Yes, Fly Me to the Moon is definitively considered a jazz standard.
This timeless piece holds a prominent place in the repertoire of musicians worldwide and is instantly recognizable to audiences, making it a true staple of the jazz genre.
Why "Fly Me to the Moon" is a Jazz Standard
A jazz standard is a musical composition that is widely known, performed, and recorded by jazz musicians. "Fly Me to the Moon" fits this description perfectly due to its enduring popularity and frequent performance.
According to one source, this tune is highlighted as a "very useful tune to know" and a "real favorite for even casual jazz listeners." It is explicitly stated that "It is a standard you simply must know." This underscores its essential status within the jazz repertoire for both learners and seasoned professionals.
Key Characteristics Contributing to its Standard Status:
- Widespread Recognition: Its melody and lyrics are highly familiar.
- Frequent Performance: It's regularly played by countless jazz vocalists and instrumentalists.
- Musical Adaptability: While often played in the key of C major, it is versatile and can be performed and interpreted in many different styles and keys.
- Educational Importance: As the reference notes, it's considered a fundamental tune for musicians to learn.
Understanding Its Popularity
"Fly Me to the Moon," originally titled "In Other Words," was written by Bart Howard in 1954. While it gained some popularity early on, it became globally famous, particularly after Frank Sinatra's iconic 1964 recording with the Count Basie Orchestra. This version's association with the Apollo missions further cemented its cultural significance.
Its enduring appeal lies in its beautiful, accessible melody and its chord changes, which are both interesting for improvisation and relatively straightforward for learning musicians.
Notable Aspects
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Original Title | In Other Words |
| Composer | Bart Howard |
| Common Key | Often C Major (but adaptable) |
| Popularity | High among listeners, instrumentalists, and vocalists |
| Status in Jazz | Essential jazz standard |
| Ease of Learning | Relatively accessible for studying jazz harmony and improvisation |
In conclusion, based on its continuous performance, recognition, and the explicit reference identifying it as a necessary standard, "Fly Me to the Moon" is unquestionably a jazz standard.
