Free Jazz Standard Sheet Music Downloads

"Misty" is a ballad composed in 1954 by American jazz pianist Erroll Garner. A self-taught musician who never learned to read music, Garner was celebrated for his distinctive swing style and expressive ballad playing, and "Misty" stands as his most enduring composition.

Written in E-flat major, the tune follows a 32-bar AABA form. The A sections feature elegant I-VI-II-V turnarounds and smoothly connected II-V-I progressions that support one of the most lyrical melodies in the jazz repertoire. The bridge shifts toward the subdominant area, adding harmonic depth and contrast. Typically performed as a slow ballad, the song's beauty lies in its sweeping, romantic melody and lush harmonic framework, making it a favorite for vocalists and instrumentalists alike.

The definitive recording is Garner's own 1954 trio version, featured on the album Contrasts, with Wyatt Ruther on bass and Fats Heard on drums. Johnny Mathis turned the song into a pop sensation with his 1959 recording on Heavenly, while Sarah Vaughan's 1958 Paris session, arranged by Quincy Jones, remains one of the most celebrated vocal interpretations.