Level: 3
Tuning: Standard

Hoagy Carmichael co-wrote "Lazy River" in 1930 with Sidney Arodin, but it didn't become a hit until 15 years later! By then he was an American icon, having written some of the most popular songs of all time, including "Stardust," "Georgia On My Mind" and "Heart and Soul." Hoagy also hosted several radio shows and acted in 14 movies, always playing piano and sometimes singing - he plays a bit of "Lazy River" in the classic film The Best Years Of Our Lives. Notice that the song keeps going around the circle of fifths in the key of C, as you keep repeating a chord sequence that starts at A7 and goes up by fourths: A7, D7 G7, C. A practice suggestion: become familiar with the backup arrangement first, before attempting to learn the chord-melody solo. Play the backup chords several times and the solo will come easier, as it's mostly based on the same chord shapes.