Fly Me To The Moon
There are many singers that recorded Fly Me To The Moon before Frank Sinatra, but it was Frank Sinatra who made the song famous, and even, a classic. Fly Me To The Moon was written by Bart Howard in 1954, and Frank Sinatra included it in his album “It Might As Well Be Swing” in the year 1964 with Quincy Jones’ arrangement. Fly Me To The Moon was performed by Sinatra great many times in his concerts and on TV, so we really have many options when choosing which version to listen to. I would never hesitate to include this song in my “Top 5” list, because it is really one of the best songs of all times. A perfect swing song, and always a pleasure to hear. Fly Me To The Moon was also included in the album Duets II, with Antonio Carlos Jobim.
An interesting fact is that Fly Me To The Moon was played on the Moon and also in the space during Apollo 11 and Apollo 10’s missions.
The following performance of Fly Me To The Moon is from 1985 Japan concert of Frank Sinatra. I believe this to be the best version of the song, because despite his age, Sinatra looks and sounds wonderful. He is full of life and just in the right swing mood for the song. I should also mention the amazing tenor saxophone solo that makes the song even better.
Finally, before moving to “What did Sinatra say about this song?” section, I would like to include Andy Williams and Peggy Lee’s short duet of Fly Me To The Moon. If it were longer, it would probably become boring but this way it is worth listening. They only sing:
Fly me to the moon, and let me play among the stars
And let me see what spring is like on Jupiter and Mars
In other words, hold my hand
In other words, darling kiss me
What Did Sinatra Say About Fly Me To The Moon?
Though Frank Sinatra sang this song many times, he usually made no comments before singing Fly Me To The Moon. Here are two notable comments of Sinatra.
Frank Sinatra: This next song I’ve been singing for quite a few years, and during the time of one of our space shots, like all of us in country I was watching the television report, and in the middle of the reporting, and there were pictures coming through I heard myself singing this song from up there. And I want to tell you it was a great thrill, it really was. I’ve been in some altitudes but never that high, never that high. It was really a great honor to have them choose this song. (1973 White House Concert)
Frank Sinatra: Earlier this year ladies and gentleman I had one of the greatest thrills of my life. I watched three men fly to the moon. And imagine their surprise when they found out that I was there two nights ahead of them. And so to all the gallant and bereaves, man, the astronauts who made this mission impossible, possible, I respectfully dedicate the following. (xx-xx-19xx)