Who's behind the notes? Discover Hoagy Carmichael: The Gentleman of Jazz and American Songbook
"Up a Lazy River" is a classic jazz standard composed by Sidney Arodin with lyrics by Hoagy Carmichael, first published in 1930. The song evokes a peaceful, nostalgic mood with its meandering melody that perfectly captures the feeling of a slow-moving river. It became particularly famous through Hoagy Carmichael's own recordings and has been covered by countless artists including Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, and Bing Crosby. The song's simple yet sophisticated structure makes it a favorite among jazz musicians for improvisation.