"Flying Home" is a 32-bar AABA jazz composition most often associated with Lionel Hampton, written by Benny Goodman, Eddie DeLange, and Hampton, with lyrics by Sid Robin. It was reportedly developed around a tune Hampton whistled as he nervously waited for his first flight on an aircraft. It was first recorded by the Benny Goodman Sextet on November 6, 1939 featuring solos by Hampton and Charlie Christian. Several other groups subsequently recorded the tune; however, the most famous version is a lively 1942 recording by Lionel Hampton and His Orchestra, featuring a tenor sax solo by Illinois Jacquet.
In 1979, Ella Fitzgerald recorded a seven-minute plus rendition which can be found on the Pablo release Digital III at Montreux, while an earlier Ella version (with Vic Schoen and his Orchestra) can be found on the Decca release Lullabies of Birdland.
**Original recording is tuned just sharp of standard tuning **