About the song
“Moon River,” performed by Andy Williams, is a timeless classic that has become synonymous with elegance and nostalgia. Written by composer Henry Mancini and lyricist Johnny Mercer, the song was originally created for the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s, where it was famously sung by Audrey Hepburn. Despite Hepburn’s memorable performance, it was Andy Williams’ rendition that truly cemented the song’s place in popular culture.
Andy Williams recorded “Moon River” in 1962, and it became the title track of his album Moon River and Other Great Movie Themes. While the song was never released as a single by Williams, it quickly became his signature tune, played at the beginning of every episode of The Andy Williams Show, which aired from 1962 to 1971. The song’s gentle melody and evocative lyrics, which speak of dreams, longing, and the passage of time, resonated deeply with audiences, making it a beloved favorite.
“Moon River” won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1962, as well as the Grammy Award for Record of the Year and Song of the Year in 1962. Although many artists have covered the song over the years, Andy Williams’ version remains the most celebrated, thanks to his smooth, heartfelt vocal delivery that perfectly captures the wistful, reflective mood of the lyrics.
Even today, “Moon River” continues to evoke a sense of romance and nostalgia. It’s a song that has endured through the decades, becoming a standard in the Great American Songbook. For many, hearing Andy Williams sing “Moon River” is like taking a trip back in time to a simpler, more graceful era.