Jazz for All Ages: Classics That Cross Generational Lines

Jazz music, shaped over centuries by musicians blending unique rhythms, melodies, and instruments, became legendary for its irresistible energy and danceable grooves. From swinging standards to big band tunes, people have been moving to jazz for over a hundred years, and its influence continues to spark joy across generations.

To celebrate International Jazz Day, we’re taking a look back at some jazz classics that have left an imprint not only on the generation who first heard them but on countless generations after. These five tunes are just a few of the 140+ jazz hits available in SingFit’s extensive song catalog. Read on to learn why these songs resonate with people spanning the Greatest Generation to Millennials and why they’ll continue making an impact for years to come.

“It Had to Be You”

Quick Facts:

• Released in 1924

• Written by composer Isham Jones and lyricist Gus Kahn

• Made famous by Isham Jones and his orchestra, with memorable covers by Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, Ray Charles and Harry Connick Jr

Isham Jones’ original version of “It Had to Be You” blended early jazz sounds with Tin Pan Alley charm, captivating 1920s audiences. Decades later, Harry Connick Jr.'s version in the 1989 film When Harry Met Sally introduced the song to a new generation. Its appearances in Casablanca, Annie Hall, and other films have cemented its place as a timeless anthem of romance, cherished by the young and old.

“On the Sunny Side of the Street”

Quick Facts:

• Released in 1930

• Written by Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields

• Made famous by Ted Lewis, with iconic versions by Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole

First performed in Lew Leslie’s International Revue, "On the Sunny Side of the Street" offered a message of optimism during the Great Depression. Its cheerful swing encouraged audiences to focus on hope rather than hardship. Covered by legends and featured in advertising campaigns for decades, the song continues to resonate with generations seeking light and resilience in challenging times.

“Moonglow”

Quick Facts:

• Released in 1933

• Composed by Will Hudson and Irving Mills with lyrics by Eddie DeLange

• Made famous by Benny Goodman, with celebrated versions by Duke Ellington, Doris Day and Art Tatum

Early recordings by Joe Venuti and His Orchestra helped "Moonglow" catch on, but it was Benny Goodman’s 1936 version that propelled it into lasting fame. Its dreamy, lilting groove captivated big band fans and, decades later, its use in the 1955 film Picnic introduced it to a whole new audience. Even in the '90s, "Moonglow" found fresh life through its inclusion in family films like The Parent Trap, demonstrating how its romantic spirit continues to enchant listeners across the ages.

“Cheek to Cheek”

Quick Facts:

• Released in 1935

• Music and lyrics by Irving Berlin

• Made famous by Fred Astaire, with later recordings by Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong and Frank Sinatra

"Cheek to Cheek" soared to fame in the film Top Hat, with Fred Astaire’s elegant performance and joyful vocals captivating 1930s audiences. Its enduring charm has kept it alive through countless revivals, from Woody Allen films to a celebrated duet by Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett. Spanning nearly a century, the song’s graceful spirit continues to bring generations together on the dance floor and beyond.

“Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered”

Quick Facts:

• Released in 1940

• Written by Richard Rodgers (music) and Lorenz Hart (lyrics)

• Made famous by Vivienne Segal, with versions by Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Doris Day and Rod Stewart

First sung by Vivienne Segal in Pal Joey, "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered" captured the complexity of love with clever, emotionally rich lyrics. Though it became a standard in the 1940s and '50s, its relevance has continued well into the modern era. Featured in TV shows like Glee and countless stage revivals, the song speaks just as strongly to Millennials today, proving that the messy, magical feelings of love are truly timeless.

Hey SingFit PRIME Users!

We have a brand new playlist out this quarter, called Legends of Jazz, perfect for celebrating International Jazz Day and beyond. Along with fun trivia and movement activities, this playlist features classics from Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington and more. Don’t have PRIME in your community yet? Visit SingFit.com/prime to learn how to bring therapeutic singing to your residents.