Once Upon a Summertime is a popular song composed by French composer Michel Legrand, with original French lyrics by Eddy Marnay under the title La valse du dimanche. The English-language version, titled Once Upon a Summertime, features lyrics by American songwriter Johnny Mercer.
Composition and Publication
- Composer: Michel Legrand
- Original French lyricist: Eddy Marnay
- English lyricist: Johnny Mercer
- Original French title: La valse du dimanche (literally “The Sunday Waltz”)
- Year of composition: 1961
- First publication: The song was first published in France in 1961 and subsequently introduced to English‑language markets with Mercer's translation.
Musical Characteristics
- Genre: Jazz standard, pop ballad
- Form: Typically performed as a medium‑tempo ballad in a waltz (3/4) meter, though arrangements vary widely.
- Harmony: Notable for its sophisticated chord progressions characteristic of Legrand’s work, often employed in jazz improvisation and educational settings.
Notable Recordings and Performances
- 1962: First English‑language recording by vocalist Chet Baker (album Chet Is Back!).
- 1965: Instrumental interpretation by pianist Bill Evans (appearing on the album Intermodulation with bassist Jim Hall).
- 1966: Vocal version by Sarah Vaughan (album Sarah Vaughan with Michel Legrand).
- 1970s‑present: Frequently recorded by jazz artists such as Tony Bennett, Stan Getz, June Christy, and Karrin Allyson, as well as instrumentalists including Kenny Burrell, Pat Metheny, and Gary Burr.
Cultural Impact
Once Upon a Summertime has become a staple of the jazz repertoire and is included in several real book collections used by jazz musicians for performance and study. Its lyrical content evokes nostalgic reflections on youthful summer experiences, and its harmonic richness makes it a favored vehicle for improvisation.
Copyright and Publishing Rights
The song remains under the control of the original publishing entities: Warner/Chappell Music (English lyrics) and Legrand Music (composition).
References
- Legrand, Michel; Marnay, Eddy; Mercer, Johnny. Once Upon a Summertime (sheet music). Warner/Chappell Music, 1961.
- Larkin, Colin (ed.). The Encyclopedia of Popular Music, 4th ed., Oxford University Press, 2006.
- Kernfeld, Barry (ed.). The New Grove Dictionary of Jazz, 2nd ed., Oxford University Press, 2002.
No further speculative or unverified information is included.