At Last (from <i>Cadillac Records</i>) Cover Image

At Last (from <i>Cadillac Records</i>): Piano Sheet

$3.95 USD
$3.95 USD
Skip to product information
At Last (from <i>Cadillac Records</i>) Cover Image
At Last (from Cadillac Records): Piano Sheet

At Last (from Cadillac Records): Piano Sheet

Music by Harry Warren, lyric by Mack Gordon / recorded by Beyoncé / arr. Dan Coates

Level: Easy Piano

Item: 00-32552
$3.95
Shipped

One moment…

Description
Beyoncé Knowles first breathed new life into this beloved 40s jazz classic in the hit movie Cadillac Records. At the 2009 Inaugural Ball, Beyoncé was honored to sing "At Last" as Barack and Michelle Obama danced together for the first time as the President and First Lady.

At Last (from Cadillac Records): Piano Sheet isn't in MakeMusic Cloud just yet...but it could be. Let us know you'd like to see it, and you'll help shape what comes next. In the meantime, start a free trial and dive into thousands of interactive titles your students can play along with today.

Request This Title

Tell us you want it.

Start Your Free Trial

Explore everything that's ready to play right now.
Sample Pages

Sample Audio
No sample audio found.
Sample Video
No sample videos found.
Additional Details
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 4
UPC: 038081354279
SKU: 00-32552

More about this title

About the Composer: Harry Warren

Harry Warren stands among the most prolific American composers of the Golden Age of Hollywood, with a catalog spanning over 800 songs. His gift for crafting memorable melodies that balanced sophistication with accessibility made him a fixture in film scores and jazz standards from the 1930s through the 1950s. Warren's compositions continue to anchor jazz repertoire and remain touchstones for understanding American popular songwriting.

Written in 1941 for the film "Orchestra Wives," "At Last" exemplifies Warren's ability to create a song that feels both timeless and intimately human. The piece has endured through countless interpretations, from Etta James's definitive 1960 recording to its resurgence in contemporary culture, proving the depth of Warren's melodic vision.

Why we love this

This arrangement captures the elegance of a true jazz standard while remaining accessible to developing pianists. Dan Coates strips away unnecessary complexity without sacrificing the song's emotional weight, making it ideal for students ready to explore the Great American Songbook without feeling overwhelmed by changes or voicings.

What to expect

Warm and unhurried. The melody unfolds like a confession, intimate and direct, supported by changes that feel natural rather than complicated. This is music made for quiet moments and genuine connection.

Who it's for

Students transitioning from simplified pop arrangements into classic jazz standards. This works well for pianists comfortable with basic jazz chord voicings who want to develop their ability to accompany themselves while singing, or simply to perform a piece with genuine historical and cultural significance.

How to get the most out of it

  • Allow the melody to sing with a slight rubato in the opening phrase; this isn't a piece that benefits from metronomic precision. The ballad style invites subtle phrasing choices that reflect the lyric.
  • Voice the chord accompaniment with careful attention to balance so it supports rather than competes with the melody line.
  • Resist the urge to rush through the bridge; this is where harmonic motion deepens, and taking time there builds anticipation for the final statement of the theme.
  • Consider the dynamic arc across the full form; building gradually from the intro through the first chorus, pulling back slightly for the second verse, then arriving at a fuller sound for the final phrase creates narrative arc.

How to use it

Pair this with other accessible standards to build a jazz/American songbook recital section, or feature it in a concert exploring how classic songs find new life through contemporary artists. It's also an excellent choice for a school event or ceremony where a touch of sophistication and emotional resonance matters.

Skills your students will build

  • Reading jazz chord symbols and understanding basic voicing choices
  • Balancing melody against accompaniment in ballad style
  • Controlling rubato and phrase shaping in a 4/4 jazz context
  • Interpreting dynamics across a complete song form
  • Understanding the structure and function of a jazz bridge

You May Also Like