Free Jazz Standard Sheet Music Downloads

"Blue Skies" is a classic popular song written by Irving Berlin (1888–1989) in 1926. It was introduced by Belle Baker in the Broadway musical Betsy, where legend has it she received 26 encores on opening night. The song also appeared in several films, including the 1946 musical Blue Skies starring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire.

The composition follows a 32-bar AABA form, originally in A major. The A sections feature a bright, buoyant melody that radiates optimism, while the bridge shifts to the minor mode, providing effective contrast. This is quintessential Berlin—a seemingly simple melody of irresistible charm built on straightforward harmony, yet offering rich possibilities for jazz interpretation. In jazz contexts, the tune is frequently performed at uptempo swing, making it a popular vehicle for extended improvisation and virtuosic display. The harmonic structure accommodates bebop substitutions and reharmonization readily.

Benny Goodman's 1935 recording is a celebrated swing-era version, and the Count Basie Orchestra also produced a well-known arrangement. The song has been recorded across virtually every musical genre, from Ella Fitzgerald and Django Reinhardt in jazz to Willie Nelson's country crossover hit, demonstrating its universal appeal.