The originally submitted URL now redirects to the address above. Updating the destination does not change the item’s HN history, Hall membership, or rank.
Submission timeline
2007–2026One slot for every year since HN launched. Height is that year's peak points; orange marks a 100+ point or 50+ comment breakout. Select a bar to open its strongest thread.
First comments on top threads
HN comment orderWhen I was a teenager, my music teacher always had a copy of the Real Book around. I went to a local music store and was looking through their music books when one of the employees asked, 'is there something I can help you find?' When I said the Real Book, he said, 'oh, we don't keep that out here'... he disappeared for a minute and came back with a copy from the back room. At the time, I felt…
As an aside, fake books are a great way to get your feet wet learning how to extemporize while still having some guidance around the chord progression and melody. If you have an iPad, there's an app called iReal Pro with loads of lead sheets that add in some accompaniment (drums, guitar, etc.) so you can "play along" as well. https://www.irealpro.com
Discussion here https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=26737142
The first top-level comment from each of the four biggest threads, in HN’s own order. Excerpts are shortened; open a comment for full context.
- Breakout years
- 2
- Total points
- 742
- Total comments
- 182
100+ points or 50+ comments
reference only — not used in Hall rules or ranking
reference only — not used in Hall rules or ranking
Every submission
| Date | Title as submitted | By | Points | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-04-07 | The Real Book | zeristor | 11 | 1 |
| 2021-04-08 | The Real BookFirst breakout · Best thread | mpweiher | 575 | 140 |
| 2025-03-28 | The Real Book (2021)Latest 20+ point return | Tomte | 156 | 41 |