Songs with Astronomical Themes No. 12: “Moon River”

This might be a stretch, but No. 12 in our songs with astronomical themes is “Moon River.” Composed by Henry Mancini with lyrics by Johnny Mercer, it won an Academy Award for Best Original Song in the 1961 movie “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” and then a Grammy in 1962.

Moon River

It was specially written for Audrey Hepburn to sing in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” but the song went on to be recorded by many other artists, including Andy Williams, Frank Sinatra, Barbara Streisand, Louis Armstrong, The Three Tenors, Dr. John, and R.E.M.

Here’s Audrey Hepburn, as Holly Golightly, singing it with guitar while George Peppard, as Fred, looks on.