Easy to Love is a popular standard composed by Cole Porter, originally written for the 1936 MGM musical film Born to Dance, where it was performed by James Stewart and Eleanor Powell. Porter had actually composed the song earlier, intending it for the 1934 Broadway musical Anything Goes, but it was dropped from that production before opening night, reportedly because leading man William Gaxton found it too difficult to sing. The song found its rightful home in Born to Dance and quickly became one of Porter's most enduring works. The melody is characteristically elegant, unfolding in long, graceful phrases that reflect the sophistication Porter brought to the American songbook. The harmonic language is rich but never overwrought, with the kind of chromatic movement and surprising chord choices that distinguish Porter's best writing. The lyric captures a wistful longing, with the singer marveling at how easy it would be to fall in love, lending the song an emotional directness unusual for the often witty and urbane Porter. Easy to Love became a favorite vehicle for jazz musicians, attracting interpretations from artists across the stylistic spectrum. Its strong melodic contour and satisfying harmonic rhythm make it particularly well suited to improvisation, and it has remained a staple of the jazz repertoire from the swing era through the present day. Notable recordings include versions by Billie Holiday, Paul Chambers, and countless other artists who have found in it an ideal framework for personal expression.
