Fly Me To The Moon Piano Bart Howard
When Bart Howard composed “Fly Me To The Moon” in 1954, he would have never imagined how iconic the song would become. From Frank Sinatra’s classic version to the numerous covers by different artists, “Fly Me To The Moon” has become a timeless piece of music that is loved by many.
One of the reasons for the song’s popularity is its beautiful piano arrangement. In this article, we will explore the story behind “Fly Me To The Moon” and delve into the piano arrangement that makes it so special.
The Story Behind “Fly Me To The Moon”
Bart Howard, who was born in Burlington, Iowa in 1915, was a talented pianist and songwriter. He moved to New York City in the late 1930s to pursue his music career and eventually became a regular performer at the Blue Angel cabaret club.
It was during one of his performances at the Blue Angel that he wrote “Fly Me To The Moon”. The song was inspired by the space race, which was a hot topic at the time, and it was originally titled “In Other Words”.
“Fly Me To The Moon” didn’t become popular until the early 1960s when Frank Sinatra recorded his version of the song. Sinatra’s version was included in his 1964 album “It Might as Well Be Swing” and it became an instant hit.
The Piano Arrangement of “Fly Me To The Moon”
Bart Howard’s original version of “Fly Me To The Moon” was a simple piano ballad. However, the song’s popularity led to many different arrangements, including a swinging jazz interpretation by Quincy Jones.
The piano arrangement that is most commonly associated with “Fly Me To The Moon” is the one that was used in Frank Sinatra’s version. The arrangement was created by the legendary jazz pianist and arranger, Count Basie.
The piano arrangement features a swinging 4/4 rhythm that is complemented by the beautiful melody of the song. The chords and voicings used in the arrangement give the song a jazzy feel that perfectly complements Sinatra’s smooth vocals.
Learning to Play “Fly Me To The Moon” on Piano
If you’re a pianist and you want to learn how to play “Fly Me To The Moon”, there are many resources available to you. You can find sheet music for the song online, or you can watch video tutorials on YouTube that will teach you how to play the song step-by-step.
One of the best ways to learn how to play “Fly Me To The Moon” is to practice the Count Basie piano arrangement. This arrangement is a bit more complicated than Bart Howard’s original version, but once you master it, you’ll be able to play a beautiful rendition of the song.
Conclusion
“Fly Me To The Moon” is an iconic song that has stood the test of time. Bart Howard’s simple piano ballad has evolved into a swinging jazz classic that is beloved by many. Whether you’re a fan of Frank Sinatra’s version or you prefer one of the many other covers of the song, there’s no denying that “Fly Me To The Moon” is a timeless piece of music.