Bart Howard was a talented American songwriter and composer best known for writing the classic song "Fly Me to the Moon." Here are some interesting facts about him:
Early Life and Name Change: Bart Howard was born Howard Joseph Gustafson on June 1, 1915, in Burlington, Iowa. He later changed his name to Bart Howard when he began his career in show business.
Prolific Songwriter: Bart Howard was a prolific songwriter who composed over 300 songs during his career. While "Fly Me to the Moon" is his most famous composition, he wrote many other popular songs as well.
"Fly Me to the Moon": Bart Howard wrote "Fly Me to the Moon" in 1954. The song was originally titled "In Other Words." It became a hit when Frank Sinatra recorded it in 1964, and it has since become a jazz standard and a timeless classic.
Tony Bennett's Version: Before Frank Sinatra's iconic rendition, Tony Bennett recorded "Fly Me to the Moon" in 1965, helping to popularize the song further. Bennett's version is also widely appreciated.
Other Artists' Interpretations: Over the years, "Fly Me to the Moon" has been covered by numerous artists, including Nat King Cole, Julie London, Diana Krall, and many more. It remains a favorite for jazz and pop singers alike.
Connection to the Apollo Missions: The song "Fly Me to the Moon" became associated with NASA's Apollo program. Astronauts played it during missions, and it was played as background music during the historic Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969.
Lifetime Achievement: Bart Howard received recognition for his contributions to music with various awards and honors. In 1999, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Versatile Composer: While "Fly Me to the Moon" is his most famous work, Bart Howard wrote songs in various genres, including jazz, pop, and musical theater.
International Success: Bart Howard's compositions have been appreciated and recorded by artists from around the world. His music has reached audiences on a global scale.
Legacy: Bart Howard passed away on February 21, 2004, but his music continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by new generations. "Fly Me to the Moon" remains an enduring classic and a symbol of romance and adventure.