Free Jazz Standard Sheet Music Downloads

"Just Friends" is a popular song composed by John Klenner with lyrics by Sam M. Lewis in 1931. The bittersweet lyrics express the ache of a romantic relationship that has reverted to friendship. First introduced by Red McKenzie and His Orchestra, it became a hit through Russ Columbo's 1932 recording.

The song follows a 32-bar AABA form, most commonly performed in F or G major. A notable harmonic feature is that the A section begins on the IV chord with a major 7th in the melody, giving the tune a distinctive color from the very first bar. The progression incorporates chains of ii–V–I movements and tritone substitutions, making it a valuable study piece in jazz education. Originally a slow sentimental ballad, it has been performed predominantly at medium to up-tempo since the 1950s.

The most celebrated jazz recording is Charlie Parker's version on Charlie Parker with Strings (1949), where his flowing alto saxophone over a lush string section produced what many consider one of his most beautiful performances. Parker himself reportedly named it among his favorite recordings.