Autumn Leaves
| PROFILE | |
| Composer | Joseph Kosma |
| Lyricist (in French) | Jacques Prévert |
| Lyricist (in English) | Johnny Mercer |
| Year Written | 1945 |
| About Autumn Leaves | Known as “Les feuilles mortes” (The Dead Leaves) in the original French, the English song is known as “Autumn Leaves.” Mercer wrote the lyrics in 1947 and Jo Stafford was the first artist to record the song with the English lyrics. Other notable recordings include those by Edith Piaf and Nat King Cole. |
Lyrics
The falling leaves
Drift by the window
The autumn leaves
Of red and gold
I see your lips
The summer kisses
The sunburned hands
I used to hold
Since you went away
The days grow long
And soon I’ll hear
Old winter’s song
But I miss you most of all
My darling
When autumn leaves
Start to fall
Session / Album Information
1959
Autumn Leaves was recorded on November 10, 1959 and was released in 1960 on the album To My Wonderful One. It was arranged by Frank DeVol.
This recording released on:
- 1960: Columbia LP 12″: CS 8226 — To My Wonderful One
- 1960: Columbia LP 12″ (Mono): CL 1429 — To My Wonderful One
- 2011: Disc #16 in The Tony Bennett Complete Collection (88697874602-JK16) To My Wonderful One
1964
“Autumn Leaves” was recorded on October 14, 1964 and released in 1964 on the album Who Can I Turn To. It was arranged by George Siravo.
This recording released on:
- 1964: Columbia LP 12″: CS 9085 — Who Can I Turn To
- 1964: Columbia LP 12″ (Mono): CL 2285 — Who Can I Turn To
- 1995: Columbia CD: CK 66503 — Who Can I Turn To
- 2011: Disc #30 in The Tony Bennett Complete Collection (88697874602-JK29) Who Can I Turn To
1994
“Autumn Leaves” was recorded and televised live on April 12, 1994 on MTV. This song was recorded as part of a medley with Indian Summer. The MTV Unplugged album was released in June of that year. The songs from the televised concert were arranged by Tony Bennett and the Ralph Sharon Trio.
This recording released on:
- 1993: Columbia CD: CK 66214 — MTV Unplugged
- 2011: Discs #60/61 in The Tony Bennett Complete Collection (88697874602-JK59) MTV Unplugged