Moonlight in Vermont (song)
"Moonlight in Vermont" is a popular song about the U.S. state of Vermont, written by John Blackburn (lyrics) and Karl Suessdorf (music) and published in 1944.[1] It was introduced by Margaret Whiting in a 1944 recording.[1]
Background
The lyrics are unusual in that they do not rhyme.[1] John Blackburn, the lyricist, has been quoted as saying, "After completing the first 12 bars of the lyric, I realized there was no rhyme and then said to Karl, 'Let’s follow the pattern of no rhyme throughout the song. It seemed right.'"[2] The lyrics are also unconventional in that each verse (not counting the bridge) is a haiku.[1]
The song is considered an unofficial state song of Vermont and is frequently played as the first dance song at Vermont wedding receptions.[3]
Recorded versions
"Moonlight in Vermont" has been covered by numerous other artists over the years:
- Johnny Smith recorded a version of the song in 1952 with Stan Getz, which appeared on a 1956 compilation album
- The Gerry Mulligan Quartet recorded a version in 1953 with Chet Baker
- Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong released a version on their 1956 album, Ella and Louis
- Billie Holiday covered the song in 1957
- Frank Sinatra covered the song for his 1958 studio album 'Come Fly With Me', and performed it regularly live. It appears on his live albums 'Sinatra Saga', 'Sinatra & Sextet: Live in Paris', 'Frank Sinatra with the Red Norvo Quintet: Live in Australia, 1959', 'Sinatra: Vegas' and 'Live at the Meadowlands'. Additionally, it appears as a duet with Linda Ronstadt on his 1994 album 'Duets II'
- Sam Cooke covered the song on his self titled 1958 debut album
- Sarah Vaughan covered the song in 1958 on 'No Count Sarah'
- The Ahmad Jamaal Trio covered the song in a live performance from 'Live at the Pershing Lounge' in 1958
- Dorothy Ashby covered the song in 1958 on 'Hip Harp' with Frank Wess
- Brook Benton covered the song on his 1960 album 'Songs I Love to Sing'
- Bobby Womack covered the song on his 1969 album 'Fly Me to the Moon'
- Willie Nelson covered the song for his 1978 album 'Stardust'
- Seth MacFarlane covered the song for his 2014 Christmas album 'Holiday For Swing'
- Captain Beefheart's song "Moonlight on Vermont", on his 1969 album Trout Mask Replica, is unrelated
Notes
References
- "Jazz Standards Songs and Instrumentals (Moonlight in Vermont)". www.jazzstandards.com.
- Sheila Davis (1984) The Craft of Lyric Writing , Writer's Digest Books, Cincinnati ISBN 0-89879-149-9
- Franz, Charlie; Wrzeszczynski, Kazimierz. "Moonlight in Vermont History". Retrieved 2019-06-20.
If you have ever been to a wedding in Vermont you undoubtedly have heard Moonlight in Vermont.
External links
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