Bart Howard was an American composer and songwriter known for his iconic song "Fly Me to the Moon." Here are some interesting facts about Bart Howard and the song:
Early Life and Career: Bart Howard was born Howard Joseph Gustafson on June 1, 1915, in Burlington, Iowa. He began his music career as a pianist and singer in Chicago before moving to New York City to further his career in the entertainment industry.
Name Change: He changed his name to Bart Howard as a stage name. He chose "Bart" because it was similar to "Burt," a name he liked, and "Howard" because it sounded classy.
"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 one of his most famous compositions.
Popularized by Frank Sinatra: Although the song was initially recorded by Kaye Ballard, it gained widespread popularity when Frank Sinatra recorded it in 1964. Sinatra's rendition is often considered the definitive version.
NASA Connection: "Fly Me to the Moon" became associated with the Apollo missions to the moon. Astronauts on Apollo 10 played Sinatra's version of the song in space, and it was later played on the Apollo 11 mission when astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin first walked on the moon.
Numerous Cover Versions: Over the years, "Fly Me to the Moon" has been covered by numerous artists from various genres, including jazz, pop, and rock. It remains a beloved standard in the music world.
Honors and Awards: Bart Howard received several honors during his career, including the ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers) Award for "Fly Me to the Moon."
Later Life: Bart Howard continued to perform and compose music throughout his life. He passed away on February 21, 2004, in Carmel, New York.
"Fly Me to the Moon" is a timeless classic, and Bart Howard's contribution to the world of music through this song continues to be celebrated today.