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The atmosphere of honky-tonk bars

Inspired by the Hully Gully dance craze of the early 1960s.

Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell wrote the song decades before Ray Charles recorded it for The Genius Hits the Road in 1960. Accounts of the original title's inspiration differ: a frequently repeated family...

Inspired by gossiping and talking about a love interest.

The instrumental was originally written by jazz guitarist Johnny Smith and later covered by Chet Atkins, inspiring The Ventures' rock version.

The idea of leaving a bad relationship

A jazz standard from 1926

The consequences of drinking too much

Experimentation with unusual time signatures in jazz

A jazz interpretation of the bossa nova standard written by Antonio Carlos Jobim.

Written by Don Gibson in 1957, Charles' version was inspired by his desire to create a country-soul crossover hit.

Based on the Russian folk song "Podmoskovnye Vechera" (Moscow Nights).

An instrumental piece featuring Cortez's distinctive organ playing.

Bilk wrote the song for his daughter Jenny and originally titled it "Jenny."

Ace Cannon's saxophone career grew from an early interest in performing with his father in Mississippi. He chose the alto saxophone as a child, then worked as a sideman in Memphis for Sun and Hi Records. Tuff...

Jimmy Smith helped establish the Hammond organ as a major jazz instrument, combining bass movement, chords and melodic improvisation within one performance. His sound brought blues, gospel and R&B into a...

A soulful cover of the 1939 country standard, originally recorded by Jimmie Davis.

Written by Cindy Walker and Eddy Arnold in 1955, Charles' version became the most famous.

Written by Harlan Howard, the song depicted the struggles of being broke and in debt.

This instrumental version of Chuck Berry's song showcased Mack's guitar skills.

Ray Charles was a singer, pianist and bandleader whose recordings connected blues, gospel phrasing, jazz and popular song. His early Atlantic singles range from the piano-driven Mess Around to the vocal exchanges of...

The Village Stompers was a New York instrumental ensemble drawing on Dixieland jazz and the accessible arrangements of the early-1960s folk era. Its musicians first recorded as Frank Hubbell and the Hubcaps before...

This instrumental showcased Mack's influential guitar style.

Nancy Wilson developed her singing in Ohio church choirs and clubs before joining Rusty Bryant's band. A move to New York led to a long relationship with Capitol Records, and her collaboration with Cannonball...

Instrumental piece written by Hirt, evoking the light, sweet nature of cotton candy.

Written by Jerry Herman for the Broadway musical of the same name, which opened in January 1964.

Composed by Allen Toussaint, inspired by New Orleans jazz.

Cover of a 1945 song written by Buddy Johnson, becoming a jazz and pop standard.

Based on the Brazilian bossa nova song "Garota de Ipanema" by Antônio Carlos Jobim and Vinícius de Moraes.

Updated version of their 1960 hit, originally written by jazz guitarist Johnny Smith.

A cover of Vince Guaraldi's jazz instrumental.

The Ramsey Lewis Trio recorded The In Crowd at the Bohemian Caverns in Washington, DC, during a 1965 engagement. Lewis later recalled the audience's spontaneous response to the performance in his National Endowment...

A jazz instrumental version of the Dobie Gray hit.

Written by Buck Owens about the pain of a breakup

The dilemma of staying in an unsatisfying relationship

The cycle of a troubled relationship

A cover of a jazz instrumental with added lyrics about unrequited love

This instrumental piece combines classical guitar with a rock arrangement.

This instrumental hit was inspired by South African township music.

Instrumental that became a surprise hit

Cover of a Brenda Holloway song, rearranged with a jazz-rock feel

This jazz-rock fusion track showcased Blood, Sweat & Tears' unique sound.

This jazz-rock instrumental showcased the trumpet-led band's unique sound.

Apollo 100 was a British instrumental group assembled by arranger Tom Parker. Its musicians included drummer Clem Cattini, guitarists Vic Flick and Zed Jenkins, percussionist Jim Lawless and bassist Brian Odgers. The...

Eumir Deodato is a Brazilian pianist, arranger and producer whose work connects bossa nova, jazz, funk and orchestral music. He developed as an arranger in Rio de Janeiro alongside Roberto Menescal and Durval...

Complex jazz-rock fusion with cryptic lyrics

A jazz-influenced song about the complexities of love and relationships.

A country-pop cover of the jazz standard, with added humorous lyrics.

A jazz-funk fusion track with an uplifting message.

A disco version of the 1926 jazz standard.

The facade people put on in relationships, written by Leon Russell.

A combination of disco and jazz music styles

A tribute to Duke Ellington and other jazz legends

The importance of self-love and inner strength

The epic space opera film "Star Wars"

The song was inspired by the idea of an underdog character finding meaning in jazz music.

Mangione was inspired to create an uplifting, feel-good instrumental piece.

This cover version was inspired by The Drifters' original 1963 recording.

Williams was inspired by the film's storyline and the concept of communicating with aliens through music.

The Crusaders grew from a Houston ensemble including Joe Sample, Wilton Felder, Stix Hooper and Wayne Henderson. After moving to Los Angeles, they recorded as the Jazz Crusaders for Pacific Jazz. Their music combined...

A struggling jazz band in a London pub

A celebration of nightlife and romance, produced by Quincy Jones.

Written for the movie "The Jazz Singer," about the painful end of a relationship.

A jazz-influenced song about dreams of freedom and escape.

From the soundtrack of "The Jazz Singer," a patriotic song about immigration.

A jazz-rock song about an older man's attraction to a younger woman.

This smooth jazz and R&B collaboration was inspired by the idea of a perfect romantic relationship.

From the soundtrack of "The Jazz Singer," this ballad showcased Diamond's emotional vocals.

A jazz-pop song from Franks' "Objects of Desire" album.

Written by Jay Graydon, Steve Lukather, and Bill Champlin about rekindling a romance.

A celebration of committed, lasting love.

A smooth jazz-pop song showcasing Sade's sultry vocals.

This sensual song explores forbidden love and desire.

This jazz-influenced ballad reflects on the vulnerability of falling in love.

Smooth jazz interpretation of emotions

Kenny G is Seattle-born saxophonist Kenneth Gorelick, whose early professional experience included Barry White's Love Unlimited Orchestra and the Jeff Lorber Fusion. His solo work brought the soprano saxophone into a...

The song blends jazz and hip-hop, celebrating African American culture and coolness.

A jazz-rap fusion sampling Herbie Hancock's "Cantaloupe Island."

The inexplicable nature of missed romantic opportunities.

The inexplicable nature of missed romantic opportunities.

The track was inspired by Nas' relationship with his father, jazz musician Olu Dara.

Nas collaborated with his father, jazz musician Olu Dara, bridging generations and musical styles.

Cullum's version is a jazz cover of Rihanna's hit song.