The Most Popular Jazz Song of All Time, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the song you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 27, 2024 06:41
Imagine you're at a jazz club, immersed in the rich tapestry of melodies from a bygone era. The saxophone takes the lead, subtly colored by a lingering trumpet sound, all set against the complex backdrop of the piano and drums. But which melody stands above the rest? The answer isn't just in the notes themselves, but in the collective preferences of jazz listeners everywhere.
This online ranking taps into the wisdom of the crowd to establish which Jazz songs resonate most powerfully across different tastes and generations. By participating, not only do you cast your vote for your favorite tracks, but you also help shape an authoritative list that guides new and seasoned listeners alike towards the finest performances of jazz music. Engage with a community of music lovers and contribute to a living history of jazz.
What Is the Most Popular Jazz Song of All Time?
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164votesThis timeless jazz classic features a memorable saxophone riff and has been covered by countless artists. It's also one of the best-selling jazz singles of all time."Take Five" by Dave Brubeck Quartet in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most beautiful jazz song
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229votes
"In A Sentimental Mood" by Duke Ellington
Duke EllingtonThis romantic ballad is a staple in the jazz repertoire and has been covered by numerous vocalists and instrumentalists.In A Sentimental Mood is a classic jazz composition that was written by Duke Ellington, a prominent American jazz pianist and bandleader. The song was first recorded in 1935 and has since become one of the most beloved and recognizable jazz standards. It is known for its hauntingly beautiful melody and soulful, romantic atmosphere.- Year of Recording: 1935
- Genre: Jazz
- Composer: Duke Ellington
- Performer: Duke Ellington and His Orchestra
- Key: D-flat major
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326votesThis iconic jazz standard was originally written for the opera "Porgy and Bess" and has since become a beloved jazz tune.
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420votesThis jazz classic features Coltrane's signature saxophone sound and has been covered by many artists, including Julie Andrews in "The Sound of Music.""My Favorite Things" by John Coltrane in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most beautiful jazz song
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512votes
"So What" by Miles Davis
Miles DavisThis influential jazz tune features a simple but catchy bassline and has been covered by many artists. It's also a great example of Davis' modal jazz style.So What is a jazz composition performed by Miles Davis. It is the opening track from his iconic album 'Kind of Blue' released in 1959. The song is known for its use of modal jazz, particularly the Dorian mode, creating a relaxed and atmospheric ambiance. With its innovative chord structure and improvisational freedom, So What revolutionized the jazz genre and remains one of the most influential jazz songs of all time.- Album: Kind of Blue
- Year: 1959
- Genre: Jazz
- Style: Modal Jazz
- Mode: Dorian
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66votesThis melancholy jazz ballad is one of Monk's most famous compositions and has been covered by many artists."Round Midnight" by Thelonious Monk in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most beautiful jazz song
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711votes
"Fly Me to the Moon" by Frank Sinatra
Bart HowardAlthough not strictly a jazz tune, this classic standard has become a staple in the jazz repertoire and has been covered by many jazz artists.Fly Me to the Moon is a popular jazz song written by Bart Howard in 1954. It was originally titled 'In Other Words' and has since become one of the most iconic jazz standards. The song's lyrics describe a desire for romantic adventure and a longing to be transported to the moon.- Year of Composition: 1954
- Original Title: In Other Words
- Genre: Jazz
- Performed by: Frank Sinatra
- Record Label: Reprise Records
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812votes
"Take the A Train" by Duke Ellington
Billy StrayhornThis swinging jazz tune is a tribute to the New York City subway system and has become one of Ellington's most famous compositions.Take the A Train is a jazz standard composed by Billy Strayhorn and performed by Duke Ellington and his orchestra. It was first recorded in 1941 and has since become one of the most widely recognized and performed jazz compositions.- Genre: Jazz
- Year of Recording: 1941
- Composer: Billy Strayhorn
- Performer: Duke Ellington and his Orchestra
- Style: Swing
"Take the A Train" by Duke Ellington in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular swing song
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96votes
"Blue in Green" by Miles Davis
Miles DavisThis hauntingly beautiful jazz ballad is a collaboration between Davis and pianist Bill Evans and has become a jazz standard.Blue in Green is a quintessential jazz composition regarded as one of the most popular and influential pieces in the genre. It was written by American jazz musician Miles Davis and featured on his iconic album 'Kind of Blue', released in 1959. The song showcases Davis' unique approach to jazz improvisation and his ability to create a moody and introspective atmosphere.- Album: Kind of Blue
- Year of Release: 1959
- Genre: Jazz
- Composed by: Miles Davis
- Duration: 5:37
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105votes
"All Blues" by Miles Davis
Miles DavisThis laid-back jazz tune features a memorable bassline and has become a jazz classic. It's also a great example of Davis' use of modal jazz.All Blues is a jazz song composed by Miles Davis and featured on his 1959 album Kind of Blue. The song is a slow, cool blues piece that showcases the improvisational skills of the musicians. It is characterized by its laid-back tempo, simple harmonic structure, and evocative melodies. All Blues has become one of the most influential and widely recognized jazz songs of all time.- Year: 1959
- Album: Kind of Blue
- Genre: Jazz
- Style: Cool jazz, Modal jazz
- Tempo: Slow
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Ranking factors for popular song
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Historical significanceThe impact the song has had on the history of jazz and its influence on other musicians and musical styles.
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Commercial successThe sales, chart performance, and overall public reception of the song, as well as any awards or accolades it may have received.
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Musical compositionThe complexity, creativity, and originality of the song's melody, harmony, and arrangement.
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TimelessnessThe song's ability to remain popular and relevant across different generations and changing musical tastes.
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Instrumentation & improvisationThe skill and artistry of the musicians involved in the song, including their ability to improvise and contribute unique elements to the music.
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Vocal performanceFor songs that feature vocals, the quality and emotion of the singer's performance.
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Influence on other artistsThe song's impact on the careers and music of other artists, whether through direct collaborations, cover versions, or incorporation of elements from the song into their own work.
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Cultural impactThe song's ability to resonate with a wide audience and become part of the broader cultural fabric, either through its lyrics, its sound, or its association with particular moments in history.
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Critical receptionThe praise and recognition the song has received from critics and experts within the jazz community.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Jazz song of all time. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or song is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1599 views
- 190 votes
- 10 ranked items
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Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each song once every 24 hours. The rank of each song is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular jazz song of all time
Jazz music has been around for over a century, and has given us some of the most iconic melodies and rhythms in music history. Jazz songs are known for their improvisation, experimentation, and unique musical arrangements. Over the years, many jazz songs have become classics, and have stood the test of time. But what is the most popular jazz song of all time? From Duke Ellington's "Take the A Train" to Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World," there are plenty of contenders for the title. In this poll, we'll be asking jazz lovers to vote for their favorite jazz song, and determine which one truly takes the crown as the most popular jazz song of all time. So, get ready to cast your vote and see if your favorite jazz song makes it to the top!
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