Song of the Day #45: “New York, New York,” by Frank Sinatra

Frank Sinatra Doing Work

Two things are being said with the choice of Sinatra to head the new era of the Music Court. Firstly, it says that I am egotistical person, surrounding all of my posts around events in my life. This one celebrating my glorious return to the lights of New York (at JFK airport). But, hopefully, if you spotted my sarcasm there, you realize that the choice of Sinatra is due to us not discriminating against any music here at The Music Court (seriously we will do anything, From big band to punk pop *does that even exist*) and the song symbolizes a man that embodies greatness, independence, and really good music.

So, what is “New York, New York?” What has made this song so iconic, so recognized by the masses? Why is it one of those songs that everybody recognizes? Is it because of its timeless attribute or because how famous the musician is? Or, is it just a great song? Well, let us take it apart and give some history

First, “New York, New York,” was originally composed and written for the same titled 1977 film by Martin Scorsese. Can you guess who it was written for? Liza Minneli. I know my reaction was a big really too. The song was written by Fred Ebb and composed by John Kander, who were the two members of the popular Broadway team of Kander and Ebb who frequently wrote for big stage actors and actresses. In 1979, Sinatra recorded the song for his 1980 album entitled Trilogy: Past Present Future. The song did not become popular until Sinatra performed it, changed around some lyrics, and made it a charted hit. Since then, it has become one of his most noticeable songs. Seriously, who hears “New York, New York,” and thinks Liza Minelli.

The draw of the song is definitely Sinatra’s croon. It has to be. He belts out this song with such emotion that it becomes alive inside of you. A melody that travels through your ear canals into your long-term memory store in the Hippocampus after hearing the song enough times. (All of that information could be wrong and skewed but hey I ain’t no doc. I’m a English Major. That colloquial english was supposed to be a joke. Yeah, haha, okay.) The song is just memorable. He glorifies New York and makes everyone want to go there. It is a song of overcoming adversity and making it in the big city that never sleeps. The funny thing is, of course, Sinatra found his way quickly to the top of the heap. He made it there in New York, New York! Da Da Da Da Da Da Da Da Da Da Da Da Da. Sorry!