Kool & The Gang and Will Smith: "Summer Madness with Summertime"

A piano solo mashup of Kool & the Gang's "Summer Madness" with "Summertime" by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince blends smooth jazz textures with laid-back hip-hop nostalgia. The flowing keys highlight the dreamy warmth of both tracks, creating a chilled, sun-soaked atmosphere perfect for easy summer listening.

This post is part nineteen of the Mild & Mellow Sheet Music Series.
Kool & The Gang and Will Smith: "Summer Madness with Summertime"

About Kool & The Gang’s “Summer Madness”:

“Summer Madness” by Kool & The Gang is a smooth, instrumental track released in 1974 on their album Light of Worlds. Known for its atmospheric blend of electric piano, synthesizer, and laid-back funk grooves, the song marked a departure from the band’s earlier, more upbeat style and showcased their versatility and innovation. Its dreamy, ambient quality made it a standout in the jazz-funk genre and a favorite for sampling in hip-hop and R&B, most notably by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince in their hit “Summertime.” Over the years, “Summer Madness” has become a timeless staple of chilled-out summer playlists, celebrated for its ability to evoke a feeling of relaxed warmth and nostalgia.


About D.J. Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince’s “Summertime”:

“Summertime” by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince is a classic hip-hop anthem released in 1991 as the lead single from their fourth studio album, Homebase. The track showcases a laid-back, jazzy beat built around a sample of Kool & the Gang’s “Summer Madness,” creating an instantly nostalgic and breezy vibe. Will Smith’s smooth, spoken-word-style verses celebrate the joys of summer — from block parties and barbecues to cruising with friends — all delivered with a sense of warmth and relatability that made the song an instant hit. It reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 1992.

More than just a seasonal hit, “Summertime” has endured as a cultural touchstone that captures the carefree spirit of summer in urban America. Its mellow groove and vivid imagery have helped it remain a perennial favorite, often resurfacing in films, commercials, and warm-weather playlists. The song’s nostalgic tone, combined with its smooth production and easygoing flow, exemplifies the duo’s knack for creating feel-good, family-friendly rap that resonates across generations. “Summertime” remains DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince’s most iconic track, celebrating simple pleasures with timeless style.


🎶 “Summer Madness with Summertime” Intermediate: Lyrical Version

Key features of this version:

  • Follows the majority of the original Kool & The Gang recorded version of “Summer Madness” with a couple rounds of “Summertime” mixed in
  • Includes a transcribed version of the guitar solo from “Summer Madness”
  • Vocal-line is set an octave higher for a sparkling sound
  • 9 total pages
  • Run time is approximately 5:30

🧐 Sheet music sneak peek:


🎶 “Summer Madness with Summertime” Intermediate Piano Solo

Key features of this version:

  • Shorter version includes much of the original Kool & The Gang recorded version of “Summer Madness” with a couple rounds of “Summertime” mixed in
  • Includes a transcribed version of the guitar solo from “Summer Madness”
  • 6 total pages
  • Run time is approximately 3:45

🧐 Sheet music sneak peek:


🎶 “Summer Madness with Summertime” Easy Piano Solo

Key features of this version:

  • Shorter version with a split balance of Kool & The Gang’s “Summer Madness” with a couple rounds of “Summertime” mixed in
  • Transposed to G minor
  • 4 total pages
  • Run time is approximately 2:45

🧐 Sheet music sneak peek:


🎹 Looking for Mild & Mellow piano sheet music?


👋 Did I miss one of your favorites? I’m always open to requests so drop me a comment!



Jennifer Eklund
Written by Jennifer Eklund
Jennifer Eklund holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in music from California State University, Long Beach. She is an avid arranger, composer, and author of the Piano Pronto® method books series as well as a wide variety of supplemental songbooks. She is also a Signature Artist with Musicnotes.com with a large catalog of popular music titles for musicians of all levels.

Comments

User's avatar


No comments yet
Be the first to comment.

I Love Rock 'n Roll: Joan Jett Sheet Music
Pop Sheet Music
New Wave Sheet Music
1970s Sheet Music
1980s Sheet Music

I Love Rock 'n Roll: Joan Jett Sheet Music

Who doesn't love iconic rock 'n roll? This article introduces piano solo sheet music arrangements of the Joan Jett hits "I Love Rock 'n Roll" and "Bad Reputation" by Jennifer Eklund.

  • 6 min read
Read more
Red Hot Chili Peppers: "Under the Bridge"
Mild & Mellow Sheet Music
1990s Sheet Music
Pop Rock Sheet Music
Alternative Rock Sheet Music

Red Hot Chili Peppers: "Under the Bridge"

Piano solo renditions of "Under the Bridge" transform the song's emotional depth into a haunting and introspective experience, emphasizing its themes of loneliness and longing. The stripped-down arrangement highlights the melody and raw vulnerability of the lyrics, allowing the poignant sentiment to resonate in a more intimate, contemplative way.

  • 6 min read
Read more
Nirvana: "Smells Like Teen Spirit" Piano Sheet Music
Alternative Rock Sheet Music
1990s Sheet Music

Nirvana: "Smells Like Teen Spirit" Piano Sheet Music

Look, listen, and learn about Nirvana's Grunge Alternative Rock classic "Smells Like Teen Spirit" featuring piano solo arrangements by Jennifer Eklund.

  • 6 min read
Read more