In this lesson I take you through the classic “Fly Me To The Moon” written by Bart Howard. I do the Frank Sinatra version and love the swing and energy of this version. This works great for guitar and is perfect lesson for some starting to learn how to play chord melody because it is in the key of Am and there are very few modulations. Thanks so much for you support.
Great Versions
1. Frank Sinatra (1964)
This is probably the most iconic version of the song. Sinatra’s smooth delivery, accompanied by a lush arrangement by Quincy Jones, solidified “Fly Me to the Moon” as a timeless classic. It’s often associated with the space race era, as the song was widely popular when NASA’s Apollo missions were taking place.
2. Diana Krall (2001)
Diana Krall, a jazz pianist and vocalist, brought a modern, sultry vibe to the song. Her version is more laid-back, with a focus on her voice and piano accompaniment. It’s a smooth and intimate rendition that appeals to jazz lovers.
Guitar
1. Joe Pass (Jazz Guitar)
Joe Pass, a virtuoso in the jazz world, has an incredible instrumental version of “Fly Me to the Moon.” His version is intricate and showcases his impressive fingerstyle technique. He plays the melody while simultaneously accompanying himself with jazz chords, demonstrating his mastery of jazz guitar improvisation.
3. George Benson (Jazz Guitar)
Though George Benson is known for his virtuosic skills on the guitar, he’s also a jazz singer, and his version of “Fly Me to the Moon” incorporates smooth guitar riffs, showcasing his impeccable sense of rhythm and phrasing. His jazz guitar playing can be heard in his recordings, where the guitar is featured prominently.
4. Chet Atkins (Fingerstyle)
Chet Atkins was a master of fingerstyle guitar, and his version of “Fly Me to the Moon” is a great example of how the song can be played in a country or folk-infused fingerstyle technique. He adds intricate arpeggios and alternating bass lines that provide a lovely harmonic base to the melody. His smooth, flowing style gives a warm, intimate vibe to the song.
5. Tony Rice (Bluegrass Guitar)
Tony Rice, a bluegrass guitar legend, has brought a bit of his bluegrass influence to the song in some of his performances. His version is played in a flatpicking style, bringing a faster, more upbeat feel to the tune, but still maintaining the core essence of the song.
6. Tommy Emmanuel (Fingerstyle Acoustic Guitar)
Tommy Emmanuel, known for his fingerstyle prowess, has made a fantastic rendition of “Fly Me to the Moon.” He brings his signature percussive style to the tune, with a rich arrangement that combines melody, harmony, and rhythm all played on one acoustic guitar. His performance often captures the feeling of big band jazz in a solo setting.
About
“Fly Me to the Moon” is a jazz standard written by American songwriter Bart Howard in 1954. Originally titled “In Other Words,” the song became widely popular when it was recorded by various artists, but most notably by Frank Sinatra in 1964. His version, arranged by Quincy Jones and recorded for the album It Might as Well Be Swing, brought the song into the mainstream and solidified its place in popular culture.
Background:
- Written by: Bart Howard
- Original title: “In Other Words”
- Year written: 1954
- Popularized by: Frank Sinatra (1964), but also covered by artists like Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole, and Peggy Lee.
Lyrics:
The lyrics of “Fly Me to the Moon” express a longing for love and escapism, with the moon symbolizing an idealized, dream-like place. The narrator desires to be swept off their feet by a lover and taken to the moon, where everything feels perfect. It’s a romantic wish for adventure, connection, and escape from the ordinary.
Key themes:
- Love and Romance: The song’s lyrics are a metaphor for a love that transcends earthly boundaries.
- Escapism: The idea of being taken to the moon is a way of describing the feeling of being in love, as if in another world.
- Jazz influence: With its smooth, swinging melody and sophisticated lyrics, the song became a jazz standard and continues to be a favorite for jazz singers and instrumentalists.
Popularity:
While the song was originally recorded by various artists, Frank Sinatra’s 1964 version remains the most iconic. It was released at the height of the space race, giving it an additional layer of cultural resonance. Its association with the moon landing in 1969 helped cement the song’s lasting appeal.
Since then, it has appeared in movies, TV shows, and commercials, making it one of the most recognizable songs of the 20th century.
Fun Fact:
The song’s connection to space exploration became even stronger after the Apollo 11 mission, with Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin’s historic moon landing in 1969. “Fly Me to the Moon” became a symbol of human curiosity and the spirit of adventure, paralleling the excitement of space travel and the universal yearning to explore the unknown.