Angel Eyes is a 1946 jazz standard - composed by Matt Dennis with lyrics by Earl Brent - that became a celebrated torch song for vocalists. It was first released as a single in 1947 by Herb Jeffries with Buddy Baker and His Orchestra. The tune was introduced in the 1953 film Jennifer, where Dennis sings it and accompanies himself on piano as dancers perform. Over the years it has been recorded by many stars, including Nat King Cole (1953), Frank Sinatra, June Christy with Stan Kenton, Chet Baker and Shirley Bassey; Ella Fitzgerald recorded it at least four times and named it her favorite song. Angel Eyes has inspired numerous instrumental versions as well and remains a staple on jazz and pop vocal albums.
