

The melody is catchy and straightforward, emblematic of the vaudeville and early jazz era. Despite its cheerful disposition, the lyric carries a subtle undercurrent of wistfulness. Typically performed at a comfortable medium swing tempo, the song has endured as a popular vocal standard for nearly a century.

Al Jolson's 1921 Columbia recording is the historic original, while Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra recorded an instrumental jazz version for Victor the same year. Later covers by Judy Garland, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Mel Tormé kept the song in the repertoire. It was prominently featured in the 1946 biopic The Jolson Story and the 1948 film musical April Showers.