Amapola – Free Jazz Lead Sheet
Bb Major – José María Lacalle 1924
Amapola (1924) by José María Lacalle is a classic Latin jazz standard. The title means “poppy” in Spanish, a red flower symbolizing love and remembrance. View this free online lead sheet in Bb major, including melody and chords for jazz performance and study.
About this song:
Although written in 1924, Amapola achieved widespread international fame nearly two decades later. A 1941 recording by American bandleader Jimmy Dorsey became a No. 1 hit in the United States, transforming the piece into a swing-era favorite and establishing it as a lasting jazz standard. Bing Crosby and other major artists of the big band era also recorded the song, helping it cross from Spanish salon music into mainstream American popular repertoire.
This free online lead sheet includes the complete melody and chord changes, making it perfect for jazz musicians, big bands, solo performers, and students studying chord analysis or improvisation. Use this chart for rehearsal, performance, or adding a timeless Latin jazz standard to your repertoire.
About the Composer: José María Lacalle
José María Lacalle (1860–1937) was a Spanish composer, pianist, and conductor born in Cádiz, Spain. He frequently published under the name Joseph M. Lacalle to reach English-speaking audiences. Best known for composing the international standard “Amapola” in 1924, his music blends Spanish romanticism with early jazz influences. Although Amapola became his most famous work, Lacalle also composed salon pieces, zarzuelas, and piano works throughout his career.
Musical Structure and Form
Written in AABA form and frequently performed in concert Bb major, Amapola features expressive harmonic movement and a lyrical melodic line that makes it ideal for improvisation, jazz interpretation, and romantic phrasing. The tune adapts easily to multiple styles, including Latin bolero, swing, pop ballad, and instrumental jazz ensemble settings.
