Free Jazz Standard Sheet Music Downloads

"Blue (And Broken Hearted)" is a popular song written by Edgar Leslie, Lou Handman, and Cliff Friend in 1922. A product of the Tin Pan Alley era, the song is a sentimental ballad about the heartache of lost love, and it quickly became a favorite among vocalists and dance bands of the 1920s and 1930s.

The composition follows a 32-bar form with a wistful, emotionally direct melody that invites expressive vocal interpretation. The harmony is straightforward but effective, providing a warm framework for both singers and instrumentalists to convey the song's melancholy spirit. In jazz contexts, it is typically performed as a swing number or a slow ballad, and its intimate character rewards performers who favor lyrical, understated phrasing. The tune exemplifies how early Tin Pan Alley material was absorbed into the swing and modern jazz repertoire.

Louis Armstrong's recording is among the most celebrated interpretations, showcasing his ability to transform a simple pop tune into a deeply felt jazz statement. Billie Holiday and other jazz vocalists have also included the song in their repertoire, ensuring its continued presence in the standard canon.