Old Folks — Chord Changes & Harmonic Analysis
- Composer:
- Willard Robison
- Year:
- 1938
- Key:
- C major
- Form:
- AABA (32 bars)
- Style:
- Ballad
- Tempo:
- 50–90 BPM
A deeply expressive ballad with rich harmonic content. Features chromatic voice leading and sophisticated reharmonization opportunities.
About This Standard
Composed by Willard Robison with lyrics by Dedette Lee Hill in 1938, Old Folks is a wistful, nostalgic ballad that has been recorded by many jazz musicians as a vehicle for lyrical, introspective improvisation. Its unhurried harmonic movement and gentle, folk-like melody give it a timeless, pastoral quality.
Notable recordings:
- Frank Sinatra — (various recordings)
- Miles Davis — (various recordings)
- Bill Evans — (various recordings)
Chord Changes
Notation
Harmonic Analysis
Old Folks is a 32-bar ballad in F major with a gentle, flowing harmonic language. The A sections feature diatonic ii-V-I progressions in F with secondary dominants adding warmth. The bridge provides harmonic contrast before the final A returns home. The tune's unhurried harmonic rhythm — with long note values on each chord — rewards patient, melodic improvisation and a singing tone quality. It is well-suited to trio or duo settings.