Synopsis
Frank Sinatra performs "New York, New York" on a concert stage backed by a full orchestra. Against a purple-lit backdrop, he delivers the song with relaxed authority, gradually building toward its triumphant closing refrain. The camera alternates between close shots of Sinatra at the microphone, views of the musicians, and wider stage compositions, emphasizing the performance's polished television-concert setting. Rather than presenting a narrative, the video focuses entirely on Sinatra's commanding presence and the song's celebratory connection to New York City.
Factoids & Trivia
- The song was written by John Kander and Fred Ebb for Martin Scorsese's 1977 musical film "New York, New York," where it was first performed by Liza Minnelli.
- Sinatra recorded his version in 1979 for "Trilogy: Past Present Future," released in 1980. His recording helped transform the song from a film number into one of his signature concert closers.
- Sinatra's version uses a different final lyric from Minnelli's recording. His performance ends with "It's up to you, New York, New York," replacing the original closing phrase.
- The performance shown in the commonly circulated video comes from a concert appearance used to promote "Trilogy." Its purple stage lighting and visible orchestra give it the look of a television music special rather than a conventional narrative music video.
- "Theme from New York, New York" became a regular part of Sinatra's concerts and was performed by him throughout the latter part of his career.
- The song is often confused with the earlier "New York, New York" from the 1949 film "On the Town," in which Sinatra appeared with Gene Kelly and Jules Munshin. The two songs have different composers, lyricists, and melodies.
- Sinatra's recording reached No. 32 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male.