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Free Sheet Music Giveaway, May 2024

"Sweet Georgia Brown" featured image

Free Sheet Music Giveaway, May 2024

“Sweet Georgia Brown” by Ben Bernie, Maceo Pinkard, and Kenneth Casey (1925)

Best known as the Harlem Globetrotter’s theme song, “Sweet Georgia Brown” is a catchy and upbeat jazz standard. The lyrics, inspired by a real person named after the state of Georgia, tell the story of a woman who is admired wherever she goes.

Since its release in 1925, the song has been recorded by various artists, including Bing Crosby, Louie Armstrong, and Tony Sheridan. The most well-known version is the 1949 instrumental by Brother Bones and His Shadows, which features whistling and rhythm bones.

Typically sold for $15.99, the sheet music for “Sweet Georgia Brown” is yours FREE during May 2024. This version, arranged for piano and vocals, is based on this performance by Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington. Grab your copy today!

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"Sweet Georgia Brown" sheet music book

Fun Facts About “Sweet Georgia Brown”

  • In 1952, the Harlem Globetrotters basketball team made the 1949 Brother Bones version their official theme song.
  • The 1962 cover by Tony Sheridan features The Beatles as the backing band, who also recorded “Swanee River” in the same session.
  • Roberta Flack recorded the song in 1994, but with newly added lyrics to portray the character as “strong, sexy, and intelligent” rather than just an object of desire.

This version of “Sweet Georgia Brown” was arranged by Tunescribers team member Gina R.

Tunescribers team member Gina R.

Participate in the Tunescribers Customer Survey

Before you go, we have a small favor to ask. We’d love to hear from you about your experience with our service and website. Your feedback helps us improve.

As a thank you, every respondent who provides their email address, and who responds on or before 6 May 2024, will receive a unique 15% off discount code for their next Tunescribers order.

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Free Sheet Music Giveaway, February 2024

“Tea for Two” (1924) by Vincent Youmans and Irving Caesar

“Tea for Two” is a song composed by Vincent Youmans, with lyrics by Irving Caesar.

Youmans wrote the basic melody for the song while he was in the navy during World War I. But he didn’t finish it until 1924, when he was asked to provide additional songs to help revitalize the failing musical comedy, No, No, Nanette. The show then became the biggest musical comedy of the 1920’s.

“Tea for Two” is one of Youmans’s most popular songs, appearing in every live production and film adaptation of No, No, Nanette. It has been covered by artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, and Frank Sinatra. Chinese pianist, Yuja Wang, often plays it as an encore during her live performances.

Typically sold for $15.99, the sheet music for “Tea for Two” is yours FREE during February 2024. This arrangement is for solo piano and based on this performance. Grab your copy today!

When you place an order, you will get two versions of “Tea for Two”: a full transcription, and a slightly simplified version. 

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"Tea for Two" by Vincent Youmans and Irving Caesar

Fun Facts About “Tea for Two”:

  • Tea for Two” is sung by the romantic lead in No, No, Nanette. The lyrics are about two lovers who envision being married together.
  • Russian composer, Dmitri Shostakovich, won a bet by arranging the orchestration for “Tea for Two” by memory in under an hour. His exact time was 45 minutes.
  • Irving Caesar wrote the lyrics in a hurry, intending to change them later. But Youmans loved the first draft so much, he kept them for the final version.

The sheet music for “Tea for Two” was transcribed by Tunescribers team member Wei Fung F.

Tunescribesr team member Wei F.

 

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Your Free Sheet Music Giveaway for August 2023 is Here

Your Free Sheet Music Giveaway for August 2023 is Here!

“Life on Mars” by David Bowie

Written and recorded by David Bowie for his 1971 album Hunky Dory, “Life on Mars” is a glam rock ballad about a young girl who visits a cinema to escape reality, only to be disappointed by the experience and longing for a better life. The song’s surreal lyrics blur the lines between fact and fiction, with commentary about the film in the song and real-life issues (e.g., police brutality, Hollywood commercialization, mass tourism) being intertwined together. The main character’s daydreaming leads her to ponder the existence of life on other planets.

Widely considered to be David Bowie’s best song, “Life on Mars” has been praised for its surreal lyrics, complex chord structure, and soaring contributions by Mick Ronson (string arrangements, guitar) and Rick Wakeman (piano). Following Bowie’s death in 2016, the song was chosen for several tribute performances, with Lorde’s rendition at the 2016 Brit Awards being one of the most celebrated.

Typically sold for $12.95, the sheet music for “Life on Mars” by David Bowie is free during August 2023. This version is arranged for solo piano and based on this performance by Owain Jones.

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Fun facts about “Life on Mars” by David Bowie

  • Bowie originally wrote the song as a satire of “My Way” as performed by Frank Sinatra. “My Way” is an English reworking of the French song “Comme d’habitude”, a song that Bowie (pre-fame) had previously tried to rework into English but had been rejected by the French publisher.
  • The sound of a telephone ring, which had appeared in an earlier, unused take, can be heard at the end of the song.
  • Despite appearing on the 1971 album Hunky Dory, the song wasn’t released as a single for another eighteen months, during the height of Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust era.
  • In 2021 Rolling Stone magazine listed the song number 105 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

This performance of “Life on Mars” by David Bowie was transcribed by Tunescribers team member Gatot A.

 

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Free Sheet Music Giveaway For July 2023

Free Sheet Music Giveaway, July 2023

“Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” (1962), co-written and recorded by Neil Sedaka

It is common for an artist to revisit their past work. But it is less common for an artist to re-record and re-release their signature song in a drastically different style. But that is exactly what singer-songwriter and pianist Neil Sedaka did with the song “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do.”

Recorded by Neil Sedaka, and co-written by Sedaka and Howard Greenfield, “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” was originally released in June 1962. It was an upbeat doo-wop number and a commercial success, climbing to number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

Then, 15 years later, to help revitalize his declining career, Sedaka would re-release the song as a slow piano ballad. This new version was inspired by singer Lenny Welch, who reimagined the song as a torch ballad five years prior. The move was a success: it reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100, and number one on the Easy Listening chart.

Now, you can reproduce the magic of the original “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” (1962) by downloading your FREE copy of the sheet music today! Typically sold for $9.95, it’s yours free in July. This version is for solo piano.

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Fun Facts About “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” by Neil Sedaka

  • The song’s iconic scat intro (“come-a come-a down, dooby doo down down”) was made up on the spot, as Sedaka and Greenfield could not come up with a lyric to properly introduce the song.
  • The song has been covered numerous times, most notably by Lenny Welch in 1970 and again by the Partridge Family in 1972.
  • Neil Sedaka claims that the 1975 version of the song was inspired by Lenny Welch’s song “Since I Fell for You,” as well as the work of Dinah Washington and The Showmen.

This version of “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” was transcribed by Tunescribers team member Gatot A.

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Free Sheet Music Giveaway June 2023: ‘Every Breath You Take’ by The Police

The single artwork for 'Every Breath You Take' by The Police
'Every Breath You Take' by The Police

Written by Sting and recorded by The Police for their fifth and final album Synchronicity (1983), ‘Every Breath You Take’ is a mid-tempo ballad sung from the perspective of a possessive person, watching over their lost lover at every turn.

The song features an iconic guitar riff played by guitarist Andy Summers, who was inspired by Béla Bartók’s violin duets while recording the part. There is also a backing piano accompaniment that consists of individual notes, repeated over and over, sprinkled throughout the song’s bridge.

Download your free digital copy of the sheet music for ‘Every Breath You Take’ by The Police today. Typically sold for $9.95, it’s yours at no cost during June 2023. This transcription is arranged for solo piano and based on this performance by Ulrika A. Rosén.

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The single artwork for 'Every Breath You Take' by The Police
‘Every Breath You Take’ by The Police

Fun Facts About ‘Every Breath You Take’ By The Police

  • To the dismay of Sting, the song has earned a reputation for being a love song despite the dark themes and lyrics.
  • In 2019 the song was recognized by Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) as the most played song in radio history, with an estimated 15 million radio plays.
  • Sting wrote the song in response to the public outcry from his affair with ex-wife Frances Tomelty’s best friend, Trudie Styler.
  • The song was ranked No.305 on the Rolling Stone list of 500 Greatest Songs of All Time in 2021.

 

This version of ‘Every Breath You Take’ by The Police was transcribed by Tunescribers team member Ranita B.

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Free Monthly Sheet Music Giveaway, May 2023

“Ain’t Misbehavin’” by Fats Waller, Harry Brooks, and Andy Razaf.

“Ain’t Misbehavin’” is a 1929 jazz and early swing song written by Fats Waller, Harry Brooks, and Andy Razaf. It was first performed by Paul Bass and Margaret Simms at the premiere of Connie’s Hot Chocolates – a comedy musical revue written by Waller, Brooks, and Razaf – at Connie’s Inn, Harlem. The show eventually made its way to the Hudson Theatre on Broadway in June 1929, where it was renamed Hot Chocolates and Louis Armstrong made his debut as director of the pit band.

By the end of 1929 there were six recordings of “Ain’t Misbehavin’” by not just Waller but also Louis Armstrong, Bill Robinson, Gene Austin, Ruth Etting, and Leo Reisman and his orchestra. The song was then rerecorded with vocals for the 1943 movie Stormy Weather, further exposing the song to a much wider audience. Since then the song has been covered by a diverse range of artists including Bing Crosby, Billie Holiday, Sam Cooke, and country music artist Hank Williams Jr., to name a few.

Typically sold for $9.95, the sheet music for “Ain’t Misbehavin’” is free to download during May 2023. This version is arranged for solo piano and based on this performance by Stan Whitmire.

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Here Are Some Fun Facts About “Ain’t Misbehavin’”:

  • In 1978 a musical called Ain’t Misbehavin’ was released on Broadway. It celebrated the life of Fats Waller, featuring many of his most famous songs including the title track, and it also portrayed life in the 1920s.
  • Fats Waller posthumously received the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1984 for his 1943 version of “Ain’t Misbehavin’.”
  • During the original Broadway run of Hot Chocolates, Louis Armstrong was only supposed to play “Ain’t Misbehavin’” as a trumpet solo to reprise the opening. However, his performance was so well received, he was asked to come out of the orchestra pit band and play it on stage.
  • This arrangement of “Ain’t Misbehavin’” is played in the key of Eb major at 75 BPM.

This version of “Ain’t Misbehavin’” was transcribed by Tunescribers team member Joanne V.

Spring Sale Discount Continues in May

If you remember last month’s email, then you will know that we announced a Spring sale discount on all custom sheet music orders. The good news is that this offer is still ongoing and will continue until the end of May.

To save 20% off your order for a custom transcription, arrangement, and/or backing track, simply type in the code SPRINGSALE at checkout and you will claim the offer. You will receive the same accurate, high-quality work that you have come to expect from our supremely talented team.

 

 

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Your Free Sheet Music Giveaway for April 2023

Your Free Sheet Music Giveaway for April 2023

‘Great Balls of Fire’ by Jerry Lee Lewis

Written by Otis Blackwell and Earl Salmon Burroughs (under the stage name Jack Hammer), ‘Great Balls of Fire’ was recorded by American rock and roll musician Jerry Lee Lewis and released on November 11, 1957. It is Jerry Lee Lewis’s most popular and highest-selling single, selling over one million copies in the first ten days of its release in the United States.

The song is about a man falling in love with another, their exciting interactions (“You kissed me baby, woo, it feels good”), and the man feeling nervous but excited about the event (“I chew my nails and I twiddle my thumbs. I’m really nervous but it sure is fun”). The term ‘great balls of fire’ is a southern expression, one used to exclaim delight or surprise, and is thus used in the song to describe feelings of love and lust.

Download your free copy of the sheet music for ‘Great Balls of Fire’ performed by Jerry Lee Lewis today. Usually sold for $12.95, you can get it for free through all of April 2023.

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Here are Some Fun Facts About ‘Great Balls of Fire’ by Jerry Lee Lewis:

• The original 1957 Jerry Lee Lewis recording of the song was ranked the 96th greatest song ever by Rolling Stone.

• In the 1986 film Top Gun, the character LTJG Nick “Goose” (played by actor Anthony Edwards) plays the song in a bar. The song is then played again by the son of LTJG Nick “Goose” (played by actor Miles Teller) in the sequel Top Gun: Maverick.

• Despite the fruitful collaboration with session musicians, Sidney Stokes (bass) and Larry Lin (drums), on the original 1957 recording of the song, Jerry Lee Lewis claimed that he never played with them ever again.

• Initially, Jerry Lee Lewis was hesitant to record ‘Great Balls of Fire’ due to his religious upbringing, but he was eventually convinced to by Sun Records owner Sam Phillips. Jerry Lee quickly grew to love the song, injecting a high level of energy and enthusiasm into his performance.

This song was transcribed for solo piano by Tunescribers team member Angel P.

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20% Off Custom Sheet Music Orders in April and May 2023

Get 20% Off Your Custom Sheet Music Orders in April and May 2023

At Tunescribers we take enormous pride in being able to help musicians, performers, and teachers learn to play their favorite music at a fair and reasonable cost. That is why we are proud to announce our biggest sale ever!

For the whole of April and May 2023, you can save 20% off your order for a custom transcription, arrangement, and/or backing track. You will receive the same accurate, high-quality work that you have come to expect from our supremely talented team.

To claim this time-exclusive discount, simply type in the code SPRINGSALE at checkout and you will receive 20% off your custom order. This offer is valid throughout the months of April and May 2023.

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Your Free Sheet Music Giveaway for March 2023

Written and produced by Freddie Perren and Dino Fekaris, and then recorded by Gloria Gaynor (as the B-side to a cover of “Substitute” by Willie H. Wilson), “I Will Survive” was released on October 23, 1978.

A signature song for Gloria Gaynor, “I Will Survive” has earned a reputation for being a celebration of female empowerment, and a powerful anthem for the LGBTQ+ community, especially during the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 1980s. The enduring legacy of “I Will Survive” is also evident in the number of diverse artists who have covered it, including the alternative rock band Cake, and the ‘Queen of Soul’ Aretha Franklin on her 2014 album, Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics.

To mark the 45th anniversary of the original release of “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor, treat yourself to a free digital copy of the sheet music, arranged for solo piano, and based on a performance by Nazareno Aversa. Originally sold for $12.95, you can get it for free throughout March 2023. Grab your copy today!

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Here Are Some Fun Facts About “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor:

• “I Will Survive” was originally released as a B-side, to accompany a cover of “Substitute” by Willie H. Wilson. However, after the former significantly outperformed the latter, Polydor Records re-released it as a standalone A-side.

• “I Will Survive” was recorded near the end of a three-hour long recording session, with 30 minutes left to go. Since the song was originally intended as a B-side, it was recorded under the assumption that few people would actually hear it. As a result the backing track was mostly improvised.

• In the 2021 edition of Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, “I Will Survive” was placed at number 251. This was a significant jump from the 2010 edition of the list, where it reached number 492.

• This transcription of “I Will Survive” is written in the key of A-minor, played at 80 Beats Per Minute (BPM).

This song was transcribed for piano by Tunescribers team member Wei F.

Exclusive Discount Code for Custom Backing Tracks

Want to learn a new song with an accurate, high-quality instrumental backing track? Now you can for less at Tunescribers! During March 2023, when you order a custom backing track valued at over $100, type in the discount code BT30 to receive 30% off your order. Our backing tracks are arranged and performed by highly skilled musicians, and you get a high-quality MP3 recording which you can play on any modern device. You’ll receive your backing track within a week of placing your order, and we also offer a 48-hour rush service by special request.

This offer is valid throughout March 2023.

 

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Tunescribers Meetup Leads to Exciting Discussions About Future Growth

Since Tunescribers was founded around six years ago, we have been an entirely online business. Despite working closely together for many years, none of our team had ever met in person – until recently!

Jeff, our founder and CEO, was on vacation, sea-kayaking in the Atlantic, and found himself with a loose day in Edinburgh, Scotland. Faced with the rare opportunity of being on the same landmass, the rest of our admin team, Sam and Leo, made the ~6hr train journey up from the south of England in order to introduce ourselves IRL.

As well as seeing the sights and sampling the local beers, there was some talking shop to be done. We discussed the future of Tunescribers; how we can improve what we do for our customers and what we can do to continue to grow.

We have some exciting things on the horizon, and we’re always looking for feedback, so if you like what we do – or if you don’t! – get in touch and let us know what you’d like to see us doing in the future.