“Fly Me to the Moon,” a timeless classic, has been captivating audiences for decades. But who sang it first, and which version became the most famous? This article explores the rich history of “Fly Me to the Moon,” from its humble beginnings to its global recognition, focusing on the artists who helped make it a cultural phenomenon.
Originally titled “In Other Words,” the song was written by Bart Howard in 1954. Kaye Ballard holds the distinction of recording the very first commercial version, released by Decca Records in April of the same year. Billboard magazine even gave the song a brief, positive review. However, Ballard’s “Fly Me to the Moon” wasn’t released as a single; it was the B-side to her song “Lazy Afternoon.”
Following Ballard’s debut, numerous jazz and cabaret artists embraced the song. During the late 1950s and early 1960s, artists like Chris Connor, Johnny Mathis, Portia Nelson, and Nancy Wilson all released their own interpretations of “In Other Words.” Eydie Gormé’s 1958 rendition, featured on her album “Eydie In Love,” even earned a Grammy nomination.
The song’s trajectory changed significantly with Peggy Lee’s 1960 recording. Included on her album “Pretty Eyes,” Lee’s version gained immense popularity after her performance on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” It was Lee who championed the name change to “Fly Me to the Moon,” officially adopted by Howard in 1963. This period also saw the release of international versions, with Connie Francis recording the song in Italian and Spanish.
In 1962, Joe Harnell’s instrumental bossa nova arrangement of “Fly Me to the Moon” achieved remarkable chart success, peaking at #14 on the Billboard Hot 100. Harnell’s version even garnered a Grammy Award for Best Performance by an Orchestra.
While many artists contributed to the song’s growing popularity, it was Frank Sinatra’s 1964 rendition that cemented “Fly Me to the Moon” in the cultural consciousness. Arranged by Quincy Jones and featuring Count Basie’s orchestra, Sinatra’s swing-infused version became indelibly linked with the Apollo missions to the moon, forever associating the song with space exploration. By this point, Bart Howard estimated that over 100 versions of the song had already been recorded.
Following Sinatra’s iconic recording, “Fly Me to the Moon” continued to inspire artists across various genres. Bobby Womack’s soulful 1968 version reached the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts. The song has also been featured in television shows like “WKRP in Cincinnati” and even video games like “Bayonetta,” further demonstrating its enduring appeal.
“Fly Me to the Moon” boasts a recording history exceeding 300 versions by 1995, showcasing its widespread impact on music and popular culture. From Kaye Ballard’s initial recording to Frank Sinatra’s iconic performance, each artist contributed a unique interpretation to this timeless masterpiece. While Sinatra’s version is arguably the most famous, the song’s enduring legacy lies in its ability to transcend generations and resonate with diverse audiences worldwide. The song’s journey exemplifies how a simple melody and heartfelt lyrics can become a cultural touchstone, continually reinterpreted and beloved across decades.
