Well You Needn't is a jazz standard composed by Thelonious Monk in 1944. Jazz standard refers to a tune that is widely known, performed, and recorded among jazz musicians. ... Thelonious Monk, as featured on the cover of his 1956 album, Brilliant Corners (1958 reissue cover shown) Thelonious Sphere Monk (October 10, 1917 – February 17, 1982) was a jazz pianist and composer. ... 1944 (MCMXLIV) was a leap year starting on Saturday (the link is to a full 1944 calendar). ...

Like another Monk standard, Epistrophy, it is notable for a chord sequence in which the root note moves by semitones. A semitone (also known in the USA as a half step) is a musical interval. ...

As well as by Monk himself, versions have been recorded by Miles Davis (on his album Steamin'), Herbie Hancock and many others. Miles Dewey Davis III (May 26, 1926 – September 28, 1991) was one of the most distinguished jazz musicians of the latter half of the 20th century. ... Herbie Hancock Herbert Jeffrey Hancock (born April 12, 1940) is a jazz pianist and composer from Chicago, Illinois, USA. Hancock is one of jazz musics most important and influential pianists and composers. ...

Lyrics were composed by Mike Ferro in the 1970s. The 1970s decade refers to the years from 1970 to 1979, inclusive. ...