Top 100 Jazz Wedding Songs Modern & Classic + Lyric Quotes

Updated on February 2, 2023 | Written by Matthew Campbell (Editor of My Wedding Songs and wedding DJ)

When you think of jazz, do your toes start tapping?

Are you thinking of cocktail tables, black ties, and martinis? If your wedding includes a cocktail hour, you simply must have a jazz playlist.

Jazz spans many different styles of music such as Swing, Big Band, Dixieland, Scat, and much more.

Early Jazz musicians were Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, and Jelly Roll Morton.

Current Jazz songs are being released by Jac Ross and Tony Bennett with Lady Gaga.

You will enjoy a list of the most popular and unique jazz wedding songs for your wedding day.

Every couple’s jazz music tastes are different. Thus, we selected wedding songs from modern songs to classic hits.

 
Let’s start with the most popular right now.

Top 10 Jazz Songs Streamed

(popularity on Amazon)

1. “My Way” by Frank Sinatra
2. “Don’t Worry Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin
3. “Poolside” by Andrew Neu feat. Steve Oliver
4. “But Not for Me” by Ella Fitzgerald
5. “Middle Ground” by Rita Marcocci
6. “Do You Feel What I’m Feeling?” by Warren Hill
7. “Nice Boys” by Anna Pfeiler
8. “More Than a Woman” by Armando Alvar
9. “Soul Bossa Nova” by Quincy Jones & His Orchestra
10. “I’m in the Mood for Love” by Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra

Spotify Jazz Wedding Playlist

Popular Jazz Hits for Weddings

We have curated a list of our favorite jazz songs for weddings.

Did we miss your favorite diddy? Let us know which one should be added in the comments.

2020s Tracks

Coastin’ – Boney James, Lalah Hathaway

Released in 2022 on the album Detour

Lovable Lyrics:

Coasting (High on the love of you)
(Watching the way you move)
Gliding (Loving the things you do)

Valentine – Laufey

Released in 2022 on the album Valentine

Lovable Lyrics:

How the hell did I fall in love this time?
And honestly, I can’t believe I get to call you mine
I blinked and suddenly
I had a Valentine

Heaven – Gregory Porter

Released in 2022 on the album Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore Soundtrack

Lovable Lyrics:

When your lips meet mine
It is so divine
And I’m in Heaven

My Valentine – Michael Bublé

Released in 2022 on the album Higher

Lovable Lyrics:

And she’ll be there
This love of mine
My Valentine

Sweet Love – Gretchen Parlato

Released in 2022 on the album Flor

Lovable Lyrics:

Oh, how sweet this dream, how lovely
Stay right here, never fear, I’ll be all you need

It Had To Be You – Jac Ross

Released in 2021 on the album It Had To Be You

Lovable Lyrics:

I wandered around, and I finally found
The somebody who
Could make me be true
And could make me be blue
And even be glad
Just to be sad – thinking of you

Lov-Lov-Love – Mario Biondi with Incognito

Released in 2021 on the album Dare

Lovable Lyrics:

Our love, a love for eternity
We’ll enjoy this preciousness the world gave to us
When we’re walking on sunshine of love
Lov-lov-love

I Get A Kick Out Of You – Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga

Released in 2021 on the album Love For Sale

Lovable Lyrics:

Flying too high with some gal in the sky is my idea of nothing to do
Yet I get a kick
You give me a whirl
I get a kick out of you
Get my kicks out of you

Everything to Me – Imagesong feat. Alexis Cole, Mike Eckroth & Marc Phaneuf

Released in 2020 on the album Everything to Me

Lovable Lyrics:

You’re everything to me
You’re my inspiration

The Way You Look Tonight – Karen Souza

Released in 2020 on the album The Way You Look Tonight

Lovable Lyrics:

When the world is cold
I will feel a glow just thinking of you
And the way you look tonight

Better Than I Imagined – Robert Glasper ft. H.E.R., Meshell Ndegeocello

Released in 2020 on the album Better Than I Imagined

Lovable Lyrics:

But still I can’t
See myself with no one else
‘Cause it was better than I imagined

2010s Tunes

Super Mario Bros 3 – Alfredo Rodríguez & Pedrito Martinez

Released in 2019 on the album Duologue

Mind If I Make Love To You – Harry Connick Jr.

Released in 2019 on the album True Love: A Celebration of Cole Porter

Lovable Lyrics:

To persuade you I’m your party for two
And from then on you will never mind
If I make love to you

We Are One – Althea Rene

Released in 2019 on the album Flawsome

Our Love Is Here to Stay – Caleb Collins & Alicia Olatuja

Released in 2019 on the album Our Love Is Here to Stay

Lovable Lyrics:

It’s very clear, our love is here to stay
Not for a year but ever and a day
The radio and the telephone and the movies that we know
May just be passing fancies and in time may go
But, oh, my dear, our love is here to stay

Happy Feelings – Groove Frequencies feat. Clay Benjamin & Sherree Patrice

Released in 2019 on the album Back to the Groove

That’s Enough – Janelle Monáe

Released in 2019 on the album Lady and the Tramp Soundtrack

Lovable Lyrics:

So, I was thinking
If you and I could take the day off
Go around town, visit some of our favorite spots
‘Cause there’s nothing like
Spending time together, you know, you and I

Hot Fun In The Summer – Johnny Britt

Released in 2019 on the album Hot Fun In The Summer

So Emotional – Miles Davis feat. Lalah Hathaway

Released in 2019 on the album Rubberband

Lovable Lyrics:

My heart tells me it’s safe to believe
That I can trust what I feel
Because your love is real

Alone at Last – Rachael & Vilray

Released in 2019 on the album Rachael & Vilray

Lovable Lyrics:

Parties would make me nervous
Spent all night filling my glass
Smoked cigarettes on the grass
With you, I feel alone at last

Best Part – RJC (Rhythm & Jazz Coalition)

Released in 2019 on the album Best Part

Feel It Still – Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox feat. Joey Cook, Adanna Duru & Nina Ann

Released in 2019 on the album Sepia Is The New Orange

Lovable Lyrics:

Ooh woo, I’m a rebel just for kicks, now
Let me kick it like it’s 1986, now
Might be over now, but I feel it still

Neo Sol – Steve Cole

Released in 2019 on the album Gratitude

Soul Walkin’ – U-Nam

Released in 2019 on the album Soul Walkin’

When I’m With You – Brian Culbertson

Released in 2018 on the album When I’m With You

Love Is Here To Stay – Tony Bennett & Diana Krall

Released in 2018 on the album Love Is Here To Stay

Lovable Lyrics:

But, oh my dear,
Our love is here to stay
Together we’re going a long, long way

Timeline – Cal Harris Jr.

Released in 2018 on the album Timeline

At Last – Connie Wilson and Johnny G

Released in 2018 on the album At Last

Lovable Lyrics:

At last
My love has come along
My lonely days are over
And life is like a song

If Not for You – Dave Koz

Released in 2018 on the album If Not for You

My Baby Just Cares For Me – Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra & Haley Reinhart

Released in 2018 on the album The Capitol Studios Sessions

Lovable Lyrics:

Liz Taylor is not his style
And even Lana Turner’s smile
Oh, it’s somethin’ he can’t see
Well, my baby don’t care, who knows
My baby just cares for me

So in Love – Art Sherrod Jr

Released in 2017 on the album Back 2 Business

Colors of Love – Brian Culbertson

Released in 2017 on the album Colors Of Love

Champagne of My Life – Peet Project

Released in 2017 on the album The Bad Boys of Budapest

Lovable Lyrics:

You are the champagne of my life
Tonight we gotta get down

What a Wonderful World – Shannon & Keast

Released in 2017 on the album Dream a Little Dream

Lovable Lyrics:

I see skies of blue
And clouds of white
The bright blessed day
The dark sacred night
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world

Holding On – Gregory Porter feat. Kem

Released in 2016 on the album Take Me To The Alley

Lovable Lyrics:

Though my past has left me bruised
I ain’t hiding from the truth
When the truth won’t let me lie right next to you

You’re My Music – Brian Culbertson feat. Noel Gourdin

Released in 2012 on the album Dreams

Lovable Lyrics:

‘Cause every time I think of you I know
That you inspire me in every song
When I’m touchin you it takes me home

A Song for You – Doc Powell

Released in 2010 on the album For Old Times Sake

Many jazz songs are used as wedding ceremony songs and as background tunes while the meal is served and while guests are awaiting the arrival of the wedding couple at the reception.

2000s Must-Plays

Hold On – Michael Bublé

Released in 2009 on the album Crazy Love

Lovable Lyrics:

We are stronger here together
Than we could ever be alone
So, hold on to me,
Don’t you ever let me go

Never Quit Loving You – Jill Barber

Released in 2008 on the album Chances

Lovable Lyrics:

This whole world seems to slow on down
You just keep on huggin’ and kissin’
Oh and love me like you do
And I will never ever quit loving you

Dream a Little Dream of Me – Bar Scott

Released in 2007 on the album A Little Dream

Lovable Lyrics:

Stars fading but I linger on, dear
Still craving your kiss
I’m longing to linger till dawn, dear
Just saying this

Everything – Michael Bublé

Released in 2007 on the album Call Me Irresponsible

Lovable Lyrics:

And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times
It’s you, it’s you, you make me sing
You’re every line, you’re every word, you’re everything

The Best Is Yet To Come – Michael Bublé

Released in 2007 on the album Call Me Irresponsible

Lovable Lyrics:

You think you’ve flown before, but you ain’t left the ground
Wait till you’re locked in my embrace
Wait till I hold you near
Wait till you see that sunshine place
There ain’t nothin’ like it here

Hey Big Spender – Susan Kohler

Released in 2007 on the album My Favorite Gentlemen

Lovable Lyrics:

Wouldn’t you like to have fun, fun, fun
How’s about a few laughs, laughs
I could show you a good time

You And I – Michael Bublé

Released in 2005 on the album It’s Time

Lovable Lyrics:

Well, in my mind
We can conquer the world
In love, you and I
You and I, you and I

Come Away With Me – Norah Jones

Released in 2002 on the album Come Away with Me

Lovable Lyrics:

Come away with me and we’ll kiss
On a mountaintop
Come away with me
And I’ll never stop loving you

Don’t Know Why – Norah Jones

Released in 2002 on the album Come Away with Me

Lovable Lyrics:

My heart is drenched in wine
But you’ll be on my mind forever

The Nearness of You – Norah Jones

Released in 2002 on the album Come Away With Me

Lovable Lyrics:

When you’re in my arms
And I feel you so close to me
All my wildest dreams
Came true

The Look Of Love – Diana Krall

Released in 2001 on the album Diana Krall

Lovable Lyrics:

Be mine, tonight
Let this be just the start of
So many nights like this
Let’s take a lover’s vow
And then seal it with a kiss

There are many great instrumental jazz songs. If this interests you, see our official list of instrumental songs to play at weddings.

1990s Favorites

Let’s Fall In Love – Diana Krall

Released in 1999 on the album When I Look In Your Eyes

Lovable Lyrics:

Let’s fall in love
Why shouldn’t we fall in love?
Now is the time for it, while we are young

Chank – John Scofield

Released in 1998 on the album A Go Go

A Wink And A Smile – Harry Connick Jr.

Released in 1993 on the album Sleepless in Seattle Soundtrack

Lovable Lyrics:

So you can rev her up
Don’t go slow
It’s only green lights and alright
Let’s go together, with a wink and a smile

What You Won’t Do for Love – Bobby Caldwell

Released in 1991 on the album What You Won’t Do for Love

Lovable Lyrics:

What you won’t do, to do for love
You tried everything but you don’t give up
In my world only you
Make me do for love what I would not do

Unforgettable – Nat King Cole & Natalie Cole

Released in 1991 on the album Unforgettable… with Love

Lovable Lyrics:

Though near or far
Like a song of love that clings to me
How the thought of you does things to me
Never before
Has someone been more
Unforgettable

Recipe For Love – Harry Connick Jr.

Released in 1990 on the album We Are in Love

Lovable Lyrics:

It doesn’t need sugar ’cause it’s already sweet
It doesn’t need an oven ’cause it’s got a lot of heat
Just add a dash of kisses to make it all complete
And that’s the recipe for making love

Many jazz songs make for great swing music. See our list of swing songs to get guests dancing at your wedding reception.

Classic Jazz 1980s-1930s

It Had To Be You – Harry Connick Jr.

Released in 1989 on the album When Harry Met Sally Soundtrack

Lovable Lyrics:

For nobody else gave me a thrill
With all your faults I love you still
It had to be you, wonderful you
It had to be you

Giving You The Best That I Got – Anita Baker

Released in 1988 on the album Giving You the Best That I Got

Lovable Lyrics:

We love so strong and so unselfishly
They don’t bother me so I’m gonna keep on
Giving you the best that I got, baby
They don’t bother me, said I’m gonna keep on
Giving you the best that I got

Don’t Worry Be Happy – Bobby McFerrin

Released in 1988 on the album Simple Pleasures

Lovable Lyrics:

In every life we have some trouble
But when you worry you make it double
Don’t worry be happy

Your Love is King – Sade

Released in 1984 on the album Diamond Life

Lovable Lyrics:

Touching the very part of me, it’s making my soul sing
I’m crying out for more, your love is king
This is no blind faith, this is no sad or sorry dream
This is no blind faith, your love, your love is real

We’re in This Love Together – Al Jarreau

Released in 1981 on the album Breakin’ Away

Lovable Lyrics:

We’re in this love together
We got the kind that lasts forever
Don’t you know that
We’re in this love together

Our Love Is Here To Stay – Natalie Cole

Released in 1981 on the album Unforgettable: With Love

Lovable Lyrics:

Together we’re going a long, long way
In time the rockies may tumble, Gibraltar may crumble
They’re only made of clay
But our love is here to stay

Theme From New York, New York – Frank Sinatra

Released in 1979

Lovable Lyrics:

These little town blues
They’ve all melted away
I’m gonna make a brand new start of it
In old New York

On Broadway – George Benson

Released in 1978 on the album Weekend in L.A.

Lovable Lyrics:

They say that I won’t last too long on Broadway
I’ll catch a grey hound bus for home they all say
But they’re dead wrong I know they are
‘Cause I can play this here guitar
And I won’t quit till I’m a star on Broadway

Breezin’ – George Benson

Released in 1976 on the album Breezin’

Lovable Lyrics:

Give and let live
Love and be loved
I don’t need a reason
I’m breezin’

Little Trip To Heaven (On The Wings Of Your Love) – Tom Waits

Released in 1976 on the album Closing Time

Lovable Lyrics:

You’re my north star when I’m lost and feeling blue
The sun is breaking through the clouds don’t you, don’t you know it’s true?
Honey, all the other stars seem dim around you
Thanking my lucky stars that I’ve found you

Moondance – Van Morrison

Released in 1970 on the album Moondance

Lovable Lyrics:

Well, it’s a marvelous night for a moondance
With the stars up above in your eyes
A fantabulous night to make romance
‘Neath the cover of October skies

My Way – Frank Sinatra

Released in 1969 on the album My Way

Lovable Lyrics:

I’ve lived a life that’s full
I’ve travelled each and every highway
And more, much more
I did it, I did it my way

We Have All the Time in the World – Louis Armstrong

Released in 1969 on the album On Her Majesty’s Secret Service

Lovable Lyrics:

We have all the time in the world
Just for love
Nothing more, nothing less
Only love

What A Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong

Released in 1967 on the album What a Wonderful World

Lovable Lyrics:

I see friends shaking hands
Saying, “How do you do?”
They’re really saying
“I love you”

L-O-V-E – Nat King Cole

Released in 1965 on the album Nat King Cole

Lovable Lyrics:

L is for the way you look at me
O is for the only one I see
V is very, very extraordinary
E is even more than anyone that you adore can

Fly Me To The Moon – Frank Sinatra feat. Count Basie And His Orchestra

Released in 1964

Lovable Lyrics:

Fill my heart with song
And let me sing for ever more
You are all I long for
All I worship and adore

The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra

Released in 1964

Lovable Lyrics:

Keep that breathless charm
Won’t you please arrange it? Cause I love you
Just the way you look tonight

My One and Only Love – John Coltrane And Johnny Hartman

Released in 1963 on the album John Coltrane And Johnny Hartman

Lovable Lyrics:

The touch of your hand is like heaven
A heaven that I’ve never known
The blush on your cheek whenever I speak
Tells me that you are my own

I Do Love You – Tex & The Chex

Released in 1961

Lovable Lyrics:

I want you to know
That I loved you so
Please come back to me

At Last – Etta James

Released in 1960 on the album At Last!

Lovable Lyrics:

You smiled, you smiled
Oh, and then the spell was cast
And here we are in Heaven
For you are mine at last

My Dearest Darling – Etta James

Released in 1960

Lovable Lyrics:

Oh, yeah whenever you need me
I’ll, I’ll be there by your side
Oh, I pledge my love to you
With God as our guide

Georgia On My Mind – Ray Charles

Released in 1960 on the album The Genius Hits the Road

Lovable Lyrics:

I said Georgia
Oh Georgia, no peace I find (no peace I find)
Just an old sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind

A Sunday Kind Of Love – Etta James

Released in 1960 on the album At Last!

Lovable Lyrics:

Oh I’m hoping to discover
A certain kind of lover
Who will show me the way

You Stepped Out Of A Dream – Sarah Vaughan

Released in 1960 on the album The Divine One

Lovable Lyrics:

Honest and truly
You stepped out of a cloud
I want to take you away, away from the crowd
And have you all to myself

Flamenco Sketches – Miles Davis

Released in 1959 on the album Kind of Blue

Come Rain Or Come Shine – Ray Charles

Released in 1959 on the album The Genius of Ray Charles

Lovable Lyrics:

Days may be cloudy or sunny
We’re in or we are out of the money, yeah
But I’m with you always
I’m with you rain or shine

Moonlight Serenade – Glenn Miller & His Orchestra

Released in 1958 on the album The Glenn Miller Carnegie Hall Concert

My Baby Just Cares For Me – Nina Simone

Released in 1958 on the album Little Girl Blue

Lovable Lyrics:

And even Lana Turner’s smile
Is somethin’ he can’t see
My baby don’t care who knows
My baby just cares for me

Fever – Peggy Lee

Released in 1958 on the album Things Are Swingin’

Lovable Lyrics:

Sun lights up the daytime
Moon lights up the night
I light up when you call my name
And you know I’m gonna treat you right
You give me fever

There Is No Greater Love – Chet Baker

Released in 1957 on the album Baker’s Holiday

Lovable Lyrics:

You’re the sweetest thing
I have ever known
And to think that
You are mine alone

Let’s Do It (Let’s Fall In Love) – Louis Armstrong & Ella Fitzgerald

Released in 1957 on the album Ella and Louis Again

Lovable Lyrics:

Some Argentines, without means, do it
People say in Boston even beans do it
Let’s do it, let’s fall in love

Cheek To Cheek – Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong

Released in 1956 on the album Ella and Louis

Lovable Lyrics:

In a river or a creek
But I don’t enjoy it half as much
As dancing cheek to cheek

They Can’t Take That Away From Me – Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong

Released in 1956 on the album Ella and Louis

Lovable Lyrics:

The way we danced till three
The way you changed my life
No no they can’t take that away from me

My Funny Valentine – Frank Sinatra

Released in 1954

Lovable Lyrics:

But don’t change a hair for me
Not if you care for me
Stay little valentine stay
Each day is Valentines day

That’s Amore – Dean Martin

Released in 1953 on the album Dean Martin Sings

Lovable Lyrics:

When you walk in a dream
But you know, you’re not dreaming, signore
Scusami, but you see
Back in old Napoli, that’s amore

I’m In The Mood For Love – King Pleasure

Released in 1952

Lovable Lyrics:

Go on and let it rain
I’m sure our love together will endure a hurricane
Oh my baby
Won’t you please let me love you

Because Of You – Tony Bennett

Released in 1952 on the album Because of You

Lovable Lyrics:

I only live for your love and your kiss
It’s paradise to be near you like this
Because of you my life is now worth while
And I can smile
Because of you

Give Me A Kiss To Build A Dream On – Louis Armstrong

Released in 1951

Lovable Lyrics:

Give me a kiss to build on and my
Imagination will thrive upon that kiss
Sweetheart I ask no more than this, a kiss to build a dream on

Dream A Little Dream Of Me – Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong

Released in 1950

Lovable Lyrics:

Stars shining up above you
Night breezes seem to whisper “I love you”
Birds singin’ in the sycamore trees
Dream a little dream of me

I’ve Got A Crush On You – Ella Fitzgerald

Released in 1950 on the album Ella Fitzgerald

Lovable Lyrics:

Hmm, I’ve got a crush on someone
Guess who?
I’ve got a crush on you, sweetie pie
All the day and night-time

You Do Something To Me – Ella Fitzgerald

Originally released in 1929 by Cole Porter

Lovable Lyrics:

Let me live ‘neath your spell
Do, do that voodoo that you do so well
For you do something to me
That nobody else could do

Many of the songs from the big band era are considered jazz songs. See a list of the biggest hits from the 1940s that included the tail end of the big band era.

Can’t Help Lovin That Man of Mine – Lena Horne

Released in 1946 on the album Till The Clouds Roll By Film

Lovable Lyrics:

Tell me he’s lazy
Tell me he’s slow
Tell me I’m crazy, maybe, I know
Can’t help lovin’ that man of mine

Take the “A” Train – Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra

Released in 1941

The Man I Love – Billie Holiday

Released in 1939

Lovable Lyrics:

That’s meant for two
From which I’ll never roam
Who would, would you
And so all else above
I’m dreaming of the man I love

My Funny Valentine – Mel Torme

Originally published in 1937 by composer Richard Rodgers

Lovable Lyrics:

But don’t change a hair for me
Not if you care for me
Stay little valentine stay
Each day is Valentine’s Day

Who Loves You? – Billie Holiday with Teddy Wilson And His Orchestra

Released in 1936

Lovable Lyrics:

Who fell for you from the start
Oh who just longs for your caresses
You don’t have to take three guesses
Who loves you, sweetheart

FAQs

Is jazz good for a wedding?

Of course, it is. Most people don’t realize that jazz is the origin of Rock and Roll (swing anyone?). Instrumental takes on your favorite tunes are perfect for the father-daughter dance, mother-son dance, and even the first dance. May we suggest, “The Very Thought of You,” “The Way You Look Tonight,” or “Let’s Fall in Love?” Those are perfect songs for the first dance.

What are the origins of jazz music?

Jazz music was influenced by West African folk music. Although it is thought that Jazz started in New Orleans in the early 20th century, it’s simply not the birthplace. Though it is part of the route up the Mississippi River where jazz is most famous — St. Louis, Chicago, and Kansas City.

Jazz music is an American creation. In many ways, it’s the only truly American music. Jazz music is more than just enjoyed by other musicians. It is considered a heartfelt expression of the soul.

“Jazz” isn’t just one style of music either. Jazz spans many different styles of music such as Swing, Big Band, Dixieland, Scat, and much more. Early Jazz musicians were Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, and Jelly Roll Morton. In the 1930s Jazz Swing was most popular with artists like Count Basie, the Dorsey Brothers, and Artie Shaw.

What’s the difference between swing and jazz?

Swing is part of jazz but not all jazz is swing. Songs can cross between both categories; especially if it’s rearranged. We have decided to put artists like Duke Ellington, Artie Shaw, Count Basie, and the likes on the Best of Swing list. Some Jazz songs do not have lyrics or verbiage. Feel free to check those out as well.

About Matthew Campbell