’Round Midnight’: Thelonious Monk’s Haunting Ballad at 80 by John Edward Hasse

Decades after it was first recorded, Thelonious Monk’s moody jazz standard—covered by musicians ranging from Dizzy Gillespie to Amy Winehouse—remains part of the core repertory for artists.

Mr. Hasse is curator emeritus of American music at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. His books include “Beyond Category: The Life and Genius of Duke Ellington” (Da Capo) and “Discover Jazz” (Pearson).

The following appeared in the August 17, 2024, print edition of the Wall Street Journal as 'A Haunting Jazz Ballad at 80'.

“Thelonious Monk’s best-known composition, “’Round Midnight,” was first recorded 80 years ago this month. His slow, moody ballad ranks as among his finest work and one of the most enduring in jazz.