Moon River

de bene esse: literally, of well-being, morally acceptable but subject to future validation or exception

"Moon River" music by Henry Mancini, lyrics by Johnny Mercer

Moon River, wider than a mile, I'm crossing you in style some day. Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker, wherever you're going I'm going your way. Two drifters off to see the world. There's such a lot of world to see. We're after the same rainbow's end-- waiting 'round the bend, my huckleberry friend, Moon River and me. © 1961 Paramount Music Corporation, ASCAP Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961) Moon River - Breakfast at Tiffanys - YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7SI7N22k_A     Moon River composed by Johnny Mercer (lyrics) and Henry Mancini (music) in 1961, won that year's Academy Award for Best Original Song. Originally sung in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's by Audrey Hepburn, it has been covered by many other artists. The song also won the 1962 Grammy Award for Record of the Year. Moon River became the theme song for Andy Williams, who first recorded it in 1961 and performed it at the Academy Awards ceremonies in 1962. He sang the first eight bars at the beginning of his television show and also named his production company and venue in Branson, Missouri, after it. The success of the song was responsible for relaunching Mercer's career as a songwriter, which had stalled in the mid-1950s because rock and roll had replaced jazz standards as the popular music of the time. An inlet near Savannah, Georgia, Johnny Mercer's hometown, was named Moon River in honor of him and this song. The popularity of the song is such that it has been used as a test sample in a study on people's memories of popular songs. Andy Williams died Tuesday at the age of 84 after a battle with cancer. Fans around the world mourn the legendary singer by listening to his classics, none of which is more widely celebrated than "Moon River." Although he never released it as a single (his recording company thought "Moon River" was too confusing and old-fashioned for teens), the soft ballad skyrocketed him into the celebrity stratosphere. Williams' recording of "Moon River," released on the album Moon River and Other Great Movie Themes, led to NBC's 1962 premiere of "The Andy Williams Show," a weekly variety program, according to People magazine. The show stayed on the air until 1971 and subsequently returned as an annual Christmas special. The Iowa-born singer went on to enjoy immense fame and success, earning 17 gold and three platinum albums during his career. President Reagan dubbed him "a national treasure." Williams named his $12 million state-of-the-art theatre in Branson, Mo. in honour of the song. The Andy Williams Moon River Theatre opened its doors on May 1, 1991, and has welcomed the likes of Glen Campbell, Ann-Margret, Petula Clark and Charo. The theater won the 1992 Conservation Award for Developed Land Use from the State of Missouri, according to the bio. It is also the only theatre to be featured in Architectural Digest. He later opened a restaurant called "The Moon River Grill" in 2007. Williams' autobiography, titled “Moon River and Me,” was released in 2009 and rose to No. 10 on the Los Angeles Times Best-Seller List. Williams died at his home in Branson. He is survived by his wife, Debbie, and his three children from another relationship.   Andy Williams FILE - This Feb. 6, 2009 file photo shows Andy Williams arriving at the MusiCares Person of the Year tribute in Los Angeles. Williams, who had a string of gold albums and hosted several variety shows and specials such as, "The Andy Williams Show," died Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2012, at his home in Branson, Missouri, following a yearlong battle with bladder cancer, his Los Angeles-based publicist, Paul Shefrin, said Wednesday. He was 84. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, file) Andy Williams - "Moon River" Singer (1927 - 2012) The beloved singer Andy Willimas passed away on September 25, 2012 at age 84. Best known for his signature song "Moon River" and his TV Specials featuring may other popular entertainers. Mr. Williams was married to French singer/actress Claudine Longet. The couple had 3 children. Andy Williams will always be remembered for his unique, gentle style. With 18 Gold and 3 Platinum albums, he remains one of the most successful recording artists ever. Another luminary of the entertainment world. He will be dearly missed. Many of Andy Williams' original vinyl records can be found on the Internet at Thursday's Golden Goodies, the vinyl lovers' candy store. FILE - In a May 12, 1961 file photo, Andy Williams performs a song on a television show. Emmy-winning TV host and "Moon River" crooner Williams died Tuesday night, Sept, 25, 2012 at his home in Branson, Mo., following a year-long battle with bladder cancer. He was 84. (AP Photo, File) Andy Williams In this Aug. 5, 1966 photo provided by the Las Vegas News Bureau, Andy Williams performs at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Andy Williams, whose hit recording "Moon River" and years of popular Christmas TV shows brought him fans the world over, died Tuesday night, Sept, 25, 2012 at his home in Branson, Mo., following a yearlong battle with bladder cancer. He was 84.(AP Photo/Las Vegas News Bureau) Andy Williams - Moon River 1960's performance Andy WIlliams singing "Moon River". Thank you Andy, for sharing your beautiful voice with us. You will be sorely missed x (1927-2012) Dedicated to Tabitha x Moon River - Breakfast at Tiffanys Audrey Hepburn Andy Williams FILE - This Aug. 30, 1974 file photo shows entertainer Andy Williams in New York. Williams, who had a string of gold albums and hosted several variety shows and specials such as, "The Andy Williams Show," died Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2012, at his home in Branson, Missouri, following a yearlong battle with bladder cancer, his Los Angeles-based publicist, Paul Shefrin, said Wednesday. He was 84. (AP Photo/Jerry Mosey, file) Andy Williams, Claudine Longet FILE - In a Dec. 19, 1974 file photo, American singer Andy Williams and his wife Claudine Longet, shown upon arrival at the Odeon, Leicester Square, London, for the Royal Charity World premiere of "The Man With the Golden Gun." Emmy-winning TV host and "Moon River" crooner Williams died Tuesday night, Sept, 25, 2012 at his home in Branson, Mo., following a year-long battle with bladder cancer. He was 84. (AP Photo/Press Association, File) Andy Williams FILE - This Feb. 23, 1978 file photo shows performer and host Andy Williams at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. Williams, who had a string of gold albums and hosted several variety shows and specials like "The Andy Williams Show," died Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2012, at his home in Branson, Missouri, following a yearlong battle with bladder cancer, his Los Angeles-based publicist, Paul Shefrin, said Wednesday. He was 84. (AP Photo/Lennox McLendon, file) Andy Williams - Moon River (Year 2011) By welcoming new year with Memory from Musical CATS & I Want You Back is simply not enough. Here i bring you, my faithful viewers, Andy Williams performing his latest Moon River hits for year 2011. Let's welcome this new year with peace around the world and of course, ANDY WILLIAMS. Enjoy folks. ;-) Andy Williams FILE - In this July 25, 2004 file photo, U.S. singer Andy Williams smiles as he speaks to reporters during his news conference at a Tokyo hotel. Emmy-winning TV host and "Moon River" crooner Williams died Tuesday night, Sept, 25, 2012 at his home in Branson, Mo., following a year-long battle with bladder cancer. He was 84. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi, File) R.I.P. TO THE GREATS!