Blue Moon: Introduction

The Beatles performed a cover version of “Blue Moon” as part of a jamming session while recording for the “White Album.”

In Detail

• Release Date: November 9, 2018
• Recorded: September 16, 1968
• Studio: EMI Studios, London
• Genre: Ballad
• Track Duration: 1:11
• Record Label: Apple Records
• Songwriters: Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart
• Producer: George Martin
• Engineers: Geoff Emerick, Ken Scott

Performers And Instruments**

• Paul McCartney: vocals
• John Lennon: percussion, including wood blocks
• Ringo Starr: the snare rim

**George Harrison does not get a mention because, for some reason, he is missing from this recording.

Where To Find “Blue Moon”

This track is now available on the following album, so you can still buy it.

Blue Moon: Background

The song “Blue Moon” dates back to 1934, but it became a very popular song. Indeed, there are many cover versions from a wide variety of artists available. So much so that some have recorded a jazz version like Billie Holiday, while others have recorded a ballad version like Elvis Presley and now The Beatles.

Of course, had The Beatles recorded it professionally and not for fun, it may have been rock and roll or some other style; we may never know.

Perhaps the most famous version is by The Marcels, from February 1961. Their version is in the style of doo wop/R&B. Moreover, it was a single release, with the B-side being “Goodbye to Love,” that reached number one in both the UK and the US.

Undoubtedly, it is a classic song that has reached the American charts five times with different artists. The Beatles impromptu version lasts just over a minute but is now commercially available.

Recording Studio

The Beatles recorded “Blue Moon” on September 16, 1968, in Studio Two of the EMI Studios, London, during the 7.00 p.m.–3.00 a.m. recording session. The band was in the studio that day recording “I Will” for their new album, “The Beatles,” aka the “White Album.” In fact, on that day, they recorded 67 takes of that song alone!

Just before their 28th take of “I Will,” they had an impromptu session and sang “Can You Take Me Back?” Then they burst into this old song, “Blue Moon.” Part of the former became an unlisted track on the “White Album,” while the latter came to nothing until its commercial release in November 2018.

During this recording session, they also recorded versions of “Step Inside Love,” “Los Paranoias” and “The Way You Look Tonight”. Those are part of our articles, “Beatles Giveaways” and “Incomplete Beatles Songs.”

Take A Listen

You can now hear The Beatles singing this song below. Once you hear it, give us some feedback. Do that below, or try out our huge Beatles Forum (link in the tabs above this page).