| "Polka Dots and Moonbeams" | |
|---|---|
| Song | |
| B-side | "I'll Be Seeing You" |
| Genre | Ballad · Traditional Pop |
| Label | Victor |
| Composer(s) | Jimmy Van Heusen |
| Lyricist(s) | Johnny Burke |
"Polka Dots and Moonbeams" is a popular song with music by Jimmy Van Heusen and lyrics by Johnny Burke, published in 1940.
First recorded and released under Victor Records by the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, it became vocalist Frank Sinatra's first hit song. Sinatra went on to record many more of Van Heusen's songs throughout his career.
The song's release coincided with a rise in popularity of the fabric in American fashion—in the 1940s, polka dot patterns were having a "second heyday" as a symbol of patriotism amidst World War II.
Recordings
The song is one of the top 100 most-frequently recorded jazz standards. Notable recordings include:
- Lester Young with his quartet in 1952
- Bud Powell on his 1954 album The Amazing Bud Powell, Vol. 2
- Mel Tormé on his 1955 album It's a Blue World
- Sarah Vaughan for the 1957 album Swingin' Easy
- Chet Baker on his 1958 album Chet Baker in New York
- Connie Stevens on her 1958, debut album Conchetta
- Wes Montgomery on his 1960 album The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery
- Lou Donaldson on his 1962 Gravy Train
- The Bill Evans Trio on their 1962 album Moon Beams
- Blue Mitchell in 1967
- Dexter Gordon and Gene Ammons on their 1970 album, The Chase!
- John Denver covered the song on his 1976 album Spirit.
- Gerry Mulligan on the 2006 album California Concerts.
- Bob Dylan covered this song for his 2016 album Fallen Angels
Other uses
Doja Cat's 2018 single Mooo! sampled Wes Mongomery's recording of the song.
References
- Chilla, Mark. "Frank Sinatra and Jimmy Van Heusen". Afterglow. Indiana Public Media. Retrieved 2024-10-30.
- Stewart, Jude (2015). Patternalia: An Unconventional History of Polka Dots, Stripes, Plaid, Camouflage, & Other Graphic Patterns (First ed.). New York ; London: Bloomsbury USA. p. 25. ISBN 978-1-63286-108-5.
- "Polka Dots and Moonbeams (1940)". jazzstandards.com (Blog). Retrieved 2024-10-30.
- "Lester Young Quartet – Polka Dots And Moonbeams / Up 'N Adam". Discogs. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
- "The Amazing Bud Powell Vol. 2". AllMusic. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
- "It's a Blue World". www.allmusic.com. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
- "Swingin' Easy". www.allmusic.com. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
- "In New York". www.allmusic.com. Retrieved August 10, 2024.
- "Conchetta". allmusic.com. Retrieved August 13, 2024.
- "The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery". www.allmusic.com. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
- "Gravy Train". www.allmusic.com. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
- "Moon Beams". Discogs. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
- Gregg, Dave (May 21, 1967). "Off the record". Showtime (magazine section). Joplin Globe (Music review column). Joplin, MO. p. 9.
... Blue can play with tenderness without slopping over into mawkish sentimentality. Just listen to his treatment of the gorgeous ballad, 'Polka Dots and Moonbeams.'
. - "The Chase!". www.allmusic.com. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
- "Spirit". www.allmusic.com. Retrieved August 10, 2024.
- "California Concerts". www.allmusic.com. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
- "Fallen Angels". www.allmusic.com. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
- Dickson, Ej (2021-12-16). "Doja Cat DGAF If You Read This*". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2024-10-30.
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