Bart Howard, the composer of the famous song "Fly Me to the Moon," had a fascinating life and career. Here are some interesting facts about him:
Early Life: Bart Howard was born as Howard Joseph Gustafson on June 1, 1915, in Burlington, Iowa, USA. He later adopted the stage name "Bart Howard."
Musical Prodigy: Howard displayed musical talent from a young age, learning to play the piano and write music while still a child.
Songwriting Career: "Fly Me to the Moon" was not his only notable composition, but it remains his most famous work. He wrote the song in 1954 and initially titled it "In Other Words."
Inspiration for the Song: Bart Howard wrote "Fly Me to the Moon" after being inspired by the frequent sight of airplanes taking off from Los Angeles International Airport, which he could see from his apartment.
Recorded by Legends: The song has been recorded by numerous legendary artists, including Frank Sinatra, who popularized it in 1964. Other notable artists who have covered the song include Tony Bennett and Nat King Cole.
Astronaut Connection: "Fly Me to the Moon" has a unique connection to space exploration. It became the first music heard on the moon when Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin played a tape recording of the song during the 1969 lunar mission.
Multiple Languages: The song has been translated and recorded in various languages, making it an international hit.
Songwriting Awards: Bart Howard received recognition for his songwriting abilities throughout his career, including ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers) awards.
Versatility: Although "Fly Me to the Moon" is his most famous song, Howard composed music for Broadway and television as well. He wrote songs for musicals and even collaborated with famous lyricist and composer Cole Porter.
Legacy: Bart Howard passed away on February 21, 2004, but his music continues to be celebrated and performed worldwide, ensuring his enduring legacy in the world of music.
"Fly Me to the Moon" remains a timeless classic and is often associated with romance, space exploration, and the enchantment of a dreamy journey to the moon.