Who Sang New York, New York? A Deep Dive into a Timeless Classic
A humorous exploration of a musical mystery
So, you've heard that iconic tune, "New York, New York." It's a song that evokes images of the city that never sleeps, a place of dreams and aspirations. But who, pray tell, is the genius behind this masterpiece? Let's embark on a comedic journey to uncover the truth.
The Usual Suspects: A Comedy of Errors
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At first glance, you might think it's Frank Sinatra. After all, he's synonymous with the city and has a version of the song that's as famous as the Empire State Building itself. But hold your horses! Sinatra didn't write the song. He merely popularized it.
The real composer was a man named George Gershwin. Yes, the same Gershwin who gave us "Rhapsody in Blue." But even he didn't sing it. He wrote the music, and his lyricist brother, Ira Gershwin, penned the lyrics.
Who Sang The Song New York City |
So, Who Actually Sang It First?
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The earliest recorded performance of "New York, New York" was by Fred Astaire in the 1949 film Easter Parade. However, it wasn't until Sinatra's rendition in the 1977 film New York, New York that the song truly exploded in popularity.
A Tale of Two Versions
There are essentially two versions of the song that have captured the public's imagination:
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- The Sinatra Version: A powerful, swinging rendition that perfectly captures the city's energy and allure.
- The Modern Versions: Countless artists have put their own spin on the song, from jazz and pop to rock and hip-hop.
A Quick Quiz: Test Your Knowledge
- True or False: Bob Dylan wrote "New York, New York."
- Who sang the song in the movie "Funny Girl"?
- Name a modern artist who has covered "New York, New York" in a unique style.
Answers:
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- False.
- Barbra Streisand.
- Jay-Z.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to find the original recording of "New York, New York"? The original recording is by Fred Astaire from the 1949 film "Easter Parade."
How to learn to sing "New York, New York" like Sinatra? Practice the song regularly, focus on the phrasing and intonation, and try to emulate Sinatra's unique vocal style.
How to play "New York, New York" on the piano? Learn the melody and chords, practice the rhythm, and try to capture the song's jazzy feel.
How to write a song inspired by "New York, New York"? Start with a strong melody, write lyrics that evoke the city's energy and spirit, and consider using a similar chord progression.
How to find sheet music for "New York, New York"? You can find sheet music for the song online or in music stores.
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