Theme from New York, New York
Frank Sinatra
John Kander, Fred Ebb
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Search for videoAt a glance
- Key
- D Major
- Time signature
- 4/4
- Main progression
- I–ii7–V7–IV–iv–V7/ii
- Chords used
- G · Gm6 · D · B7 · E7 · A7 · Dmaj7 · Am7 · D7 · Gmaj7 · Em7
Summary
Originally written for film by Kander and Ebb, this song became Sinatra's definitive signature piece and a global symbol of New York City. This live performance showcases the powerful big-band arrangement and vocal charisma that transformed a movie theme into an immortal cultural landmark.
Musical Analysis
The harmony of 'New York, New York' is a masterclass in Show Tune/Great American Songbook construction. It distinguishes itself from standard pop through the heavy use of 7th chords, secondary dominants (B7, E7), and the iconic IV-iv-I progression. The most de…
History
Written by the songwriting team of John Kander and Fred Ebb for Martin Scorsese's 1977 film 'New York, New York'. The song's star, Robert De Niro, reportedly rejected the first version the duo wrote because he felt it was too 'weak,' forcing them to write the…
“Liza Minnelli originally performed the song for the 1977 film; Sinatra began performing it at Radio City Music Hall in 1978.”
Full musical analysis
The harmony of 'New York, New York' is a masterclass in Show Tune/Great American Songbook construction. It distinguishes itself from standard pop through the heavy use of 7th chords, secondary dominants (B7, E7), and the iconic IV-iv-I progression. The most defining harmonic moment is the direct chromatic modulation (half-step up), which serves to increase the energy and grandiosity of the vocal performance as it reaches its climax.
Written by the songwriting team of John Kander and Fred Ebb for Martin Scorsese's 1977 film 'New York, New York'. The song's star, Robert De Niro, reportedly rejected the first version the duo wrote because he felt it was too 'weak,' forcing them to write the iconic brassy version known today.
Originally written for film by Kander and Ebb, this song became Sinatra's definitive signature piece and a global symbol of New York City. This live performance showcases the powerful big-band arrangement and vocal charisma that transformed a movie theme into an immortal cultural landmark.
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Song DNA
Genre
Jazz
Era
80s
Mood
Uplifting
Tempo
Upbeat
Key
Major
Texture
Orchestral
Sound
Vocal-focused
Feel
Swing
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Statistics
1.1M
Plays
266K
Listeners
675K
Genius Views
7
Annotations
100%
Popularity
3:25
Duration
4/4
Time