I See the Moon

"I See the Moon" is a popular song written by Meredith Willson.[1]

The Mariners, in the United States, and The Stargazers, in the United Kingdom, had the best-known versions. The Stargazers' recording reached number one in the UK Singles Chart in 1954.[1][2] In taking "I See the Moon" to number one, the Stargazers became the first act in British chart history to reach number one with their first two records to reach the chart.[1] Several singles released in the interim failed to chart.[1] The Stargazers' recording was produced by Dick Rowe, one of eight of his UK chart topping successes in that role.[1]

A recording by Don Cameron with Morton Fraser's Harmonica Band was made in London on February 17, 1954. It was released by EMI on the His Master's Voice label as catalog number B 10675.

In 1997, the English actress Phoebe Nicholls (as May Thrace) performed the song with piano accompaniment in an adaptation for television of Ruth Rendell's mystery, May and June. It was described as her character's childhood favourite.[3]

The song is quoting two works by the Italian opera composer Vincenzo Bellini: Ite su Colle, O Druidi from act 1 of Norma, and the overture to I Capuleti e i Montecchi.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Rice, Jo (1982). The Guinness Book of 500 Number One Hits (1st ed.). Enfield, Middlesex: Guinness Superlatives Ltd. p. 13. ISBN 0-85112-250-7.
  2. ↑ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 28-9. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
  3. ↑ "May and June, Part 2, broadcast on ITV, 14 February 1997". IMDb.com. Retrieved 2014-04-03.
Preceded by
"Oh Mein Papa" by Eddie Calvert		 UK Singles Chart Number 1 single
The Stargazers
12 March 1954 for 5 weeks 		Succeeded by
"Secret Love" by Doris Day
Preceded by
"Secret Love" by Doris Day		 UK Singles Chart Number 1 single
The Stargazers
23 April 1954 for 1 week 		Succeeded by
"Such a Night" by Johnnie Ray