Bart Howard was a notable American composer and songwriter known for his famous song "Fly Me to the Moon." Here are some interesting facts about him:
Early Life and Career: Bart Howard was born Howard Joseph Gustafson on June 1, 1915, in Burlington, Iowa. He later adopted the stage name "Bart Howard" when he began his career in music.
"Fly Me to the Moon" Origins: Howard wrote "Fly Me to the Moon" in 1954. Originally, it was titled "In Other Words." The song went through several iterations before its famous version was recorded by Kaye Ballard in 1954.
Popularized by Frank Sinatra: The song gained widespread popularity when Frank Sinatra recorded a version of it in 1964. It became closely associated with Sinatra, and his rendition is one of the most famous.
Other Notable Performances: "Fly Me to the Moon" has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole, and Diana Krall. It has become a jazz standard and is often performed in various musical styles.
NASA Connection: In 1969, the song gained a special connection to space exploration when it was played on the Apollo 11 mission as astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the moon.
International Recognition: Bart Howard's songwriting skills extended beyond "Fly Me to the Moon." He composed and wrote songs for many international artists and had his work translated into several languages.
Prolific Songwriter: Apart from his famous hit, Bart Howard wrote numerous other songs and was a prolific composer. His works encompassed a wide range of musical genres, including pop, jazz, and cabaret.
Longevity in the Music Industry: Bart Howard's career spanned several decades, and he continued to write and perform music well into his later years.
Legacy: Bart Howard's legacy lives on through his enduring song, "Fly Me to the Moon," which remains a beloved classic in the world of music. His contribution to the American songbook is celebrated to this day.
Bart Howard's "Fly Me to the Moon" has left a lasting imprint on popular music and continues to be a favorite for both musicians and listeners around the world.