Tune Tuesday: Darn That Dream

 

Darn That Dream – A Jazz Standard Born from Broadway

Some songs have an odd way of finding their place in history. Darn That Dream, written by Jimmy Van Heusen with lyrics by Eddie DeLange, started as part of a short-lived Broadway musical but went on to become one of the most beloved ballads in jazz.

A Short Broadway Run, A Lasting Legacy

The song was introduced in 1939 in Swingin’ the Dream, a jazz adaptation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Set in New Orleans, the musical featured an impressive lineup of jazz greats, including Louis Armstrong as Bottom and Benny Goodman leading the orchestra. Despite its ambition, the show only ran for 13 performances before closing.

However, Darn That Dream didn’t fade away with the production. The song was published in 1939, and in 1940, Benny Goodman recorded a version featuring Mildred Bailey on vocals. That recording became a number-one hit, securing Darn That Dream’s place in the Great American Songbook.

A Song That Lingers

There’s a reason this tune has endured for decades. It’s a hauntingly beautiful ballad, full of longing and melancholy. The lyrics capture the feeling of being lost in a dream of love—only to wake up and realize it’s not real. It’s been recorded by countless jazz legends, from Billie Holiday to Miles Davis, and remains a favorite among vocalists and instrumentalists alike.

For guitarists, Darn That Dream offers a lush harmonic palette to explore. It’s a perfect vehicle for expressive soloing, chord melody arrangements, or delicate comping behind a singer. Whether you’re drawn to its emotional depth or its harmonic richness, this tune is a must-know for any jazz musician.

Watch the Performance

I had a great time playing this one, and I hope you enjoy it too. Check out my performance, and let me know what you think! If there’s a song you’d love to hear, drop a suggestion in the comments—I always appreciate your input. CLICK HERE.

As always, thanks for tuning in and being part of this musical journey. See you next time!

JS
 jonshields.org
 guitarbook.org


*note - part or all of this article may have been written with AI.

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