Moonlight in Vermont (song)

Not to be confused with Moonlight on Vermont.

"Moonlight in Vermont" is a popular song about the U.S. state of Vermont, written by John Blackburn (lyrics) and Karl Suessdorf (music) and published in 1944.^[1] It was introduced by Margaret Whiting in a 1944 recording.^[1]

Background

The lyrics are unusual in that they do not rhyme.^[1] John Blackburn, the lyricist, has been quoted as saying, "After completing the first 12 bars of the lyric, I realized there was no rhyme and then said to Karl, 'Let’s follow the pattern of no rhyme throughout the song.' It seemed right."^[2] The lyrics are also unconventional in that each verse (not counting the bridge) is a haiku.^[1]

The song is considered an unofficial state song of Vermont and is frequently played as the first dance song at Vermont wedding receptions.^[3]

Recorded versions

"Moonlight in Vermont" has been covered by numerous other artists over the years, including:

• Johnny Smith recorded a version of the song in 1952 with Stan Getz, later the title track on a 1956 album
• The Gerry Mulligan Quartet recorded a version in 1953 with Chet Baker
• Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong released a version on their 1956 album, Ella and Louis
• Billie Holiday covered the song in January 1957 for her 1958 Verve album Songs for Distingué Lovers
• Frank Sinatra covered the song for his 1958 studio album Come Fly With Me, and performed it regularly live. It appears on his live albums Sinatra Saga, Sinatra & Sextet: Live in Paris, Frank Sinatra with the Red Norvo Quintet: Live in Australia, 1959, Sinatra: Vegas and Live at the Meadowlands. Additionally, it appears as a duet with Linda Ronstadt on his 1994 album Duets II.
• Sam Cooke covered the song on his self titled 1958 debut album^[4]
• Bobby Womack covered the song on his 1969 album Fly Me to the Moon
• Willie Nelson covered the song for his 1978 album Stardust
• Seth Macfarlane covered the song in his 2014 album Holiday for Swing!
• Mel Tormé "Swingin' on the Moon" Verve Records 1960