Chord Charts
Lead Sheets for all instruments
available exclusively through
Along Came Betty
Composer:
Benny Golson
Year:
1958
Origin:
Introduced on the album Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers
Style:
Swing, usually taken at a medium slow tempo.
Form:
A1-A2-B-C (34 Bars) [8-8-8-10]
Arrangements:
Early recordings by Benny Golson feature a new melody for A1 and A2 on the head out, although this arrangement is oftentimes not included in performances.
Key:
Ab Major
Harmony/Overview:
The harmony of this composition while unconventional is mainly functional, revolving primarily around II - V's. There are orchestrated shots that are played by the rhythm section throughout the head that are integral to the piece, helping to punctuate the melody. A1 begins by approaching IImi7 from a semi-tone below on the '&' of 4, and continues with a II - V of bII which deceptively resolves back to IImi7. It continues with a II - V that finally resolves to bIIMaj7 in the 5th bar, and proceeds with modulate downwards with secondary Dominants. A2 begins identically to A1 only transposed down a Major 3rd. The remainder of the song continues with various II - V's and the final C section adds on an additional 2 bars to what would have been another 8 bar section.
Recordings:
This song has been recorded over 50 times to date and is one of Benny Golson's most well known compositions. It was first introduced on the album Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers in 1958. Jon Hendricks would later pen lyrics to the composition, helping to open up the tune to vocalists. It continues to be performed frequently to this day and many iconic musicians have recorded it.
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Recordings
Exhaustive List In Chronological Order
Additional Readings
Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers (Album)