In a Sentimental Mood is a jazz ballad composed by Duke Ellington with lyrics by Manny Kurtz ( Irving Mills is also credited). It was written in 1935 and first recorded and released by Duke Ellington and His Orchestra on April 30, 1935. The tune is a slow, intimate piece known for its lush orchestrations and a melody that hints at Gershwin’s style. It became one of Ellington’s big hits and was quickly covered by others, including Benny Goodman in 1936 and many vocalists such as Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan in later years. A notable later pairing is Duke Ellington with John Coltrane on the 1963 album Duke Ellington and John Coltrane. The song remains a jazz standard and is widely regarded as one of Ellington’s enduring masterpieces.
