Monday Music: Moon River (Eric Clapton & Jeff Beck)

There is no archetypal image quite like a river. "Moon River," music by Henry Mancini and lyrics by Johnny Mercer, taps in beautifully to that archetype. The song was written in 1960 to be sung by Audrey Hepburn in the movie, Breakfast at Tiffany's. Andy Williams' recording of the song put him on the map as one of the last great crooners. A host of other singers have recorded it.

Here we have the guitar work of Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck to help the song sail further on.

-

Monday Music: Moon River

With the news of the death of Andy Williams last week, there was an immediate outpouring of warm memories and heartfelt loss. Many have described his vocal gifts in superlative terms and commented on his comfortable laid back style. His Christmas recordings continue to set the holiday mood for many each year. I recall watching his TV program as a youngster of about 12 or 14 years of age.I remember he had a crooner version of the Beatles' "Hey Jude." I liked his style and his voice, but what I remember most is that he made me look forward to college. I would see college kids in his audience and I thought they were so cool and "together" that I would think, "Man, it will be great to go to college." (Of course, I did make it to college -- it wasn't quite an Andy Williams TV special, but it was great to be there learning in a liberal arts setting)

He had many memorable hits, none more memorable than "Moon River."