Harper West
Moon River is a song composed by Henry Mancini with lyrics by Johnny Mercer, which was originally performed by Audrey Hepburn in the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany's. Hepburn's character, Holly Golightly, sings the song in a memorable scene, accompanying herself on the guitar while sitting on a fire escape. The song was almost cut from the film, but Hepburn insisted that it stay, and her performance has since become one of the most iconic renditions of the song.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Did Audrey Hepburn sing Moon River in Breakfast at Tiffany's? | Yes |
| Year of the film's release | 1961 |
| Who wrote the song? | Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer |
| Who was the song originally performed by? | Audrey Hepburn |
| Did the song win any awards? | Yes, it won two Academy Awards, two Grammys, and was named the fourth most memorable song in Hollywood history by the American Film Institute in 2004 |
| Was the song almost cut from the film? | Yes |
| Who was the composer? | Henry Mancini |
| What was the name of Audrey Hepburn's character in the film? | Holly Golightly |
| Was Audrey Hepburn a singer? | No |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Audrey Hepburn's performance of 'Moon River'
"Moon River" is a song composed by Henry Mancini with lyrics by Johnny Mercer. It was originally performed by Audrey Hepburn in the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany's. The song was written specifically for Hepburn's character, Holly Golightly, to sing in the film.
Hepburn's performance of "Moon River" is considered iconic and one of the most memorable moments in cinematic history. Despite not being a singer, Hepburn's rendition is considered the best by many, including Mancini himself, who believed that "no one else has ever understood it so completely". Hepburn's singing voice was untrained, but her performance was praised as sincere, natural, and heartfelt.
In the film, there is a scene where Holly Golightly (Hepburn) feels sad, so she pulls out a guitar and sings "Moon River" while sitting on her fire escape. The song perfectly encapsulates the character's longing for a better life and true love. The song's lyrics, written by Mercer, are reminiscent of his childhood in Savannah, Georgia, and the carefree days of picking huckleberries by the river.
The song almost didn't make the final cut of the film. After a preview screening, a Paramount executive suggested removing it. However, Hepburn firmly stood her ground, insisting that it would be removed "over her dead body". Her passion for the song saved it, and it went on to win two Academy Awards and two Grammys. It has been recorded over 500 times by artists like Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, and Andy Williams, who made it his theme song.
Erin Baker's Breakfast Cookies: Vegan or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The song's writers, Mancini and Mercer
"Moon River" was composed by Henry Mancini with lyrics by Johnny Mercer. Mancini and Mercer were already making names for themselves in Hollywood at the time. Mancini had worked on the Pink Panther theme, and Mercer had written the lyrics for popular songs like "Hooray for Hollywood" and "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive" from White Christmas.
Mercer grew up in Savannah, Georgia, where he had fond memories of his childhood, including picking huckleberries and watching the river roll by. The inlet near Savannah, Georgia, Johnny Mercer's hometown, was named Moon River in his honor. Mercer's original title for the song was "Blue River", reflecting the color of huckleberries. However, he discovered that the title was already taken, so he changed it to "Moon River".
Mancini and Mercer wrote the song for Audrey Hepburn to sing in the film Breakfast at Tiffany's. The song was almost cut from the film after a tepid Los Angeles preview, but Hepburn insisted that it stay, reportedly saying, "Over my dead body!". The song went on to win an Academy Award for Best Original Song and two Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year in 1962. It has been recorded by numerous other artists and has become one of the most well-known and beloved songs in Hollywood history.
Oatmeal Breakfast: Quick, Easy, and Healthy Recipes
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The song's near-exclusion from the film
"Moon River" is a song composed by Henry Mancini with lyrics by Johnny Mercer. It was originally performed by Audrey Hepburn in the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany's. The song has been recorded by many other artists and has become one of the most memorable songs in Hollywood history. However, it almost didn't make the final cut of the film.
After the first preview screening of Breakfast at Tiffany's in 1961, Paramount studio head Martin Rackin was impressed with the film but disliked the song "Moon River." He told the crew, which included star Audrey Hepburn and composer Henry Mancini, that the song had to go. Hepburn's character, Holly Golightly, sings "Moon River" in the film, and Hepburn herself was not a singer. Despite this, she insisted that the song stay in the film, saying, "Over my dead body!"
Mancini tailored the melody to Hepburn's limited vocal range, and after much practice, her performance was a triumph. Hepburn was pleased with the result and wrote to Mancini, "Your music has lifted us all up and sent us soaring... You are the hippest of cats—and the most sensitive of composers!" Mancini's music won two Academy Awards and two Grammys.
"Moon River" has been recorded over 500 times by artists like Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, Judy Garland, Sarah Vaughan, and Andy Williams. It has been named one of the most memorable songs in Hollywood history by the American Film Institute. Mancini always believed that Hepburn’s rendition was the best. “No one else has ever understood it so completely,” he said. Perhaps this is because Hepburn understood that the power of “Moon River” isn’t just the dream of adventure but the knowledge that it will only ever be a dream, and choosing to dream it anyway.
Taco Bell Breakfast Hours: When Do They Start Serving?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
'Moon River's' awards and accolades
"Moon River", originally performed by Audrey Hepburn in the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany's, has received numerous awards and accolades. The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1961, as well as two Grammy Awards in 1962 for Record of the Year and Song of the Year. In addition, it was named the fourth most memorable song in Hollywood history by the American Film Institute in 2004.
The song was composed by Henry Mancini with lyrics by Johnny Mercer, and it became a signature song for Andy Williams, who first recorded it in 1962. Williams' version was certified gold and sold over two million copies. In 2018, his rendition was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and in 2022, it was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Recording Registry.
"Moon River" has been recorded by numerous other artists, including Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Sarah Vaughan, Louis Armstrong, and Sarah Brightman. It has been featured in various films and television shows and has become a beloved standard in the Great American Songbook. The song's success had a significant impact on Mercer's career as a songwriter, with an inlet near his hometown of Savannah, Georgia, being renamed Moon River in his honour.
The awards received by "Moon River" are a testament to its enduring popularity and cultural significance. The song's bittersweet melody and romantic lyrics have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, and it continues to be celebrated and remembered as one of the greatest songs in Hollywood history.
Breakfast Casserole: Perfect Temp for a Hearty Morning Feast
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Other famous artists who have covered 'Moon River'
"Moon River" has been covered by numerous famous artists, including:
Andy Williams
Williams first recorded "Moon River" in 1962 and made it his theme song, singing the first eight bars at the beginning of each episode of his television show. He also named his production company and venue in Branson, Missouri, after the song. Williams' version was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2018 and was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Recording Registry in 2022.
Louis Armstrong
Armstrong's version of "Moon River" is described as "unsurprisingly stirring," with his voice tremulously holding on to the end of each line and accompanied by a classy trumpet coda.
Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin's version of "Moon River" is described as spirited, with "big blasts of brass."
Frank Sinatra
Sinatra's rendition of the song is described as "buttery."
Judy Garland
Judy Garland performed "Moon River" on her short-lived variety show in 1963.
Other notable artists who have covered "Moon River" include Sarah Vaughan, Jerry Butler, British singer Danny Williams, Eddie Harris, Quincy Jones, Grant Green, Barbara Mason, Morrissey, The Killers, Elton John, and Barry Manilow.
Air-Frying Breakfast Potatoes: How Long Does It Take?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Hepburn performed the song in the 1961 film.
The song was composed by Henry Mancini with lyrics by Johnny Mercer.
In the film, Holly Golightly (Hepburn's character) is a free-spirited socialite who longs for a better life and true love. In the scene where she sings "Moon River", she is feeling blue, so she pulls out a guitar and sings while sitting on her fire escape. The song's lyrics reflect her desire for a simpler life.
No, she wasn't a singer and didn't want to perform the song. Composer Henry Mancini tailored the melody to her limited vocal range. However, after much practice, Hepburn's performance was praised as sincere, natural, and heartfelt.
Yes, "Moon River" won several awards, including two Academy Awards (Best Original Song and Best Movie Song) and two Grammys (Record of the Year and Song of the Year). In 2004, the American Film Institute named it the fourth most memorable song in Hollywood history.
