Free Jazz Standard Sheet Music Downloads

"Satin Doll" is one of the most recognized jazz standards, co-written in 1953 by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, with lyrics later added by Johnny Mercer. According to Ellington's son Mercer, the Duke wrote the tune for his longtime partner Bea "Evie" Ellis, while Strayhorn provided the harmonization.

The form is a 32-bar AABA in C major. The A section is built on a series of ii–V progressions—Dm7–G7 followed by Em7–A7—that delay the tonic resolution and create a sophisticated sense of forward motion. A chromatic ii–V (A♭m7–D♭7) in measure six adds a touch of harmonic color before the turnaround. The bridge modulates toward the subdominant area. The melody is catchy and accessible, making it one of the most commonly played tunes at jam sessions and gigs worldwide.

The first recording was an instrumental version by the Duke Ellington Orchestra for Capitol Records in April 1953. Ella Fitzgerald recorded a celebrated scat vocal version on Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Duke Ellington Songbook (1957, Verve), and later performed the Mercer lyric version as well. Notable instrumental interpretations include recordings by Wes Montgomery and Oscar Peterson.