Dearly Beloved and Stanley Turrentine

(E84) “Dearly Beloved” and Stanley Turrentine 

Standards Rating 5, Difficulty Rating 5 

“Dearly Beloved,” composed by Jerome Kern with lyrics by Johnny Mercer, is a graceful 32-bar standard known for its memorable melodic patterns and rich harmonic turns. The tune opens with a classic ii–V progression, but cleverly delays resolution, creating subtle tension and release. Its balanced A–A′ form, motivic development, and tasteful chromaticism make it both accessible and musically sophisticated—a favorite among jazz musicians for interpretation and improvisation. Stanley Turrentine’s interpretation captures the tune’s lyrical essence while infusing it with soulful phrasing and blues-inflected lines. Known for his warm tone and melodic clarity, Turrentine brought a unique voice to jazz that transcended genre boundaries. Raised in a musical family and rooted in both R&B and bebop traditions, he became a defining figure in the soul jazz movement. His ability to merge technical precision with emotional depth made him one of the most distinctive tenor saxophonists of his generation and a lasting influence in jazz history.

Stanley Turrentine 

Nancy Wilson