I Fall in Love Too Easily

This melody, *I Fall in Love Too Easily*, born in 1944, has a curious story behind its composition. It is said that Sammy Cahn, the lyricist, finished it one night in Palm Springs. Upon completing the last line, composer Jule Styne felt they had said all that was necessary, and Cahn agreed, feeling there was nothing more to add, even if he had to write it again. The sixteen-bar piece was originally performed by Frank Sinatra in the 1945 film, *Anchors Aweigh*. The soundtrack for that film received an Academy Award, and this particular song was nominated in the Best Original Song category, although it did not win the award.

The version that perhaps many recognize, that of Chet Baker, is part of his first album as a vocalist, *Chet Baker Sings*. This interpretation has become one of the most appreciated of this tune, which, over time, has achieved the status of a jazz standard. Over the years, it has been recorded by a large number of artists, including Eugenie Baird alongside Mel Tormé, Johnny Hartman, Keith Jarrett, Anita O'Day, and Diane Schuur. Even Eliane Elias included it on her 2000 album, *Everything I Love*, and Barry Manilow chose it to open his 2014 record *Night Songs*. On the other hand, Miles Davis incorporated it into his repertoire, and on occasion, his performance with Chick Corea evolved into an improvisation that served as an introduction to other pieces, as can be heard on the 1970 album *Bitches Brew*.