Frank Sinatra "Fly Me to the Moon"
Frank Sinatra, one of the most iconic singers of the American music scene in the 1950s and 60s, left behind a treasure trove of classic songs. Among them, "Fly Me to the Moon" stands out as one of the most widely recognized and enduringly beloved.
More than just a love song, this piece has become a jazz standard, covered by countless artists around the world. It was also used as the theme song for the 1987 film "Wall Street," where its cool and sophisticated atmosphere blended seamlessly with the movie's tone.
Song Overview
"Fly Me to the Moon" was originally written in 1954 by Bart Howard, under the title "In Other Words." Initially performed as a gentle ballad in the popular song tradition, the piece gained a new identity in 1964 when Frank Sinatra recorded it with a bold big band arrangement by Quincy Jones. This version elevated the song to the status of a definitive jazz standard.
Sinatra's rendition appears on his album "It Might as Well Be Swing," a collaboration with the Count Basie Orchestra. The swinging rhythm, sharp brass arrangements, and Sinatra's smooth yet passionate vocal delivery make this version especially memorable.
The opening lines, "Fly me to the moon / Let me play among the stars," have become iconic. With lyrics that express romantic longing on a cosmic scale, the song remains timeless and emotionally resonant.
Songwriting and Production
The song was written and composed by Bart Howard, who spent many years working as a nightclub pianist. "In Other Words" was one of his lesser-known songs at first, receiving little attention.
However, when jazz singer Peggy Lee added the song to her repertoire, its popularity began to grow. It was later covered by artists like Nat King Cole and Julie London, slowly gaining recognition.
The breakthrough came with Frank Sinatra's version. The arrangement was crafted by Quincy Jones, who would go on to become a legendary producer. Sinatra, who was under contract with Reprise Records at the time and also owned the label, produced the track himself.
Jones's arrangement transformed the song into a dynamic and sophisticated jazz piece without losing its romantic essence. It is now regarded as the definitive version of the song.
Charts
Sinatra’s version of "Fly Me to the Moon" was not released as a single and therefore did not appear on the Billboard Hot 100 at the time. Nevertheless, the album "It Might as Well Be Swing" received critical acclaim and performed well on jazz and pop charts.
An often-cited anecdote that boosted the song's legacy is its connection to the NASA Apollo missions. It is said that the song was played aboard Apollo 11 during the moon landing, reinforcing its image as the music closest to space.
Today, the song maintains steady streaming numbers on platforms like iTunes and Spotify, continuing to be cherished by music lovers across generations.
Music Video
In the 1960s, the concept of official music videos as we know them today did not exist. As such, there is no official music video for Sinatra’s version of "Fly Me to the Moon."
However, numerous recordings of live performances and television appearances remain. One of the most well-known is from the 1965 television special "Frank Sinatra: A Man and His Music," where he performs the song with the Count Basie Orchestra. This performance is highly regarded among fans.
Additionally, the song has been used extensively in modern media, including films, commercials, and anime. In Japan, it gained renewed popularity as the ending theme for the anime series "Neon Genesis Evangelion."
"Fly Me to the Moon" is a song that combines poetic lyrics with a refined jazz arrangement to create a timeless musical experience.
Sinatra’s version brings out the full potential of the piece and continues to inspire musicians and captivate music fans. For both music lovers and performers, it's a song worth revisiting as a reminder of the enduring power of great music.
Frank Sinatra - Fly Me To The Moon (Live At The Kiel Opera House, St. Louis, MO/1965)
Frank Sinatra “Come Fly with Me”
Frank Sinatra’s “Come Fly with Me” is the title track of the album released in January 1958, and one of his signature swing numbers. With its romantic lyrics evoking a journey around the world and a lively big band arrangement, the song invites listeners on an elegant flight of imagination. Sinatra’s playful yet sophisticated vocal performance perfectly complements the music, making it a timeless classic still beloved by music fans today.
