Name That Tune (Crooners Version) Quiz

Answer: My Way

"My Way" was released in 1969 on the album of the same name by Frank Sinatra. It was set to the music of a French song, "Comme d' Habitude" (which translated means "as per usual"). Paul Anka wrote the English lyrics to the song. Anka specifically wrote the song for Sinatra. Apparently Anka's own record label was quite upset that he didn't keep the song for himself.

However, he told them, "I can write this song, but no one except Frank Sinatra can sing it". The complete first line of lyrics are, "And now the end is near".

Answer: I Left My Heart In San Francisco

"I Left My Heart In San Francisco" was released as a B-side single in 1962 by Tony Bennett. It was later included on the album of the same name in 1969. It was written by George Cory and Douglas Cross. Tony initially sung it live on a regular basis at The Venetian Room of the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco.

A statue of Mr. Bennett stands outside the hotel. The song is the official anthem of the city, and the S.F. Giants play the song after each home stadium win. The complete first line of lyrics are, "The loveliness of Paris seems somehow sadly grey".

Answer: Moon River

"Moon River" was originally performed by Audrey Hepburn in the film "Breakfast at Tiffany's". It won an Oscar for Best Original Song. It was written by Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer. The song was recorded by Andy Williams in 1962, and went on to win the Grammy for record and song of the year.

It became his signature song. So much so that he named his autobiography and record production company Moon River. The complete first line of lyrics are, "Moon River, wider than a mile".

Answer: Unforgettable

"Unforgettable" was written by Irving Gordon. The original title was "Undeniable", but the publishing company Gordon worked for asked that it be changed. It was released as a single in 1951 by Nat King Cole. A "virtual duet" with his daughter, Natalie Cole, was released 40 years later. Amazingly both the original and cover peaked at number 14 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The complete first line of lyrics are, "Unforgettable, that's what you are".

Answer: Chances Are

"Chances Are" was released as a single in 1957 by Johnny Mathis. It was written by Robert Allen and Al Stillman who, as a songwriting duo, had many hits during the 1950s. The song, as well as a stunning performance on "The Ed Sullivan Show" in 1957, helped propel Mathis to superstar status.

His subsequent "Greatest Hits" album stayed on the U.S. Billboard Top 200 Album charts for nine and a half years. The complete first line of lyrics are, "Chances are, cause I wear a silly grin".

Answer: That's Amore

"That's Amore" was written by Harry Warren and Jack Brooks. It was released in 1953 as a single by Dean Martin. For those not familiar, Amore means love in Italian. The song originally appeared in the movie "The Caddy", starring Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin. By many accounts the song's popularity helped rehabilitate Italy's image after the Benito Mussolini era during World War Two.

The complete first line of lyrics are, "In Napoli, where love is king".

Answer: Blue Velvet

"Blue Velvet" was written in 1950 by Bernie Wayne and Lee Morris. It was recorded by various artists, including Tony Bennett. However, it is the 1963 release by Bobby Vinton that is the focus of this quiz. The song was included on the album "Blue on Blue". That album was comprised of songs with "Blue" in the title.

His version went to number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. The complete first line of lyrics are, "She wore blue velvet".

Answer: Swinging on a Star

"Swinging on a Star" was written by Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Burke. It was performed by Bing Crosby in the 1944 movie "Going My Way". It won the Oscar for Best Original Song. The idea for the song came as Van Heusen and Bing were eating dinner at Crosby's house. One of Bing's children began complaining about having to go to school the next day. Bing replied with, "If you don't go to school you might grow up to be a mule".

The complete first line of lyrics are, "Would you like to swing on a star".

Answer: It's Impossible

"It's Impossible" is a three time adapted song. It was originally a French song called "Jai le Mal de Toi" ("The Way of Love"). It was then refashioned into a Spanish song, "Somos Novios" ("We are Lovers"). Finally Sid Wayne wrote an English version and renamed the song "It's Impossible". Perry Como recorded and released it in 1970. Sid Wayne initially designed the song for Elvis Presley. Elvis did eventually record it. Como's version went to number ten on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart, and nearly won the Grammy for Song of the Year, but was beat out by James Taylor's "You've Got a Friend".

The complete first line of lyrics are, "It's impossible, to tell the sun to leave the sky".

Answer: Release Me

"Release Me" was written by Eddie Miller and Robert Yount in 1949. It was recorded by the likes of Patti Page, Kitty Wells, Dean Martin, and The Everly Brothers. However, the 1967 release by Englebert Humperdinck rose above the rest. It went to number four on the U.S. Billboard charts, and to number one on the U.K. Billboard charts.

It was so successful in the U.K. that it kept the Beatles' songs "Penny Lane" and "Strawberry Fields Forever" from the number one spot. The complete first line of lyrics are, "Please release me, let me go".