"New York, New York" (Frank Sinatra): What is the story behind the legendary hit written in anger?
Содержание
New York... How many songs have been written about the glorious, ever-sleeping city! But none of them conveyed such charm and elegance as this one... The composition "New York, New York" is sung on behalf of the hero who left his small town for the big metropolis... Our hero does not dwell on the difficulties he has to face every now and then: he is ready for any trials for a new life in the city of dreams...
Today this song is closely associated with the name of Frank Sinatra! But if you go deeper into its history, other names come up... It was first heard in the film of the same name by Martin Scorsese, performed by Liza Minnelli! "New York, New York" was written especially for this film, which, although not a success, was able to widely praise the creation of John Kander and Fred Ebb!
History of Creation
It's hard to believe, but the measured and heartfelt composition was "born in anger". It all started in 1977, when Martin Scorsese invited John Kander and Fred Ebb to write five tracks for his new film. And so, when the initial version of "New York, New York" was ready, it was presented to the director, as well as to the lead actors, Liza Minnelli and Robert De Niro. Then very young, De Niro declared that "the song wasn't strong enough..." The composer and the poet were outraged! How could an inexperienced actor teach them how to write music? In a fit of anger, the song was rewritten hastily, without much effort... Although after many years, Fred Ebb admitted that De Niro had not lied - the initial version was indeed weak....
Frank Sinatra's version
A few years after the release of the film, the song about glorious New York was performed by the famous owner of the velvet baritone Frank Sinatra... The musician made some changes to the lyrics of the song and released it on the 1980 triple album Trilogy: Past, Present and Future! Needless to say, the record was highly praised by critics and attracted the attention of the general public?
Frank Sinatra's version of the song became an instant hit! Liza Minnelli's version is quite heartfelt and tender, but it was Sinatra, with his unique solemn sound, who managed to grab the listeners by the heart....
Fred Ebb later confessed that he was very grateful to Frank Sinatra for making his lyrics so popular!
What's "New York, New York" about?
So what is "New York, New York" about? It's a very tender, sincere and uplifting lyric that has become the unofficial anthem of America's capital! In those years New York was going through hard times... Everywhere, even in the most elite districts of the city, the mafia and poverty flourished... People were leaving the once glorious and bright metropolis. And now, the composition "New York, New York" praises this city! It has instilled confidence and calmness in the hearts of millions of people... This is the reason why New Yorkers love it in particular....
By the way, they're not the only ones. Curiously enough, "New York, New York" was Frank Sinatra's favourite song! This is largely because the musician drew a parallel between himself and the city: Sinatra's life was full of difficulties and obstacles, there were times when it seemed that his career was over... But like a Phoenix bird he rose from the ashes and continued to follow his dream! You could say that this song was created for him....
