“Autumn Leaves” | Stories of Standards

“Autumn Leaves,” composed by Joseph Kosma and featuring lyrics by the French poet, Jacques Prevert, debuted as “Les Feuilles Mortes.” Yves Montand performed the song in the 1946 poetic realism film, Les Portes de la Nuit, a dark drama set in post-World War II Paris.

Johnny Mercer penned English lyrics for the tune in 1949, re-releasing it under the name “Autumn Leaves.” Jo Stafford was the first to record the English version, but the song did not gain popularity until 1955, when pianist Roger Williams recorded a version of the song. The Williams rendition became a number-one hit, selling over one million copies.

The lyrics of “Autumn Leaves” pair with the gloomy feel of Les Portes de la Nuit, depicting the loss of a loved one and fading memories as time passes. The narrator laments, “Since you went away the days grow long/ And soon I’ll hear old winter’s song/ But I miss you most of all my darling/ When autumn leaves start to fall.”

Following Williams’ recording, artists including Steve Allen, Mitch Miller, the Ray Charles Singers, Jackie Gleason, and Victor Young recorded renditions of “Autumn Leaves,” helping establish the song as a jazz standard.

“Autumn Leaves” remains a popular choice for novice jazz players, as the chord progression remains within the circle of fifths. Voice leading is relatively standard, though just before the end, chromatically descending chords may pose some challenges to performers.

Tune in to First Take with Chavis and Lando – weekdays from 6-9 am MT – for Stories of Standards to hear our favorite versions of this song all week long!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=684eg6S8dCw