The story behind puzzle No. 19
Coleman Hawkins · Single · Bluebird · 1939
Coleman Hawkins barely plays the tune. He hints at the melody for a moment, then improvises for two full choruses, and the record became a hit anyway.
Johnny Green wrote Body and Soul in 1930 for the British singer Gertrude Lawrence, and it was introduced in London before it caught on in the United States. Its bridge suddenly jumps up a half step, from D flat to D, which musicians have long called a bridge like no other.
Hawkins recorded it on October 11, 1939, for Bluebird, a label owned by RCA Victor. Critic Leonard Feather said it became his biggest hit and made him a national name. It was added to the National Recording Registry in 2004.
Listen to how Hawkins keeps building across his two choruses. His harmonic choices were so adventurous that critics now hear early tremors of bebop in them.
Who's on it
Keep listening
Play Lester Leaps In, puzzle No. 10, to hear Lester Young's very different tenor sound from the same year.
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