Les Paul and Mary Ford’s How High The Moon is a classic jazz standard that has become a favorite of music fans around the world. The song was released in 1951 and quickly became a hit, staying on the Billboard charts for over six months. Since then, it has been covered by countless artists, and its catchy melody and upbeat tempo continue to captivate audiences to this day.
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But what makes How High The Moon so special? In this article, we’ll explore the meaning behind the song and how it has become such an iconic piece of music.
The Inspiration Behind How High The Moon
Many people might not know that How High The Moon was not originally a song. In fact, it started as a instrumental piece composed by Les Paul, who was a renowned guitarist, and his then-wife Mary Ford. The two were pioneers in the music industry, experimenting with new recording techniques and creating innovative sounds that helped shape the future of popular music.
In 1951, Les Paul and Mary Ford decided to add lyrics to their composition, and How High The Moon was born. The song was released on their album, “Les Paul’s New Sound, Vol. 1,” and became an instant hit. Its catchy melody and upbeat tempo quickly won over audiences, and it has since become one of the most well-known jazz standards of all time.
The Meaning of How High The Moon
At its core, How High The Moon is a love song. The lyrics talk about the overwhelming feeling of falling in love and how it can make your heart soar. The opening lines of the song set the stage for the romance to come:
“Somewhere there’s music, how faint the tune
Somewhere there’s heaven, how high the moon”
The song’s lyrics go on to describe the intense emotions that come with being in love, with lines like “The breeze and I are saying with a sigh / That you’re the one I adore.” It’s a song that captures the joy and excitement of romance, and it’s no wonder that it has remained so popular over the years.
The Legacy of How High The Moon
Since its release in 1951, How High The Moon has become a staple in the world of jazz and popular music. It has been covered by countless artists, including Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and Sarah Vaughan, among others. The song’s catchy melody and upbeat tempo continue to be a favorite of audiences around the world, and it has been featured in numerous movies, television shows, and commercials over the years.
In addition to its popularity among music fans, How High The Moon has also had a lasting impact on the music industry as a whole. Les Paul’s innovative recording techniques, which he used to create the layered sound on the original recording of the song, are still used by artists and producers today. In fact, Paul’s contributions to the field of music recording earned him a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.
FAQs
Who wrote How High The Moon?
Les Paul and Mary Ford wrote How High The Moon in 1940 as an instrumental composition. They added lyrics to the song in 1951.
What is the meaning behind How High The Moon?
How High The Moon is a love song that describes the joy and excitement of falling in love.
How popular is How High The Moon?
How High The Moon has become a classic jazz standard and remains a favorite of music fans around the world. It has been covered by countless artists, been used in numerous movies and television shows, and has achieved widespread popularity and recognition.
Who has covered How High The Moon?
How High The Moon has been covered by a wide range of artists, including Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Sarah Vaughan, Stan Kenton, and Les Paul himself, among others.
What recording techniques did Les Paul use on How High The Moon?
Les Paul used innovative recording techniques, including multi-tracking and sound-on-sound recording, to create the layered sound on the original recording of How High The Moon.
What other songs are associated with Les Paul and Mary Ford?
Les Paul and Mary Ford had several hits, including Vaya Con Dios, The World Is Waiting for Sunrise, and Bye Bye Blues.
What is Les Paul’s legacy in the music industry?
Les Paul is considered one of the most important figures in the history of popular music. His contributions to the field of music recording, including multi-tracking and sound-on-sound recording, revolutionized the industry and paved the way for the development of new recording technologies.
What is Mary Ford’s legacy in the music industry?
Mary Ford was one of the most successful female vocalists of her time, with several top 10 hits to her name. She was known for her smooth, clear voice, and her collaborations with Les Paul helped to shape the sound of popular music in the 1950s.
When was How High The Moon released?
How High The Moon was released in 1951 on Les Paul and Mary Ford’s album, “Les Paul’s New Sound, Vol. 1.”
What genre of music is How High The Moon?
How High The Moon is a jazz standard, but it has also been associated with pop and rock music over the years.
What other jazz standards are popular?
Other popular jazz standards include My Funny Valentine, I Got Rhythm, and Autumn Leaves, among others.
What other contributions has Les Paul made to the music industry?
In addition to his pioneering work in recording technology, Les Paul also invented the solid-body electric guitar, which helped to revolutionize the sound of rock and roll music.
What is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a museum and hall of fame located in Cleveland, Ohio, that celebrates the history and significance of rock and roll music. The museum features exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays that showcase the history of the genre and its impact on American culture.
