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{{short description|Jazz standard with lyrics by Nancy Hamilton and music by Morgan Lewis}}
{{Infobox Standard <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Songs -->
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2024}}
| title = How High the Moon
{{Infobox song
| english_title =
| name = How High the Moon
| comment = First featured in the 1940 Broadway revue ''[[Two for the Show (musical)|Two for the Show]]''
| image =
| cover =
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption =
| type =
| writer =
| artist = [[Alfred Drake]] and [[Frances Comstock]]
| album =
| composer = [[Morgan Lewis (songwriter)|Morgan Lewis]]
| lyricist = [[Nancy Hamilton]]
| EP =
| published = 1940
| written =
| written =
| published = 1940
| language = [[English language|English]]
| released =
| form =
| format =
| recorded =
| original_artist = [[Alfred Drake]] and [[Frances Comstock]]
| studio =
| recorded_by = [[Benny Goodman]] & His Orchestra,<br>[[Stan Kenton]],<br>[[Les Paul]] and [[Mary Ford]],<br>many other artists (see [[#Most notable recordings]] and [[#Other versions]])
| performed_by =
| venue =
| genre = Jazz
| length =
| label =
| writer =
| composer = [[Morgan Lewis (songwriter)|Morgan Lewis]]
| lyricist = [[Nancy Hamilton]]
| producer =
| prev_title =
| prev_year =
| title =
| next_title =
| next_year =
}}
}}
"'''How High the Moon'''" is a [[jazz standard]] with [[lyrics]] by [[Nancy Hamilton]] and music by [[Morgan Lewis (songwriter)|Morgan Lewis]]. It was first featured in the 1940 [[Broadway theater|Broadway]] revue ''[[Two for the Show (musical)|Two for the Show]]'', where it was sung by [[Alfred Drake]] and [[Frances Comstock]].<ref name=SecondHand>[http://www.secondhandsongs.com/song/7583 Covers of the song "How High the Moon"]</ref>


"'''How High the Moon'''" is a [[jazz standard]] with [[lyrics]] by [[Nancy Hamilton]] and music by [[Morgan Lewis (songwriter)|Morgan Lewis]]. It was first featured in the 1940 [[Broadway theater|Broadway]] revue ''[[Two for the Show (musical)|Two for the Show]]'', where it was sung by [[Alfred Drake]] and [[Frances Comstock]].<ref name=SecondHand>{{Cite web|url=https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/7583|title=Cover versions of How High the Moon by Frances Comstock & Alfred Drake|website=Secondhandsongs.com|access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref> In ''Two for the Show'', this was a rare serious moment in an otherwise humorous revue.
In ''Two for the Show'', this was a rare serious moment in an otherwise humorous revue.


==Recordings==
==Most notable recordings==
[[File:How High The Moon Les Paul Mary Ford 78 1951.jpg|thumb|1951 Capitol Records 78 single by Les Paul and Mary Ford, 1451.]] [[File:How High The Moon Les Paul Mary Ford Chappell 1951.jpg|thumb|1951 sheet music for the Les Paul and Mary Ford recording, Chappell, New York.]]

The earliest recorded hit version was by [[Benny Goodman]] & His Orchestra. It was recorded on February 7, 1940, and released by [[Columbia Records]] as [[Catalog numbering systems for single records|catalog number]] 35391, with the flip side "Fable of the Rose".<ref>[http://78discography.com/COL35200.htm Columbia Records in the 35200 to 35499 series]</ref> The Les Paul Trio recorded a version released as V-Disc 540B with a spoken introduction which was issued in November, 1945 by the U.S. War Department. In 1948, bandleader [[Stan Kenton]] enjoyed some success with his version of the tune. The recording, with a vocal by [[June Christy]], was released by [[Capitol Records]] as catalog number 911 (with the flip side "[[Willow, Weep for Me]]")<ref name=Cap500>[http://78discography.com/Capitol500.htm Capitol Records in the 500 to 999 series]</ref> and 15117(with the flip side "Interlude").<ref>[http://78discography.com/Capitol15000.htm Capitol Records in the 15000 to 15431 series]</ref> It reached the ''[[Billboard magazine]]'' Best Seller chart on July 9, 1948, its only week on the chart, at #27.<ref name=Whitburn>
The earliest recorded hit version was by [[Benny Goodman]] & His Orchestra, featuring vocalist [[Helen Forrest]]. It was recorded on February 7, 1940, and released by [[Columbia Records]] as catalog number 35391, with the flip side "Fable of the Rose".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://78discography.com/COL35200.htm|title=COLUMBIA 78rpm numerical listing discography: 35200 - 35500|website=78discography.com|access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref> The [[Les Paul Trio]] recorded a version released as [[V-Disc]] 540B with a spoken introduction which was issued in November 1945 by the U.S. War Department. In 1948, bandleader [[Stan Kenton]] enjoyed some success with his version of the tune. The recording, with a vocal by [[June Christy]], was released by [[Capitol Records]] as catalog number 911 (with the flip side "[[Willow, Weep for Me]]")<ref name=Cap500>{{Cite web|url=http://78discography.com/Capitol500.htm|title=Capitol 500 - 1000, 78rpm numerical listing discography|website=78discography.com|access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref> and 15117 (with the flip side "Interlude").<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://78discography.com/Capitol15000.htm|title=Capitol 15000 series numerical listing discography|website=78discography.com|access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref> It reached the ''[[Billboard magazine]]'' Best Seller chart on July 9, 1948, its only week on the chart, at #27.<ref name=Whitburn>
{{cite book
{{cite book
| last = Whitburn
| last = Whitburn
| first = Joel
| first = Joel
| authorlink = Joel Whitburn
| author-link = Joel Whitburn
| title = Top Pop Records 1940-1955
| title = Top Pop Records 1940-1955
| publisher = Record Research
| publisher = Record Research
Line 34: Line 45:
</ref>
</ref>


{{Infobox song
The best-known recording of the song is by [[Les Paul]] and [[Mary Ford]], made on January 4, 1951. The record was released by [[Capitol Records]] as catalog number 1451, with the flip side "Walkin' and Whistlin' Blues",<ref>[http://78discography.com/Capitol1000.htm Capitol Records in the 1000 to 1499 series]</ref> and spent 25 weeks (beginning on March 23, 1951) on the ''[[Billboard magazine|Billboard]]'' chart,<ref name=Whitburn/> 9 weeks at #1. The record was subsequently re-released by Capitol as catalog number 1675, with "Josephine" on the [[A-side and B-side|B-side]].<ref>[http://78discography.com/Capitol1500.htm Capitol Records in the 1500 to 1999 series]</ref>
| name = How High the Moon
| cover =
| alt =
| type = single
| artist = [[Les Paul and Mary Ford]]
| EP =
| B-side =
| released = March 26, 1951 (original release)
| recorded = January 4, 1951<ref name="SoundOnSound">{{cite web |last1=Buskin |first1=Richard |title=Classic Tracks: Les Paul & Mary Ford 'How High the Moon' |url=https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/classic-tracks-les-paul-mary-ford-how-high-moon |website=SoundOnSound |publisher=Sound On Sound |access-date=August 1, 2023}}</ref>
| studio = Les Paul and Mary Ford's apartment home studio<ref name="SoundOnSound">{{cite web |last1=Buskin |first1=Richard |title=Classic Tracks: Les Paul & Mary Ford 'How High the Moon' |url=https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/classic-tracks-les-paul-mary-ford-how-high-moon |website=SoundOnSound |publisher=Sound On Sound |access-date=August 1, 2023}}</ref>
| genre =
| length = 2:07
| label = [[Capitol Records]]<ref name="SoundOnSound">{{cite web |last1=Buskin |first1=Richard |title=Classic Tracks: Les Paul & Mary Ford 'How High the Moon' |url=https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/classic-tracks-les-paul-mary-ford-how-high-moon |website=SoundOnSound |publisher=Sound On Sound |access-date=August 1, 2023}}</ref>
| writer = [[Nancy Hamilton]], [[Morgan Lewis (songwriter)|Morgan Lewis]]
| producer = [[Les Paul]]<ref name="SoundOnSound">{{cite web |last1=Buskin |first1=Richard |title=Classic Tracks: Les Paul & Mary Ford 'How High the Moon' |url=https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/classic-tracks-les-paul-mary-ford-how-high-moon |website=SoundOnSound |publisher=Sound On Sound |access-date=August 1, 2023}}</ref>
| prev_title =
| prev_title2 =
| prev_year = 1951
| next_title =
| next_year = 1951
}}


A recording of the song by [[Les Paul]] and [[Mary Ford]] was made on January 4, 1951.<ref name="SoundOnSound">{{cite web |last1=Buskin |first1=Richard |title=Classic Tracks: Les Paul & Mary Ford 'How High the Moon' |url=https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/classic-tracks-les-paul-mary-ford-how-high-moon |website=SoundOnSound |publisher=Sound On Sound |access-date=August 1, 2023}}</ref> This version featured Paul on all guitars (lead, rhythm, muted strings for guitar percussion, and a bass line played on guitar).<ref name="SoundOnSound">{{cite web |last1=Buskin |first1=Richard |title=Classic Tracks: Les Paul & Mary Ford 'How High the Moon' |url=https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/classic-tracks-les-paul-mary-ford-how-high-moon |website=SoundOnSound |publisher=Sound On Sound |access-date=August 1, 2023}}</ref> Ford's lead vocals took three takes to record; since Paul and Ford recorded (at least Ford's vocals) at night, she placed a blanket over her head so most of the sound would be directed towards the single [[RCA Type 44|RCA Type 44-BX ribbon microphone]] and would not travel through the building and wake up neighbors.<ref name="SoundOnSound">{{cite web |last1=Buskin |first1=Richard |title=Classic Tracks: Les Paul & Mary Ford 'How High the Moon' |url=https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/classic-tracks-les-paul-mary-ford-how-high-moon |website=SoundOnSound |publisher=Sound On Sound |access-date=August 1, 2023}}</ref> Regardless, while recording one of Ford's harmony vocal parts, their neighbors complained about the noise.<ref name="SoundOnSound">{{cite web |last1=Buskin |first1=Richard |title=Classic Tracks: Les Paul & Mary Ford 'How High the Moon' |url=https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/classic-tracks-les-paul-mary-ford-how-high-moon |website=SoundOnSound |publisher=Sound On Sound |access-date=August 1, 2023}}</ref> According to Paul, the final recording featured 12 guitar parts and 12 vocal parts.<ref name="SoundOnSound">{{cite web |last1=Buskin |first1=Richard |title=Classic Tracks: Les Paul & Mary Ford 'How High the Moon' |url=https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/classic-tracks-les-paul-mary-ford-how-high-moon |website=SoundOnSound |publisher=Sound On Sound |access-date=August 1, 2023}}</ref>
The song was sung in various recordings by [[Ella Fitzgerald]], becoming (with the [[George Gershwin|Gershwin]]'s "[[Oh, Lady Be Good!]]") Ella's signature tune. She first performed the song at [[Carnegie Hall]] on September 29, 1947.<ref name=SecondHand/> Her first recording, backed by the Daydreamers, was recorded December 20, 1947, and released by [[Decca Records]] as catalog number 24387, with the flip side "You Turned the Tables on Me".<ref>[http://78discography.com/Dec24000.htm Decca Records in the 24000 to 24499 series]</ref> Her most celebrated recording of "How High the Moon" is on her 1960 album ''[[Ella in Berlin: Mack the Knife|Ella in Berlin]]'', and her version was inducted into the [[Grammy Hall of Fame Award|Grammy Hall of Fame]] in 2002, which is a special Grammy award established in 1973 to honor recordings that are at least twenty-five years old, and that have "qualitative or historical significance."<ref>[http://www.grammy.org/recording-academy/awards/hall-of-fame Grammy Hall of Fame Database]</ref>

The record was released on March 26 by Capitol Records as catalog number 1451, with the flip side "Walkin' and Whistlin' Blues",<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://78discography.com/Capitol1000.htm|title=Capitol 1000 - 1500, 78rpm numerical listing discography|website=78discography.com|access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref> and spent 25 weeks (beginning on March 23, 1951) on the ''[[Billboard magazine|Billboard]]'' chart,<ref name=Whitburn/> 9 weeks at #1. It was subsequently re-released by Capitol as catalog number 1675, with "Josephine" on the [[A-side and B-side|B-side]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://78discography.com/Capitol1500.htm|title=Capitol 1500 - 2000, 78rpm numerical listing discography|website=78discography.com|access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref> This version crossed over to the [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|Most-Played Juke Box Rhythm & Blues Records]] chart, where it peaked at #2.<ref>{{cite book |title= Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942-2004|last=Whitburn |first=Joel |author-link=Joel Whitburn |year=2004 |publisher=Record Research |page=452}}</ref>
This recording was inducted into the [[Grammy Hall of Fame]] in 1979 and is on the list of the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum ]] of the Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rockhall.com/exhibits/one-hit-wonders-songs-that-shaped-rock-and-roll/|title=Exhibits|access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref> In 2023, this version was included on the [[Asteroid City (soundtrack)|soundtrack]] of the film ''[[Asteroid City]]'' by [[Wes Anderson]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Wes Anderson's Asteroid City Soundtrack Out from ABKCO Digitally Today |url=https://www.focusfeatures.com/article/asteroid-city_soundtrack |website=Focus Features |language=en |date=June 23, 2023}}</ref>

The song was sung in various recordings by [[Ella Fitzgerald]], becoming (with the [[George Gershwin|Gershwins]]' "[[Oh, Lady Be Good!]]") Ella's signature tune. She first performed the song at [[Carnegie Hall]] on September 29, 1947.<ref name=SecondHand/> Her first recording, backed by the Daydreamers, was recorded December 20, 1947, and released by [[Decca Records]] as catalog number 24387, with the flip side "[[You Turned the Tables on Me]]".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://78discography.com/Dec24000.htm|title=DECCA (USA) 78rpm numerical listing discography: 24000 - 24500|website=78discography.com|access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref> Her most celebrated recording of "How High the Moon" is on her 1960 album ''[[Ella in Berlin: Mack the Knife|Ella in Berlin]]'', and her version was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2002, which is a special Grammy award established in 1973 to honor recordings that are at least twenty-five years old, and that have "qualitative or historical significance."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.grammy.org/recording-academy/awards/hall-of-fame |title=GRAMMY Hall Of Fame |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707235113/http://www.grammy.org/recording-academy/awards/hall-of-fame |archive-date=July 7, 2015 }}</ref>

The song has become a [[gypsy jazz]] standard and has been recorded by several musicians of the genre.


==Other versions==
==Other versions==
*[[Lola Albright]] in ''[[Peter Gunn]]'' Season 1, Episode 5 "The Frog", 1958.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0673669/soundtrack|title=The Frog|date=January 1, 2000|via=IMDb}}</ref>
*[[Ray Anthony]] - ''Jam Session at the Tower'' (2008)
*[[Ray Anthony]] - ''Jam Session at the Tower'' (2008).
*[[Alexia Vassiliou]] / Alexia - recorded the song in her 1996 jazz album, featuring [[Chick Corea]], "In A Jazz Mood" for Sony-BMG.
*[[Louis Armstrong]] and his orchestra (recorded in two parts November 30, 1947, released by [[Decca Records]] as catalog numbers 28103 & 28104, each with the flip side being a part of a two part recording of "Body and Soul"<ref>[http://78discography.com/Dec28000.htm Decca Records in the 28000 to 28499 series]</ref>)
*[[Louis Armstrong]] and his orchestra (recorded in two parts November 30, 1947, released by [[Decca Records]] as catalog numbers 28103 & 28104, each with the flip side being a part of a two-part recording of "[[Body and Soul (1930 song)|Body and Soul]]".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://78discography.com/Dec28000.htm|title=DECCA (USA) numerical listing discography: 28000 - 28500|website=78discography.com|access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref>)
*Mitchel Ayres' orchestra (vocal: Mary Ann Mercer: recorded February 8, 1940, released by [[Bluebird Records]] as catalog number 10609B, with the flip side "A House with a Little Red Barn".<ref>[http://78discography.com/BB10500.htm Bluebird Records in the 10500 to 10999 series]</ref>)
*Mitchel Ayres' orchestra (vocal: Mary Ann Mercer: recorded February 8, 1940, released by [[Bluebird Records]] as catalog number 10609B, with the flip side "A House with a Little Red Barn".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://78discography.com/BB10500.htm|title=BLUEBIRD 78rpm numerical listing discography: 10500 - 11000|website=78discography.com|access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref>)
*[[Chet Baker]] (trumpet)on the album ''Chet''
*[[Chet Baker]] (trumpet) on the 1959 album ''[[Chet (Chet Baker album)|Chet]]''.
*[[Jeff Beck]] and [[Imelda May]] live performance, 2010 Grammy Awards
*[[Jeff Beck]] and [[Imelda May]] live performance, 2010 Grammy Awards, as a tribute to Les Paul.
*Bonnemere (released [[1949 in music|1949]] by [[Royal Roost Records]] as catalog number 582, with the flip side "[[Autumn Leaves (song)|Autumn Leaves]]".<ref>[http://www.globaldogproductions.info/r/royal-roost.html Royal Roost Records listing]</ref>)
*Bonnemere (released 1949 by [[Royal Roost Records]] as catalog number 582, with the flip side "[[Autumn Leaves (1945 song)|Autumn Leaves]]".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.globaldogproductions.info/r/royal-roost.html|title=45 Discography for Royal Roost Records|website=www.globaldogproductions.info|access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref>)
*[[The Jack Benny Show]] - Mahlon Merrick arrangement, February 18, 1940.
*[[Randy Brooks (big band leader)|Randy Brooks]] and his orchestra (recorded March 22, 1946, released by [[Decca Records]] as catalog number 29479, with the flip side "Thunder Rock"<ref>[http://78discography.com/Dec29000.htm Decca Records in the 29000 to 29499 series]</ref>)
*[[Charles Brown (musician)|Charles Brown]] Trio (recorded November 11, 1948, released by [[Aladdin Records]] as catalog number 3071, with the flip side "Texas Blues"<ref>[http://78discography.com/Aladdin3000.htm Aladdin Records in the 3000 to 3468 series]</ref>)
*[[Randy Brooks (big band leader)|Randy Brooks]] and his orchestra (recorded March 22, 1946, released by Decca Records as catalog number 29479, with the flip side "Thunder Rock".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://78discography.com/Dec29000.htm|title=DECCA (USA) numerical listing discography: 29000 - 29500|website=78discography.com|access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref>)
*[[Charles Brown (musician)|Charles Brown]] Trio (recorded November 11, 1948, released by [[Aladdin Records]] as catalog number 3071, with the flip side "Texas Blues".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://78discography.com/Aladdin3000.htm|title=Aladdin 3000 series 78rpm numerical listing discography|website=78discography.com|access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref>)
*The [[Dave Brubeck]] Octet recorded a lengthy track, with narration, where they play "How High The Moon" in various jazz styles.
*The [[Dave Brubeck]] Octet recorded a lengthy track, with narration, where they play "How High The Moon" in various jazz styles.
*The Dave Brubeck Quartet recorded a 9:11-length version of the piece at [[Oberlin College]] in March 1953 that is included on the Fantasy Records LP and CD ''[[Jazz at Oberlin]]''.
*The Dave Brubeck Quartet recorded a 9:11-length version at [[Oberlin College]] in March 1953 that is included on the album ''[[Jazz at Oberlin]]''.
*Dave Brubeck and [[Jon Hendricks]] recorded it as a short, slow ballad on Brubeck's 1995 CD [[Young Lions & Old Tigers]].
*Dave Brubeck and [[Jon Hendricks]] recorded it as a short, slow ballad on Brubeck's 1995 CD ''[[Young Lions & Old Tigers]]''.
*[[Don Byas]] Quintet (recorded November 26, 1945, released by [[Savoy Records]] as catalog numbers 597A and 916A, both with the flip side "[[Ko-Ko|Ko Ko]]".<ref name=Sav500>[http://78discography.com/Sav500.htm Savoy Records in the 500 to 978 series]</ref>)
*[[Don Byas]] Quintet (recorded November 26, 1945, released by [[Savoy Records]] as catalog numbers 597A and 916A, both with the flip side "[[Ko-Ko|Ko Ko]]".<ref name=Sav500>{{Cite web|url=http://78discography.com/Sav500.htm|title=SAVOY 78rpm numerical listing discography: 500 series|website=78discography.com|access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref>)
*Lilyann Carol with [[Charlie Ventura]] and Orchestra (released by [[National Records]] as catalog number 7015, with the flip side "[[Please Be Kind]]".<ref>[http://www.globaldogproductions.info/n/national.html National Records listing]</ref>)
*Lilyann Carol with [[Charlie Ventura]] and Orchestra (released by [[National Records]] as catalog number 7015, with the flip side "[[Please Be Kind]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.globaldogproductions.info/n/national.html|title=Singles Discography for National Records|first=Global Dog|last=Productions}}</ref>)
*[[Al Casey (jazz guitarist)|Al Casey]]'s Sextet (recorded January 19, 1945, released by [[Capitol Records]] as catalog number 10034, with the flip side "[[Sometimes I'm Happy (Sometimes I'm Blue)|Sometimes I'm Happy]]".<ref name=Cap10000>[http://78discography.com/Capitol10000.htm Capitol Records in the 10000 to 10210 series]</ref>)
*[[Al Casey (jazz guitarist)|Al Casey]]'s Sextet (recorded January 19, 1945, released by [[Capitol Records]] as catalog number 10034, with the flip side "[[Sometimes I'm Happy (Sometimes I'm Blue)|Sometimes I'm Happy]]".<ref name=Cap10000>{{Cite web|url=http://78discography.com/Capitol10000.htm|title=Capitol 10000-series 78rpm numerical listing discography|website=78discography.com|access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref>)
*[[Herman Chittison]] Trio (released by [[Musicraft Records]] as catalog number 315, with the flip side "The Song Is Ended".<ref>[http://78discography.com/Musicraft200.htm Musicraft Records in the 201 to 597 series]</ref>)
*[[Herman Chittison]] Trio (released by [[Musicraft Records]] as catalog number 315, with the flip side "[[The Song Is Ended (but the Melody Lingers On)|The Song Is Ended]]".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://78discography.com/Musicraft200.htm|title=Musicraft 78rpm numerical listing discography - 200 through 600|website=78discography.com|access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref>)
*[[June Christy]] - ''A Friendly Session, Vol. 3'' (2000) with the [[Johnny Guarnieri]] Quintet
*[[June Christy]] - ''A Friendly Session, Vol. 3'' (2000) with the [[Johnny Guarnieri]] Quintet; ''[[Cool Christy]]'' (2002).
*[[Larry Clinton]] and his orchestra (recorded February 20, 1940, released by [[Victor Records]] as catalog number 26521, with the flip side "Bread and Butter".<ref>[http://78discography.com/vic26500.html Victor Records in the 26500 to 26999 series]</ref>)
*[[Larry Clinton]] and his orchestra (recorded February 20, 1940, released by [[Victor Records]] as catalog number 26521, with the flip side "Bread and Butter".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://78discography.com/vic26500.html|title=VICTOR numerical listing discography|website=78discography.com|access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref>)
*[[Nat King Cole]] (released by [[Capitol Records]] as catalog number 10191, with the flip side "Blues in My Shower".<ref name=Cap10000/>)
*[[Nat King Cole]] (released by Capitol Records as catalog number 10191, with the flip side "Blues in My Shower".<ref name=Cap10000/>)
*[[King Cole Trio]] (released by [[Capitol Records]] as catalog number 531, with the flip side "I'll Never Be the Same".<ref name=Cap500/>)
*[[King Cole Trio]] (released by Capitol Records as catalog number 531, with the flip side "I'll Never Be the Same".<ref name=Cap500/>)
*[[Bing Crosby]], in a medley with "[[Old Devil Moon]]" as part of the album ''[[El Señor Bing]]'' (1960).
*[[Chris Connor]] - ''I Walk With Music'' (2002).
*[[Chris Connor]] - ''I Walk With Music'' (2002).
*Kaye Connor (released by [[Cosmo Records]] as catalog number 485, with the flip side "Derry Dum".<ref>[http://78discography.com/Cosmo.htm Cosmo Records listing]</ref>)
*Kaye Connor (released by [[Cosmo Records]] as catalog number 485, with the flip side "Derry Dum".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://78discography.com/Cosmo.htm|title=COSMO 78rpm numerical listing discography|website=78discography.com|access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref>)
*[[Duke Ellington]] and his orchestra (recorded November 14, 1947, released by [[Columbia Records]] as catalog number 38950, with the flip side "Cowboy Rhumba".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://78discography.com/COL38500.htm|title=COLUMBIA RECORDS: 78rpm numerical listing discography 38500 - 39000|website=78discography.com|access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref>)
*[[Carlos del Junco]] ''Up and At Em'' CD 2001
*[[Duke Ellington]] and his orchestra (recorded November 14, 1947, released by [[Columbia Records]] as catalog number 38950, with the flip side "Cowboy Rhumba".<ref>[http://78discography.com/COL38500.htm Columbia Records in the 38500 to 38999 series]</ref>)
*[[Ziggy Elman]] (recorded [[1947 in music|1947]], released by [[MGM Records]] as catalog number 10332, with the flip side "The Night Is Young and You're So Beautiful".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://78discography.com/MGM10000.htm|title=MGM 78rpm numerical listing discography: 10000 - 10500|website=78discography.com|access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref>)
*[[Ziggy Elman]] (recorded [[1947 in music|1947]], released by [[MGM Records]] as catalog number 10332, with the flip side "The Night Is Young and You're So Beautiful".<ref>[http://78discography.com/MGM10000.htm MGM Records in the 10001 to 10499 series]</ref>)
*[[Erroll Garner]] (released by [[Arco Records]] as catalog number 1214, with the flip side "[[Don't Blame Me (Dorothy Fields and Jimmy McHugh song)|Don't Blame Me]]."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://78discography.com/Arco.htm|title=Arco 78rpm numerical listing discography|website=78discography.com|access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref>)
*[[Erroll Garner]] (released by [[Arco Records]] as catalog number 1214, with the flip side "[[Don't Blame Me (song)|Don't Blame Me]]."<ref>[http://78discography.com/Arco.htm Arco Records listing]</ref>)
*[[Erroll Garner]] Trio (recorded October 7, 1950, released by Columbia Records as catalog number 39145, with the flip side "[[Poor Butterfly]]".<ref name=Col39000>{{Cite web|url=http://78discography.com/COL39000.htm|title=COLUMBIA 78rpm numerical listing discography: 39000 - 39500|website=78discography.com|access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref>)
*[[Natalie Gauci]], winner of ''[[Australian Idol 2007]]'', performed this song on the Top 4 Big Band show.
*[[Erroll Garner]] Trio (recorded October 7, 1950, released by [[Columbia Records]] as catalog number 39145, with the flip side "[[Poor Butterfly]]".<ref name=Col39000>[http://78discography.com/COL39000.htm Columbia Records in the 39000 to 39499 series]</ref>)
*[[Natalie Gauci]] (winner of [[Australian Idol 2007]]) performed this song on the Top 4 Big Band show.
*[[Marvin Gaye]] (on [[Tamla Records]] album ''The Soulful Moods of Marvin Gaye,'' catalog number TM 221, released June [[1961 in music|1961]].<ref name=SecondHand/>)
*[[Marvin Gaye]] (on [[Tamla Records]] album ''The Soulful Moods of Marvin Gaye,'' catalog number TM 221, released June [[1961 in music|1961]].<ref name=SecondHand/>)
*[[Gloria Gaynor]] ([[Disco]] version of the song, on [[1975 in music|1975]] [[MGM Records]] album ''Experience Gloria Gaynor,'' catalog number M3G 4997.<ref name=SecondHand/>)
*[[Gloria Gaynor]] ([[Disco]] version of the song, on [[1975 in music|1975]] MGM Records album ''Experience Gloria Gaynor,'' catalog number M3G 4997.<ref name=SecondHand/>) Along with the tracks, "Casanova Brown" and "(If You Want It) Do It Yourself", this version went to number one on the disco/dance chart.<ref>{{cite book |title= Hot Dance/Disco: 1974-2003|last=Whitburn |first=Joel |author-link=Joel Whitburn |year=2004 |publisher=Record Research |page=108}}</ref>
*[[Dizzy Gillespie]] (released by [[MGM Records]] as catalog number 30742, with another recording of the same song by [[Jimmy McPartland]] on the flip side.<ref name=MGM30500>[http://78discography.com/MGM30500.htm MGM Records in the 30500 to 30887 series]</ref>)
*[[Dizzy Gillespie]] (released by MGM Records as catalog number 30742, with another recording of the same song by [[Jimmy McPartland]] on the flip side.<ref name=MGM30500>{{Cite web|url=http://78discography.com/MGM30500.htm|title=MGM Records - 78rpm numerical listing discography: 30500 - end of series|website=78discography.com|access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref>)
*[[Benny Goodman]] Septet (released by [[Capitol Records]] as catalog number 20126, with the flip side "Benny's Boogie".<ref>[http://78discography.com/Capitol20000.htm Capitol Records in the 20000 to 20156 series]</ref>)
*[[Benny Goodman]] Septet (released by Capitol Records as catalog number 20126, with the flip side "Benny's Boogie".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://78discography.com/Capitol20000.htm|title=Capitol 20000-series 78rpm numerical listing discography|website=78discography.com|access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref>)
*[[Stéphane Grappelli]] with [[Bucky Pizzarelli]] and [[Kenny Burrell]]
*[[Stéphane Grappelli]] with [[Bucky Pizzarelli]] and [[Kenny Burrell]].
*[[Larry Green (musician)|Larry Green]] (released by [[RCA Victor Records]] as catalog number 20-2119, with the flip side "Far Away Island".<ref>[http://78discography.com/RCA202000.htm RCA Victor Records in the 20-2000 to 20-2499 series]</ref>)
*[[Larry Green (musician)|Larry Green]] (released by [[RCA Victor Records]] as catalog number 20-2119, with the flip side "Far Away Island".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://78discography.com/RCA202000.htm|title=RCA Victor 20-prefix 78rpm numerical listing discography: 20-2000 through 20-2500|website=78discography.com|access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref>)
*[[Lionel Hampton]] Quintet (recorded April 2, 1947, released by [[Decca Records]] as catalog number 24513, with the flip side "Ribs and Hot Sauce".<ref>[http://78discography.com/Dec24500.htm Decca Records in the 24500 to 24999 series]</ref>)
*[[Lionel Hampton]] Quintet (recorded April 2, 1947, released by Decca Records as catalog number 24513, with the flip side "Ribs and Hot Sauce".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://78discography.com/Dec24500.htm|title=DECCA (USA) numerical listing discography: 24500 - 24999|website=78discography.com|access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref>)
*[[Bill Harris (musician)|Bill Harris]] (released by [[Capitol Records]] as catalog number 60004, with the flip side "The Moon Is Low".<ref>[http://78discography.com/Capitol60000.htm Capitol Records in the 60000 to 60015 series]</ref>)
*[[Eddie Heywood]] and his orchestra (recorded May 2, 1944, released by [[Signature Records]] as catalog number 40002A, with the flip side "Sarcastic Lady".<ref name=Signature>{{Cite web|url=http://78discography.com/Signiature.htm|title=SIGNATURE 78rpm numerical listing discography|website=78discography.com|access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref>)
*[[Harry James]]' orchestra (recorded March [[1940 in music|1940]], released by Varsity Records as catalog number 8221.<ref name=Varsity8000>{{Cite web|url=http://78discography.com/Vars8000.htm|title=Varsity 78rpm numerical listing discography: 5000 series|website=78discography.com|access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref> and by [[Montgomery Ward]] as catalog number 10004,<ref name=MontWard10000>{{Cite web|url=http://78discography.com/MW10000.htm|title=Montgomery Ward 78rpm numerical listing discography: 10000 series|website=78discography.com|access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref> both with the flip side "You've Got Me Out on a Limb".<ref name=Varsity8000/><ref name=MontWard10000/>)
*[[Emmylou Harris]] (on [[1981 in music|1981]] album ''[[Evangeline (Emmylou Harris album)|Evangeline]]''.<ref name=SecondHand/>)
*[[Eddie Heywood]] and his orchestra (recorded May 2, 1944, released by [[Signature Records]] as catalog number 40002A, with the flip side "Sarcastic Lady".<ref name=Signature>[http://78discography.com/Signiature.htm Signature Records listing]</ref>)
*''[[Jazz at the Philharmonic]]'' (recorded in four parts October 7, 1946, released by [[Mercury Records]] as catalog numbers 11009 & 11010.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://78discography.com/Merc110.htm|title=MERCURY 78rpm numerical listing discography: Jazz ath the Philharmonic 11000 series|website=78discography.com|access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref>)
*[[Harry James]]' orchestra (recorded March [[1940 in music|1940]], released by Varsity Records as catalog number 8221<ref name=Varsity8000>[http://78discography.com/Vars8000.htm Varsity Records in the 8000 to 8419 series]</ref> and by [[Montgomery Ward]] as catalog number 10004,<ref name=MontWard10000>[http://78discography.com/MW10000.htm Montgomery Ward Records in the 10000 to 10173 series]</ref> both with the flip side "You've Got Me Out on a Limb".<ref name=Varsity8000/><ref name=MontWard10000/>)
*Bibbi Johnson and Thore Swanerud (recorded September 19, 1949, in [[Stockholm]], [[Sweden]]; released by Savoy Records as catalog number 965, with the flip side "Tout Desire".<ref name=Sav500/>) (also listed as by the Thore Swanerud Sextet, issued by [[Discovery Records]] as catalog number 173, with the flip side "Tout D'Suite".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://78discography.com/Discovery.htm|title=DISCOVERY 78rpm numerical listing discography|website=78discography.com|access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref>)
*''[[Jazz at the Philharmonic]]'' (recorded in four parts October 7, 1946, released by [[Mercury Records]] as catalog numbers 11009 & 11010.<ref>[http://78discography.com/Merc110.htm Mercury Records in the 11000 to 11101 series]</ref>)
*[[Gene Krupa]] and his orchestra (recorded May 27, 1946, released by Columbia Records as catalog number 38345, with the flip side "[[Tea for Two (song)|Tea for Two]]".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://78discography.com/COL38000.htm|title=COLUMBIA 78rpm numerical listing discography: 38000 - 38500|website=78discography.com|access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref>)
*[[Abbey Lincoln]], on the album ''The World Is Falling Down'' (Verve Records), 1991.
*Bibbi Johnson and Thore Swanerud (recorded September 19, 1949, in [[Stockholm]], [[Sweden]]; released by [[Savoy Records]] as catalog number 965, with the flip side "Tout Desire"<ref name=Sav500/>) (also listed as by the Thore Swanerud Sextet, issued by [[Discovery Records]] as catalog number 173, with the flip side "Tout D'Suite".<ref>[http://78discography.com/Discovery.htm Discovery Records listing]</ref>)
*[[Gene Krupa]] and his orchestra (recorded May 27, 1946, released by [[Columbia Records]] as catalog number 38345, with the flip side "[[Tea for Two (song)|Tea for Two]]".<ref>[http://78discography.com/COL38000.htm Columbia Records in the 38000 to 38499 series]</ref>)
*[[Russ Morgan]] and his orchestra (recorded February 20, 1940, released by Decca Records as catalog number 3030A, with the flip side "Rose of the World".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://78discography.com/Dec3000.htm|title=DECCA (USA) 78rpm numerical listing discography: 3000 - 3500|website=78discography.com|access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref>)
*[[The Manhattan Transfer|Manhattan Transfer]]
*[[Johnny Mathis]] ([[1960 in music|1960]], on album ''Johnny's Mood''.<ref name=SecondHand/>)
*[[Jimmy McPartland]] (issued back-to-back with the [[Dizzy Gillespie]] recording by [[MGM Records]] as catalog number 30742.<ref name=MGM30500/>)
*Metronome All Stars (with [[Roy Eldridge]], [[Lester Young]], [[Billy Eckstine]], [[Warne Marsh]], among others) (1953).
*[[Chris Montez]] (on [[1966 in music|1966]] [[A&M Records]] album ''The More I See You/Call Me,'' catalog number SP 4115<ref name=SecondHand/>)
*[[Russ Morgan]] and his orchestra (recorded February 20, 1940, released by [[Decca Records]] as catalog number 3030A, with the flip side "Rose of the World".<ref>[http://78discography.com/Dec3000.htm Decca Records in the 3000 to 3499 series]</ref>)
*[[Anita O'Day]] (with [[Ralph Burns]] orchestra; released by [[Signature Records]] as catalog number 15185A, with the flip side "Key Largo".<ref name=Signature/>)
*[[Anita O'Day]] (with [[Ralph Burns]] orchestra; released by [[Signature Records]] as catalog number 15185A, with the flip side "Key Largo".<ref name=Signature/>)
*[[Oscar Peterson]] (released by [[Mercury Records]] as catalog number 8943, with the flip side "Nameless Blues".<ref>[http://78discography.com/Merc089.htm Mercury Records in the 8900 to 8999 series]</ref>)
*[[Oscar Peterson]] (released by Mercury Records as catalog number 8943, with the flip side "Nameless Blues".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://78discography.com/Merc089.htm|title=MERCURY numerical listing discography: 8900 series|website=78discography.com|access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref>)
*[[Boyd Raeburn]] and his orchestra (recorded August 14, 1947, released by [[Atlantic Records]] as catalog number 860, with the flip side "Trouble Is a Man".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://78discography.com/Atlantic.htm|title=Atlantic Records 78rpm numerical listing discography|website=78discography.com|access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref>)
*[[Phish]] Dedicated to the memory of Les Paul, Darien Center, NY 8/13/09
*[[The Polecats]] on their 1981 [[Mercury Records]] album ''Polecats Are Go!''.
*[[Bud Powell]] (piano) on the album ''Spring Broadcasts 1953'', with Oscar Pettiford on bass and Roy Haynes on drums. This broadcast was recorded March 21, 1953.
*[[Boyd Raeburn]] and his orchestra (recorded August 14, 1947, released by [[Atlantic Records]] as catalog number 860, with the flip side "Trouble Is a Man".<ref>[http://78discography.com/Atlantic.htm Atlantic Records listing]</ref>)
*[[Dianne Reeves]] (on [[1991 in music|1991]] [[Blue Note Records]] album ''I Remember,'' catalog number B2 90264,<ref name=SecondHand/> also recorded for the [[Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album|Grammy Award]]-winning soundtrack to ''[[Good Night, and Good Luck]]'' in 2005.
*[[Dianne Reeves]] (on [[1991 in music|1991]] [[Blue Note Records]] album ''I Remember,'' catalog number B2 90264,<ref name=SecondHand/> also recorded for the [[Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album|Grammy Award]]-winning soundtrack to ''[[Good Night, and Good Luck]]'' in 2005.
*[[Freddie Rich]] and his orchestra (vocal: [[Rosemary Calvin]]; recorded February 14, 1940, released by [[Vocalion Records]] as catalog number 5420, with the flip side "House with a Little Red Barn".<ref>[http://78discography.com/VOC5000.htm Vocalion Records in the 5000 to 5499 series]</ref>)
*[[Freddie Rich]] and his orchestra (vocal: [[Rosemary Calvin]]; recorded February 14, 1940, released by [[Vocalion Records]] as catalog number 5420, with the flip side "House with a Little Red Barn".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://78discography.com/VOC5000.htm|title=Vocalion 78rpm numerical listing discography - 5000 series (main sequence)|website=78discography.com|access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref>)
*[[Django Reinhardt]], with [[Stephane Grappelli]] (on 3-CD set, ''Retrospective 1934-53'', released by Sunny Side on November 4, 2006)
*[[David Rose (musician)|David Rose]] and his orchestra (released by [[MGM Records]] as catalog numbers 30012B (with the flip side "Gay Spirits") and 30303 (with the flip side "[[Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered|Bewitched]]")<ref>[http://78discography.com/MGM30000.htm MGM Records in the 30000 to 30499 series]</ref>)
*[[David Rose (musician)|David Rose]] and his orchestra (released by MGM Records as catalog numbers 30012B (with the flip side "Gay Spirits") and 30303 (with the flip side "[[Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered|Bewitched]]").<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://78discography.com/MGM30000.htm|title=MGM Records - 78rpm numerical listing discography: 30000 - 30499|website=78discography.com|access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref>)
*[[Diane Schuur]] (on [[1992 in music|1992]] [[GRP Records]] album ''In Tribute,'' catalog number GRD 2006.<ref name=SecondHand/>)
*[[Diane Schuur]], 1992, [[GRP Records]] album ''In Tribute,'' catalog number GRD 2006.<ref name=SecondHand/>
*[[Hazel Scott]] ([[piano]] instrumental solo; released by [[Signature Records]] as catalog number 15025B, with the flip side "[[Rainy Night in Georgia|A Rainy Night in Georgia]]".<ref name=Signature/>)
*[[Hazel Scott]] ([[piano]] instrumental solo; released by [[Signature Records]] as catalog number 15025B, with the flip side "[[Rainy Night in Georgia|A Rainy Night in Georgia]]".<ref name=Signature/>)
*[[Art Tatum]] (solo piano) on the compilation album ''[[Piano Starts Here]]'', released by Columbia Records in 1987.
*[[George Shearing]] Quintet (recorded December 18, 1951, released by [[MGM Records]] as catalog number 30627, with the flip side "[[Ghost of a Chance (song)|Ghost of a Chance]]".<ref name=MGM30500/>)
*[[Alexia Vassiliou]] recorded the song in her 1996 jazz album, featuring [[Chick Corea]], ''In A Jazz Mood'' for Sony-BMG.
*[[Janis Siegel]] (on [[1982 in music|1982]] [[Atlantic Records]] album ''Experiment in White,'' catalog number 80007 1.<ref name=SecondHand/>)
*[[Sarah Vaughan]] in 1957 recorded live at [[Mr. Kelly's]] in Chicago. Notation is given to a version performed by Ella Fitzgerald on which she scats the verses, for which Sarah emulates.
*[[Jimmy Smith (musician)|Jimmy Smith]] (released by [[Blue Note Records]] as catalog number 1667, with the flip side "[[Summertime (song)|Summertime]]".<ref>[http://www.globaldogproductions.info/b/blue_note.html Blue Note Records listing]</ref>)
*[[Charlie Ventura]] (recorded September 6, 1946, released by [[National Records]] as catalog number 7015, with the flip side "[[Please Be Kind]]".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://78discography.com/NationalLate.htm|title=NATIONAL 78rpm numerical listing discography|website=78discography.com|access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref>)
*[[Keely Smith]] in 1985 on her jazz album ''I'm in Love Again'' on Fantasy Records
*[[Paul Weston]] and his orchestra (released by Columbia Records as catalog number 39299<ref name=Col39000/> and 39647,<ref name=Col39500>{{Cite web|url=http://78discography.com/COL39500.htm|title=COLUMBIA RECORDS (USA), 78rpm numerical listing discography 39500 - 40000|website=78discography.com|access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref> both with the flip side "[[Over the Rainbow]]";<ref name=Col39000/><ref name=Col39500/> also issued on the album ''Dream Time Music,'' Columbia catalog number CL 528, released November 2, 1953.<ref name=SecondHand/>)
*[[Japanese American]] singer [[Pat Suzuki]]'s 1950s recording of "How High the Moon" plays during the opening scenes of the movie ''[[Biloxi Blues]]'', and is also featured in the movie ''[[Eat a Bowl of Tea (film)|Eat a Bowl of Tea]]''.
*[[Art Tatum]] (solo piano) on the compilation album ''[[Piano Starts Here]]'', released by [[Columbia Records]] in 19.7
*[[Charlie Ventura]] (recorded September 6, 1946, released by [[National Records]] as catalog number 7015, with the flip side "[[Please Be Kind]]".<ref>[http://78discography.com/NationalLate.htm National Records in the 3001 to 25000 series]</ref>)
*[[Sarah Vaughan]] in 1957 recorded live at [[Mr. Kelly's]] in [[Chicago]]. Notation is given to a version performed by Ella Fitzgerald on which she scats the verses, for which Sarah emulates.
*[[Paul Weston]] and his orchestra (released by [[Columbia Records]] as catalog number 39299<ref name=Col39000/> and 39647,<ref name=Col39500>[http://78discography.com/COL39500.htm Columbia Records in the 39500 to 39999 series]</ref> both with the flip side "[[Over the Rainbow]]";<ref name=Col39000/><ref name=Col39500/> also issued on the album ''Dream Time Music,'' Columbia catalog number CL 528, released November 2, 1953.<ref name=SecondHand/>)
*[[Mary Lou Williams]] (released by [[Disc Records]] as catalog number 5025, with the flip side "Cloudy".<ref>[http://78discography.com/Disc.htm Disc Records listing]</ref>


==Songs based on "How High the Moon"==
==Songs based on "How High the Moon"==
Another jazz standard, "[[Ornithology (composition)|Ornithology]]" by [[Charlie Parker]] and [[Benny Harris]], is based on the [[chord (music)|chords]] of "How High the Moon". It was common among jazz musicians (Ella Fitzgerald, [[Lionel Hampton]] and others) to seamlessly include "Ornithology" in the solo when performing "How High the Moon". [[Lennie Tristano]] wrote the [[contrafact]] "Lennie-bird" over the chord changes, and [[Miles Davis]]/[[Chuck Wayne]]'s "[[Solar (composition)|Solar]]" is also based on part of the chord structure.<ref>{{cite book |title=Jazz: The Basics |last=Meeder |first=Christopher |year=2008 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-0-415-96694-8 |page=204}}</ref> Coleman Hawkins' tune "Bean At Met" is also based on the changes of How High The Moon; this tune starts with simple riffs on the measures 1 to 8 and 17 to 24. The rest is filled up with solos.

Another jazz standard, "[[Ornithology (composition)|Ornithology]]" by [[Charlie Parker]], is based on the [[chord (music)|chords]] of "How High the Moon". It was common among jazz musicians (Ella Fitzgerald, [[Lionel Hampton]] and others) to seamlessly include "Ornithology" in the solo when performing "How High the Moon". [[Lennie Tristano]] wrote the [[contrafact]] "Lennie-bird" over the chord changes, and [[Miles Davis]]/[[Chuck Wayne]]'s "[[Solar (composition)|Solar]]" is also based on part of the chord structure.<ref>{{cite book |title=Jazz: The Basics |last=Meeder |first=Christopher |year=2008 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=0-415-96694-9 |p=204}}</ref>


[[John Coltrane]]'s composition "Satellite" is also based on the chords of "How High the Moon", which Coltrane embellished with the three-tonic progression he also used on his composition "[[Giant Steps (composition)|Giant Steps]]".
[[John Coltrane]]'s composition "Satellite" is also based on the chords of "How High the Moon", which Coltrane embellished with the three-tonic progression he also used on his composition "[[Giant Steps (composition)|Giant Steps]]".


[[Jimmy Giuffre]]'s composition "Bright Moon" is also based on the chords of "How High the Moon". [[Quincy Jones]] recorded it in 1957 on his second album, ''[[Go West, Man!]]''
==Trivia==
[[Paul McCartney]] stated during the filming of ''[[Les Paul: Chasing Sound]]'' that "How High the Moon" was the first song [[The Beatles]] played when they first got together.
The sculptural armchair "How High The Moon", designed by [[Shiro Kuramata]] for [[Vitra furniture|Vitra]] AG of Switzerland in 1986, was named after this song.


==See also==
Jeff Beck paid tribute to Les Paul and Mary Ford at the [[2010 Grammy Awards]] Ceremony by playing a note-for-note version of "How High the Moon" with Imelda May singing, a year after Les Paul died.
* [[List of number-one dance singles of 1975 (U.S.)]]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=25em}}
{{reflist|30em}}

{{Gloria Gaynor}}


{{authority control}}
==External links==
* {{MetroLyrics song|ella-fitzgerald|how-high-the-moon}}<!-- Licensed lyrics provider -->


{{DEFAULTSORT:How High The Moon}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:How High The Moon}}
[[Category:1940 songs]]
[[Category:1940 songs]]
[[Category:1940s jazz standards]]
[[Category:1940s jazz standards]]
[[Category:1975 singles]]
[[Category:Grammy Hall of Fame Award recipients]]
[[Category:Grammy Hall of Fame Award recipients]]
[[Category:Benny Goodman songs]]
[[Category:Benny Goodman songs]]
[[Category:Nat King Cole songs]]
[[Category:Nat King Cole songs]]
[[Category:Ella Fitzgerald songs]]
[[Category:Ella Fitzgerald songs]]
[[Category:Disco songs]]
[[Category:Gloria Gaynor songs]]
[[Category:Pop standards]]
[[Category:United States National Recording Registry recordings]]
[[Category:United States National Recording Registry recordings]]
[[Category:Jazz compositions in G major]]
[[Category:Capitol Records singles]]
[[Category:Bluebird Records singles]]
[[Category:Songs about the Moon]]

Latest revision as of 03:14, 6 November 2024

"How High the Moon"
Song by Alfred Drake and Frances Comstock
Published1940
GenreJazz
Composer(s)Morgan Lewis
Lyricist(s)Nancy Hamilton

"How High the Moon" is a jazz standard with lyrics by Nancy Hamilton and music by Morgan Lewis. It was first featured in the 1940 Broadway revue Two for the Show, where it was sung by Alfred Drake and Frances Comstock.[1] In Two for the Show, this was a rare serious moment in an otherwise humorous revue.

Recordings

[edit]
1951 Capitol Records 78 single by Les Paul and Mary Ford, 1451.
1951 sheet music for the Les Paul and Mary Ford recording, Chappell, New York.

The earliest recorded hit version was by Benny Goodman & His Orchestra, featuring vocalist Helen Forrest. It was recorded on February 7, 1940, and released by Columbia Records as catalog number 35391, with the flip side "Fable of the Rose".[2] The Les Paul Trio recorded a version released as V-Disc 540B with a spoken introduction which was issued in November 1945 by the U.S. War Department. In 1948, bandleader Stan Kenton enjoyed some success with his version of the tune. The recording, with a vocal by June Christy, was released by Capitol Records as catalog number 911 (with the flip side "Willow, Weep for Me")[3] and 15117 (with the flip side "Interlude").[4] It reached the Billboard magazine Best Seller chart on July 9, 1948, its only week on the chart, at #27.[5]

"How High the Moon"
Single by Les Paul and Mary Ford
ReleasedMarch 26, 1951 (original release)
RecordedJanuary 4, 1951[6]
StudioLes Paul and Mary Ford's apartment home studio[6]
Length2:07
LabelCapitol Records[6]
Songwriter(s)Nancy Hamilton, Morgan Lewis
Producer(s)Les Paul[6]

A recording of the song by Les Paul and Mary Ford was made on January 4, 1951.[6] This version featured Paul on all guitars (lead, rhythm, muted strings for guitar percussion, and a bass line played on guitar).[6] Ford's lead vocals took three takes to record; since Paul and Ford recorded (at least Ford's vocals) at night, she placed a blanket over her head so most of the sound would be directed towards the single RCA Type 44-BX ribbon microphone and would not travel through the building and wake up neighbors.[6] Regardless, while recording one of Ford's harmony vocal parts, their neighbors complained about the noise.[6] According to Paul, the final recording featured 12 guitar parts and 12 vocal parts.[6]

The record was released on March 26 by Capitol Records as catalog number 1451, with the flip side "Walkin' and Whistlin' Blues",[7] and spent 25 weeks (beginning on March 23, 1951) on the Billboard chart,[5] 9 weeks at #1. It was subsequently re-released by Capitol as catalog number 1675, with "Josephine" on the B-side.[8] This version crossed over to the Most-Played Juke Box Rhythm & Blues Records chart, where it peaked at #2.[9] This recording was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1979 and is on the list of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum of the Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll.[10] In 2023, this version was included on the soundtrack of the film Asteroid City by Wes Anderson.[11]

The song was sung in various recordings by Ella Fitzgerald, becoming (with the Gershwins' "Oh, Lady Be Good!") Ella's signature tune. She first performed the song at Carnegie Hall on September 29, 1947.[1] Her first recording, backed by the Daydreamers, was recorded December 20, 1947, and released by Decca Records as catalog number 24387, with the flip side "You Turned the Tables on Me".[12] Her most celebrated recording of "How High the Moon" is on her 1960 album Ella in Berlin, and her version was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2002, which is a special Grammy award established in 1973 to honor recordings that are at least twenty-five years old, and that have "qualitative or historical significance."[13]

The song has become a gypsy jazz standard and has been recorded by several musicians of the genre.

Other versions

[edit]

Songs based on "How High the Moon"

[edit]

Another jazz standard, "Ornithology" by Charlie Parker and Benny Harris, is based on the chords of "How High the Moon". It was common among jazz musicians (Ella Fitzgerald, Lionel Hampton and others) to seamlessly include "Ornithology" in the solo when performing "How High the Moon". Lennie Tristano wrote the contrafact "Lennie-bird" over the chord changes, and Miles Davis/Chuck Wayne's "Solar" is also based on part of the chord structure.[48] Coleman Hawkins' tune "Bean At Met" is also based on the changes of How High The Moon; this tune starts with simple riffs on the measures 1 to 8 and 17 to 24. The rest is filled up with solos.

John Coltrane's composition "Satellite" is also based on the chords of "How High the Moon", which Coltrane embellished with the three-tonic progression he also used on his composition "Giant Steps".

Jimmy Giuffre's composition "Bright Moon" is also based on the chords of "How High the Moon". Quincy Jones recorded it in 1957 on his second album, Go West, Man!

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g "Cover versions of How High the Moon by Frances Comstock & Alfred Drake". Secondhandsongs.com. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  2. ^ "COLUMBIA 78rpm numerical listing discography: 35200 - 35500". 78discography.com. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  3. ^ a b "Capitol 500 - 1000, 78rpm numerical listing discography". 78discography.com. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  4. ^ "Capitol 15000 series numerical listing discography". 78discography.com. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  5. ^ a b Whitburn, Joel (1973). Top Pop Records 1940-1955. Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin: Record Research.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i Buskin, Richard. "Classic Tracks: Les Paul & Mary Ford 'How High the Moon'". SoundOnSound. Sound On Sound. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
  7. ^ "Capitol 1000 - 1500, 78rpm numerical listing discography". 78discography.com. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  8. ^ "Capitol 1500 - 2000, 78rpm numerical listing discography". 78discography.com. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  9. ^ Whitburn, Joel (2004). Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942-2004. Record Research. p. 452.
  10. ^ "Exhibits". Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  11. ^ "Wes Anderson's Asteroid City Soundtrack Out from ABKCO Digitally Today". Focus Features. June 23, 2023.
  12. ^ "DECCA (USA) 78rpm numerical listing discography: 24000 - 24500". 78discography.com. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  13. ^ "GRAMMY Hall Of Fame". Archived from the original on July 7, 2015.
  14. ^ "The Frog". January 1, 2000 – via IMDb.
  15. ^ "DECCA (USA) numerical listing discography: 28000 - 28500". 78discography.com. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  16. ^ "BLUEBIRD 78rpm numerical listing discography: 10500 - 11000". 78discography.com. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  17. ^ "45 Discography for Royal Roost Records". www.globaldogproductions.info. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  18. ^ "DECCA (USA) numerical listing discography: 29000 - 29500". 78discography.com. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  19. ^ "Aladdin 3000 series 78rpm numerical listing discography". 78discography.com. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  20. ^ a b "SAVOY 78rpm numerical listing discography: 500 series". 78discography.com. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  21. ^ Productions, Global Dog. "Singles Discography for National Records".
  22. ^ a b "Capitol 10000-series 78rpm numerical listing discography". 78discography.com. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  23. ^ "Musicraft 78rpm numerical listing discography - 200 through 600". 78discography.com. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  24. ^ "VICTOR numerical listing discography". 78discography.com. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  25. ^ "COSMO 78rpm numerical listing discography". 78discography.com. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  26. ^ "COLUMBIA RECORDS: 78rpm numerical listing discography 38500 - 39000". 78discography.com. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  27. ^ "MGM 78rpm numerical listing discography: 10000 - 10500". 78discography.com. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  28. ^ "Arco 78rpm numerical listing discography". 78discography.com. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  29. ^ a b c "COLUMBIA 78rpm numerical listing discography: 39000 - 39500". 78discography.com. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  30. ^ Whitburn, Joel (2004). Hot Dance/Disco: 1974-2003. Record Research. p. 108.
  31. ^ "MGM Records - 78rpm numerical listing discography: 30500 - end of series". 78discography.com. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  32. ^ "Capitol 20000-series 78rpm numerical listing discography". 78discography.com. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  33. ^ "RCA Victor 20-prefix 78rpm numerical listing discography: 20-2000 through 20-2500". 78discography.com. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  34. ^ "DECCA (USA) numerical listing discography: 24500 - 24999". 78discography.com. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  35. ^ a b c "SIGNATURE 78rpm numerical listing discography". 78discography.com. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  36. ^ a b "Varsity 78rpm numerical listing discography: 5000 series". 78discography.com. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  37. ^ a b "Montgomery Ward 78rpm numerical listing discography: 10000 series". 78discography.com. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  38. ^ "MERCURY 78rpm numerical listing discography: Jazz ath the Philharmonic 11000 series". 78discography.com. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  39. ^ "DISCOVERY 78rpm numerical listing discography". 78discography.com. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  40. ^ "COLUMBIA 78rpm numerical listing discography: 38000 - 38500". 78discography.com. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  41. ^ "DECCA (USA) 78rpm numerical listing discography: 3000 - 3500". 78discography.com. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  42. ^ "MERCURY numerical listing discography: 8900 series". 78discography.com. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  43. ^ "Atlantic Records 78rpm numerical listing discography". 78discography.com. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  44. ^ "Vocalion 78rpm numerical listing discography - 5000 series (main sequence)". 78discography.com. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  45. ^ "MGM Records - 78rpm numerical listing discography: 30000 - 30499". 78discography.com. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  46. ^ "NATIONAL 78rpm numerical listing discography". 78discography.com. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  47. ^ a b "COLUMBIA RECORDS (USA), 78rpm numerical listing discography 39500 - 40000". 78discography.com. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  48. ^ Meeder, Christopher (2008). Jazz: The Basics. Routledge. p. 204. ISBN 978-0-415-96694-8.
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