Autumn leaves

"Autumn Leaves" is a popular jazz song composed by Joseph Kosma in 1945. It is considered a jazz standard (this means it was well known and performed by lots of jazz artists). It was originally a French song called ‘Les Feuilles mortes’ but was rewritten into English and renamed ‘Autumn Leaves’ and has been covered by lots of artists over the years. Here a few different versions for you to listen to and compare: 

Nathaniel Adams Coles (March 17, 1919 – February 15, 1965), known professionally as Nat King Cole, was an American singer, jazz pianist, songwriter, and actor. He recorded over 100 songs that became hits on the pop charts. Cole also acted in films and on television. He was the first African-American man to host an American television series. 

Miles Dewey Davis III (May 26, 1926 – September 28, 1991) was an American trumpeter, bandleader, and composer. He is among the most influential and acclaimed figures in the history of jazz and 20th-century music 

Eva Marie Cassidy (February 2, 1963 – November 2, 1996) was an American singer and guitarist. She sang songs in her own style which had a jazz, folk and blues feel to it. Her songs are emotive to listen to (they make you feel emotions).   

There is also a version by Andrea Bocelli (who we have learnt about before). Here, he sings the original French version. At the end, he duets with his partner who sings the English version.