Moon River first graced First Draft as a Saturday Odds & Sods theme song in 2019. It was one of my mother’s favorite songs so a repeat performance is in order, my huckleberry friend.

Moon River was written by Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer for the 1961 movie Breakfast At Tiffany’s. It’s a fine film with excellent performances by George Peppard and Audrey Hepburn, seen above. As for Mickey Rooney as the “Japanese neighbor” Mr Yunioshi. Oy just oy followed by ugh just ugh.

I’m skipping the movie version and beginning with the first radio hit:

Here’s Sarah Vaughan’s Sassy version from her Mancini Songbook album.

The Chairman of the Board recorded an album of Oscar winners including Moon River.

Lena Horne. Say no more.

Smithereens front man Pat DiNizio was as fond of standards as I am. This is his interpretation of the Mancini-Mercer classic.

Dr. John recorded an all-Johnny Mercer album in 2006. Here’s his swinging take on this lunar tune.

What would the Friday Cocktail Hour be without instrumental versions of the week’s songs? This time, Barney Kessel and a Bossa Nova version from Oscar Almeida.

That’s it for this week. The last word goes to the songwriters and their Oscars for Moon River: