Bart Howard, the composer of the iconic song "Fly Me to the Moon," had a fascinating life and career. 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 adopted the stage name "Bart Howard" during his music career.
Musical Prodigy: Howard displayed musical talent from a young age and began playing the piano at the age of three. He was largely self-taught as a pianist and composer.
Broadway Composer: Bart Howard enjoyed a successful career as a composer and lyricist for Broadway and cabaret shows. He wrote music for several stage productions, although "Fly Me to the Moon" remains his most enduring composition.
"In Other Words": The original title of the song was "In Other Words." Howard composed the song in 1954, and it was first recorded by Kaye Ballard. However, it was Frank Sinatra's rendition that catapulted it to fame.
Sinatra's Impact: Frank Sinatra recorded "Fly Me to the Moon" for his 1964 album "It Might as Well Be Swing." His version became the most famous and enduring rendition of the song, solidifying its place in the American songbook.
Space Exploration: The song gained further popularity when it was played on the Apollo 10 mission in 1969, making it one of the first songs to be played in space. This contributed to its association with space exploration.
International Success: "Fly Me to the Moon" has been covered by numerous artists in various languages around the world, solidifying its status as a jazz and pop standard. It has been performed in multiple musical genres, including pop, jazz, and bossa nova.
Lifetime Achievement: Bart Howard's contribution to the world of music earned him a lifetime achievement award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1997.
Legacy: Bart Howard passed away on February 21, 2004, but his song "Fly Me to the Moon" continues to be beloved and has been featured in countless movies, TV shows, and commercials. It remains an enduring classic in the world of music.
Versatile Composer: While "Fly Me to the Moon" is his most famous composition, Bart Howard wrote numerous other songs and music pieces throughout his career, showcasing his versatility as a composer.
Bart Howard's "Fly Me to the Moon" is a timeless song that has left an indelible mark on the world of music and continues to be enjoyed by audiences of all generations.