Cherokee (Charlie Barnet)

Charlie Barnet · 1939 · arr. Billy May

Context

Recorded in New York on July 17, 1939 for Bluebird (B-10373), Charlie Barnet's version, arranged by Billy May, is the big hit of Ray Noble's song (No. 15 in sales) and opens the orchestra's most popular period. The track's harmonically demanding bridge would become a training ground for the boppers: Charlie Parker drew "Ko-Ko" from it in 1945.

In the genealogy of jazz

This track belongs to Swing, big bands. Among the origins and influences of Swing, big bands: Chicago, Stride (Harlem piano), Harlem: Henderson, Redman, Ellington, Kansas City, Boogie-woogie, Symphonic jazz, dance orchestras.

Cited in 1 radio episode

• Oct 13, 2026: Cherokee - Grille à facettes (Anatomie d'un titre, TSF Jazz, in French)

Sources

• adp.library.ucsb.edu
• EN: Cherokee (Ray Noble song)
• EN: Charlie Barnet

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