Moonlight in Vermont (song)
"Moonlight in Vermont" is a popular song about the U.S. state of Vermont, written by John Blackburn (lyrics) and Karl Suessdorf (music) and published in 1944.[1] It was introduced by Margaret Whiting in a 1944 recording.[1]
Background
[edit]The lyrics are unusual in that they do not rhyme.[1] John Blackburn, the lyricist, has been quoted as saying, "After completing the first 12 bars of the lyric, I realized there was no rhyme and then said to Karl, 'Let’s follow the pattern of no rhyme throughout the song.' It seemed right."[2] The lyrics are also unconventional in that each verse (not counting the bridge) is a haiku.[1]
The song is considered an unofficial state song of Vermont and is frequently played as the first dance song at Vermont wedding receptions.[3]
Recorded versions
[edit] |
"Moonlight in Vermont" has been covered by numerous other artists over the years, including:
- Johnny Smith recorded a version of the song in 1952 with Stan Getz, later the title track on a 1956 album
- The Gerry Mulligan Quartet recorded a version in 1953 with Chet Baker
- Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong released a version on their 1956 album, Ella and Louis
- Billie Holiday covered the song in January 1957 for her 1958 Verve album Songs for Distingué Lovers
- Frank Sinatra covered the song for his 1958 studio album Come Fly With Me, and performed it regularly live. It appears on his live albums Sinatra Saga, Sinatra & Sextet: Live in Paris, Frank Sinatra with the Red Norvo Quintet: Live in Australia, 1959, Sinatra: Vegas and Live at the Meadowlands. Additionally, it appears as a duet with Linda Ronstadt on his 1994 album Duets II.
- Sam Cooke covered the song on his self titled 1958 debut album[4]
- Sarah Vaughan covered the song in 1958 on No Count Sarah
- Dorothy Ashby covered the song in 1958 on Hip Harp with Frank Wess
- Ray Charles included it on his 1960 album The Genius Hits the Road
- Bobby Womack covered the song on his 1969 album Fly Me to the Moon
- Willie Nelson covered the song for his 1978 album Stardust
- Seth Macfarlane covered the song in is 2014 album Holiday for Swing!
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d "Jazz Standards Songs and Instrumentals (Moonlight in Vermont)". www.jazzstandards.com.
- ^ Sheila Davis (1984) The Craft of Lyric Writing , Writer's Digest Books, Cincinnati ISBN 0-89879-149-9
- ^ Franz, Charlie; Wrzeszczynski, Kazimierz. "Moonlight in Vermont History". Retrieved 2019-06-20.
If you have ever been to a wedding in Vermont you undoubtedly have heard Moonlight in Vermont.
- ^ "www.allmusic.com". www.allmusic.com. Retrieved July 22, 2024.
External links
[edit]
- 1943 songs
- 1940s jazz standards
- Songs written by John Blackburn (songwriter)
- Songs written by Karl Suessdorf
- Margaret Whiting songs
- Ella Fitzgerald songs
- Louis Armstrong songs
- Frank Sinatra songs
- Willie Nelson songs
- Ray Charles songs
- Rosemary Clooney songs
- The Coasters songs
- Nat King Cole songs
- Sam Cooke songs
- Billie Holiday songs
- Frankie Laine songs
- Johnny Mathis songs
- Linda Ronstadt songs
- Neil Sedaka songs
- Sarah Vaughan songs
- Vermont culture
- Haiku
- Pop standards
- Songs about Vermont