On Green Dolphin Street (song)

"On Green Dolphin Street" is a popular jazz standard. The tune was originally composed by Bronisław Kaper with lyrics by Ned Washington for the 1947 MGM film Green Dolphin Street. While the film itself is a historical drama set in 19th-century New Zealand, the song became much more famous as a jazz instrumental, with the lyrics largely being disregarded by jazz musicians.

The song's chord progression and melody lend themselves well to improvisation, making it a favorite among jazz musicians. It's typically played in the key of E-flat major, though variations exist. The form of the song is usually considered to be AABA, with each section consisting of eight bars.

Numerous notable jazz artists have recorded versions of "On Green Dolphin Street," including Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Bill Evans, Ahmad Jamal, Eric Dolphy, and many others. These diverse interpretations highlight the song's versatility and enduring appeal within the jazz repertoire. The piece is frequently included in jazz jam sessions and is a common selection for jazz students to learn due to its relatively straightforward harmonic structure and opportunities for improvisation.