"Moonlight in Vermont" is a popular song about the U.S. state of Vermont, written by John Blackburn (lyrics) and Karl Suessdorf (music) and published in 1944.^[1] It was introduced by Margaret Whiting in a 1944 recording.^[1]

Background

The lyrics are unusual in that they do not rhyme.^[1] John Blackburn, the lyricist, has been quoted as saying, "After completing the first 12 bars of the lyric, I realized there was no rhyme and then said to Karl, 'Let’s follow the pattern of no rhyme throughout the song. It seemed right.'"^[2] The lyrics are also unconventional in that each verse (not counting the bridge) is a haiku.^[1]

The song is considered an unofficial state song of Vermont and is frequently played as the first dance song at Vermont wedding receptions.^[3]

Recorded versions

"Moonlight in Vermont" has been covered by numerous other artists over the years:

• Johnny Smith recorded a version of the song in 1952 with Stan Getz, later the title track on a 1956 album
• The Gerry Mulligan Quartet recorded a version in 1953 with Chet Baker
• Betty Carter and the Ray Bryant Jazz trio released a version on their march 1956 album, Meet Betty Carter and Ray Bryant

• Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong released a version on their 1956 album, Ella and Louis
• Jo Stafford covered the song on her 1956 album Ski Trails
• Billie Holiday covered the song in January 1957 for her 1958 Verve album Songs for Distingué Lovers
• Frank Sinatra covered the song for his 1958 studio album Come Fly With Me, and performed it regularly live. It appears on his live albums Sinatra Saga, Sinatra & Sextet: Live in Paris, Frank Sinatra with the Red Norvo Quintet: Live in Australia, 1959, Sinatra: Vegas and Live at the Meadowlands. Additionally, it appears as a duet with Linda Ronstadt on his 1994 album Duets II.
• Sam Cooke covered the song on his self titled 1958 debut album
• Sarah Vaughan covered the song in 1958 on No Count Sarah
• Dorothy Ashby covered the song in 1958 on Hip Harp with Frank Wess
• Ray Charles included it on his 1960 album The Genius Hits the Road
• Brook Benton covered the song on his 1960 album Songs I Love to Sing
• Bobby Womack covered the song on his 1969 album Fly Me to the Moon
• Willie Nelson covered the song for his 1978 album Stardust
• Jane Monheit covered the song for her 2005 Christmas album The Season
• Seth MacFarlane covered the song for his 2014 Christmas album Holiday For Swing
• Captain Beefheart's song "Moonlight on Vermont", on his 1969 album Trout Mask Replica, is unrelated

Billy Eckstine, 1964, with Bobby Tucker's Orchestra