When the Sun Comes Out was composed by Harold Arlen with lyrics by Ted Koehler in 1941, notably as a standalone song rather than a piece written for a specific musical, film, or revue, distinguishing it from much of the Arlen-Koehler catalog that emerged from their celebrated Cotton Club work. The melody features Arlen's characteristic blues-inflected harmonies and upward-reaching melodic arcs that evoke a sense of emerging hope, while the rhythmic drive suits big band swing performance. Helen O'Connell with the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra provided the first recording in 1941, followed closely by Benny Goodman and His Orchestra featuring Helen Forrest in an Eddie Sauter arrangement that showcased plunger-muted brass and clarinet textures. The song arrived during one of Arlen's most prolific periods, alongside compositions like Blues in the Night and not long after Over the Rainbow, reflecting his rare ability to blend pop sophistication with genuine jazz sensibility. Tony Bennett recorded a string-accompanied interpretation for his 1960 album Tony Bennett Sings a String of Harold Arlen, while Mel Torme, Ella Fitzgerald, Billy Eckstine, and Judy Garland each brought distinctive vocal approaches ranging from intimate balladry to dramatic theater. Though not among the most ubiquitous Great American Songbook entries, the tune holds a valued place in the jazz repertoire for its improvisational potential. On AllSolos, Jerry Weldon's tenor saxophone solo on Stella Cole's 2023 extended version brings a robust swing interpretation to the piece.
