The Best Things in Life Are Free (From "Good News"): Piano/Vocal/Chords

This collection gives singers the exact material they need without compromise: original keys, authentic transcriptions, and the historical context that transforms a song from notes on a page into a living performance choice. The included audition cuts and 16-bar suggestions mean students can prepare strategically without guessing, while the range-specific volumes ensure every singer finds repertoire that sits naturally in their voice.

These songs radiate the optimism and craftsmanship of early American musical theatre. Whether the moment calls for joy, yearning, or gentle humor, each melody sits comfortably in the voice and rewards genuine, unaffected singing.

Singers preparing auditions need authentic, trustworthy material in the right keys, and this collection delivers exactly that. Teachers building a structured vocal library will find dozens of pedagogically valuable songs that teach legit technique, phrasing, and interpretation across multiple styles and eras.

• Study the historical note provided for each song; understanding the original dramatic context reshapes how you phrase and color the lyric.
• Use the suggested 16-bar cut as a starting point, but practice the full song first so you understand the complete arc before editing.
• Balance the elegance of these melodies with conversational language; Henderson's songs reward clarity of diction over vocal display.
• Pay attention to the piano voicings in the reduction; they often contain harmonic detail that informs your interpretation and helps you find the emotional center.

Slot individual songs into diverse concert programs to represent Broadway's golden age without requiring a full production. Use this as a core text for a vocal literature course, where students can study how theatrical song composition evolved across decades. For audition preparation classes, assign selections based on each student's range and performance goals.

• Singing in original Broadway keys with accuracy and confidence
• Reading piano-vocal scores and interpreting editorial markings
• Understanding theatrical context and applying it to interpretation
• Preparing audition cuts efficiently and strategically
• Navigating varied harmonic language from early-to-mid 20th century Broadway
• Balancing legit vocal production with clear, expressive storytelling