Barry Philips Discos

Published by Barry Philips · Yesterday at 1:00 PM · 

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.
45-Danny Williams-Moon River.
1961-Number 1 single.
Best Bit-At 2.14.Even though Johnny Mercer wrote the lyrics to fit the film’s story,they are semi autobiographical.
‘Moon River’ was written for the 1961 movie ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s,’ it was performed in the film by Audrey Hepburn.The music was written by Henry Mancini(1924-1994,) with lyrics by Johnny Mercer(1909-1976.)
There are many well known versions,it became the signature tune of Andy Williams who would always open his television show with a short burst of the song.Henry Mancini released an instrumental version which reached Number 11 on Billboard in 1961,simultaneously American Soul singer Jerry Butler took his recording to Number 11 as well. In the UK South African singer Danny Williams(1942-2005) took the song to Number 1,becoming the first African to top the UK chart.
When Johnny Mercer(see also best songs 934 and 281) was young he would look out at the river which overlooked his home in Savannah,Georgia, it was called ‘The Back River,’Mercer would dream of crossing the river to start his life’s journey,to which there would be no going back. The line ‘My huckleberry friend’ is a reference to a childhood friend who Mercer would go picking huckleberries with as a child.’The Back River’ has since been renamed ‘Moon River’ in honour of Johnny Mercer.
‘Two drifters off to see the world,there’s such a lot of world to see.’
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The countdown continues tomorrow at 1.0.pm.
This is the 2nd highest placed song on this countdown that was a UK Number 1 single in the 1960’s.YOUTUBE.COMDanny Williams..Moon River .