Sophisticated Lady is a Duke Ellington jazz standard with lyrics by Irving Mills and Mitchell Parish, originally written in 1932 but released in 1933. The Duke Ellington and His Orchestra recorded it in February 1933, and its May 1933 release became a major hit, remaining popular on charts for weeks. The song is a moody jazz ballad that tells the story of a sophisticated woman who hides old heartache behind glamour and nightlife, as the narrator notes the longing beneath her polished surface. Early recordings featured Ellington’s lush melody and strong horn work, with notable performances by members of his legendary band, and the piece soon became a staple of Ellington’s repertoire. Over the years it has been covered many times, including a 1956 Rosemary Clooney version with Ellington’s Orchestra and a celebrated live take by Sarah Vaughan in 1961; it was also highlighted in the 1981 Broadway show Sophisticated Ladies. For contemporary ensembles, publishers such as Alfred Music offer a Dave Wolpe arrangement for jazz band (Grade 4) that preserves the song’s original intent while adapting it for modern jazz ensemble settings.
