Moon River

song by Mancini and Mercer

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July 17, 2026

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"Moon River" is a song from the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany's. It was composed by Henry Mancini with lyrics by Johnny Mercer. Despite initial studio reservations about its pacing, the song became a hit and won an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1962. Mercer, a prolific lyricist, collaborated with many composers and contributed to numerous Broadway and Hollywood productions. The song is considered one of Mancini's greatest works and remains a beloved classic.12

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Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Johnny Mercer

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Blake Edwards
Films of the 1960s
…lyricist Johnny Mercer for “Moon River,” arguably one of the most romantic songs ever written for a motion picture.
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…lyricist Johnny Mercer for “Moon River,” arguably one of the most romantic songs ever written for a motion picture.
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Breakfast at Tiffany’s
…Tiffany’s, they argued that “Moon River” had to be cut because it slowed the film’s pace. Hepburn objected and prevailed. The song became a hit, and it won an Oscar in 1962.
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…Tiffany’s, they argued that “Moon River” had to be cut because it slowed the film’s pace. Hepburn objected and prevailed. The song became a hit, and it won an Oscar in 1962.
Read More