Body and Soul

Body and Soul is one of the most beloved and recorded jazz ballads of all time. Written in 1930 by Johnny Green with lyrics by Edward Heyman, Robert Sour, and Frank Eyton, the tune became an instant hit thanks to its lush melody and deeply emotional harmonic movement. While it began as a Tin Pan Alley pop song, its sophisticated chord progressions quickly attracted the attention of jazz musicians. The 1939 Coleman Hawkins tenor saxophone recording is often credited as one of the first great modern jazz improvisations—its lyrical approach and melodic reinterpretation set a new standard for expressive soloing.

For students of jazz, Body and Soul is a masterclass in voice leading, harmonic color, and melodic phrasing. The tune explores rich ii–V progressions, secondary dominants, and modulations that challenge players to think beyond diatonic harmony while staying grounded in the song’s lyrical flow. Its slow tempo demands control, nuance, and emotional commitment from the performer, making it both technically rewarding and musically transformative. Whether played as a ballad, re-harmonized for a modern trio, or studied for its key changes, Body and Soul remains an essential piece for any serious jazz pianist to internalize.