Who Sang "New York, New York" First? A Tale of Two Titans
So, you're wondering who actually sang "New York, New York" first, huh? Well, buckle up, because this is a tale as old as time (or at least as old as the late 70s).
Liza with a Z
Let's start with the original diva, Liza Minnelli. She was the one who first belted out those iconic lyrics in the 1977 film, New York, New York. Picture this: a young, starry-eyed Liza, all glitz and glam, singing her heart out on the silver screen. Now that’s a scene. Her version is raw, passionate, and full of that classic Broadway energy. It’s like she was born to sing that song.
Ol’ Blue Eyes
Then came Frank Sinatra, the undisputed King of Cool. He took the song, gave it a Sinatra spin, and bam, it became synonymous with the city that never sleeps. His version is smoother, more sophisticated, and carries that unmistakable Sinatra swagger. It's like he’s telling the city, "I own you."
The Great Debate
So, who sang it first? Liza. Who made it an anthem? Frank. It's like peanut butter and jelly. They're both amazing on their own, but together, they're a match made in musical heaven.
But wait, there’s more!
Did you know that Gene Kelly, Jules Munshin, and Frank Sinatra actually sang a different song called "New York, New York" in the 1949 musical On the Town? Yep, it's a whole different tune! So, technically, they were the very first to sing a song with those words. But let's be real, when most people say "New York, New York," they're thinking Liza or Frank.
How to Become a New York, New York Expert
- How to decide which version is better: It's like choosing between chocolate and vanilla – both are delicious, and the best answer is "it depends on your mood."
- How to sing "New York, New York" without sounding like a karaoke disaster: Practice, practice, practice. And maybe take a few singing lessons.
- How to appreciate the genius of both Liza Minnelli and Frank Sinatra: Listen to both versions repeatedly. You’ll be amazed at their talent.
- How to plan a New York City trip inspired by the song: Think iconic landmarks, jazz clubs, and plenty of pizza.
- How to avoid getting confused with other songs with similar titles: Remember, there’s a big difference between "New York, New York" and "Empire State of Mind."