“Fly Me to the Moon,” a song that has serenaded generations and even journeyed into space, holds a special place in music history. Originally penned as “In Other Words” in 1954 by Bart Howard, this iconic tune has transcended genres and decades, becoming a beloved standard. This exploration delves into the captivating story of the “Fly Me To The Moon Song”, from its humble beginnings to its global recognition.
The song’s initial charm was captured by Kaye Ballard, who made the very first recording in 1954. Released as the B-side to “Lazy Afternoon,” Ballard’s rendition of “In Other Words” was described by Billboard as “a love song sung with feeling.” This early version laid the groundwork for the song’s burgeoning popularity.
Alt text: Kaye Ballard, the first artist to record “Fly Me to the Moon” under its original title “In Other Words”, performing the song.
In the ensuing years, “In Other Words” found its voice across the jazz and cabaret scenes. Artists like Chris Connor, Johnny Mathis, Portia Nelson, and Nancy Wilson all lent their interpretations to the melody, featuring it on their albums. Eydie Gormé’s 1958 rendition on her album “Eydie In Love” garnered significant attention, reaching #20 on the Cashbox Album Charts and earning a Grammy nomination, further solidifying the song’s appeal.
Peggy Lee played a pivotal role in catapulting the song to mainstream fame. In 1960, she included it on her album “Pretty Eyes” and, more significantly, performed it on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” bringing “In Other Words” to a vast television audience. As its popularity soared, the song became increasingly known by its evocative opening line, “Fly Me to the Moon.” By 1963, Peggy Lee’s influence led Bart Howard to officially change the title to the now-famous “Fly Me to the Moon.” That same year, Connie Francis broadened the song’s reach with non-English versions, “Portami Con Te” in Italian and “Llévame a la Luna” in Spanish, demonstrating its universal appeal.
Alt text: Peggy Lee’s performance of “Fly Me to the Moon” on The Ed Sullivan Show significantly boosted the song’s popularity among a wide audience.
The song’s versatility was further showcased in 1962 when Joe Harnell crafted a bossa nova instrumental version. Released as a single, Harnell’s rendition spent 13 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #14, and reached #4 on Billboard’s Middle-Road Singles chart. It even earned him a Grammy Award for Best Performance by an Orchestra for Dancing. This instrumental take highlighted the song’s melodic strength and adaptability across different musical styles.
Frank Sinatra’s 1964 version is arguably the most iconic and enduring. Featured on his album “It Might as Well Be Swing,” arranged by Quincy Jones and accompanied by Count Basie, Sinatra’s rendition injected a vibrant swing feel into the song. Will Friedwald noted that Jones “recharged it into a straight swinger… [which]…all but explodes with energy.” Sinatra’s version became indelibly linked with NASA’s Apollo missions, forever associating the “fly me to the moon song” with space exploration and dreams of lunar voyages. Bart Howard himself estimated that over 100 versions existed before Sinatra’s touch, but it was this version that truly cemented its legendary status.
Alt text: Frank Sinatra’s iconic rendition of “Fly Me to the Moon”, strongly associated with the NASA Apollo missions to the moon, pictured here in concert.
The song continued to evolve, with Bobby Womack releasing a soul-infused version in 1968 that reached #52 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #16 on the R&B chart, proving its adaptability across genres. Even television embraced its charm, with instrumental snippets used as a doorbell melody in the series WKRP in Cincinnati.
By 1995, “Fly Me to the Moon” had been recorded over 300 times, testament to its enduring appeal. Its cultural footprint extended into animation with the Japanese series Neon Genesis Evangelion, which featured multiple versions as its closing theme. Though licensing issues later led to its removal from some releases, its impact on fans was undeniable. In the gaming world, a remix titled “Fly Me To The Moon (Climax Mix)” served as the battle theme for the 2009 video game Bayonetta, further demonstrating its continued relevance and ability to resonate with new audiences.
The “fly me to the moon song” remains more than just a tune; it’s a cultural touchstone, a symbol of romance, adventure, and timeless musicality. From its origins as a heartfelt ballad to its journey into space and popular culture, “Fly Me to the Moon” continues to captivate and inspire, proving its status as a true classic.
