Mike Moreno - Stella By Starlight - 80th Anniversary of The Uninvited, starring Gail Russell

Today, February 10th marks the 80th Anniversary of the release of Paramount Studios” Iconic Horror Film, The Uninvited 1944. This film has been mentioned as a favorite of many directors, including Martin Scorsese on the David Letterman show, and is historic for many reasons. The theme for The Uninvited was a piece titled “A Serenade to Stella By Starlight” written by Paramount Studios contract composer, Victor Young, 35 years old at the time. 2 years later, a 29 year old singer named Frank Sinatra commissioned lyricist Ned Washington to write lyrics to The Uninvited film score, and we got a Standard that I see as one of the two most well know in Jazz History, Stella By Starlight would go on to be recorded by every legend of this music. But 2024 also marks another huge landmark. It is the 100th birth year of the beautiful actress who played the character of Stella Meredith in the film. 19 years old at the time, in her first starring role, Gail Russell was born September 21, 1924. Her connection to her theme, Stella By Starlight, is both beautiful and heartbreaking. The film and song launched her from obscurity into a life she could she could not handle, and lead to her early end. To highlight both these landmarks I’ll be recording an updated Standards From Film class exclusively for my Patreon page. patreon.com/MikeMoreno
It will go way more in depth on the life of Gail Russell and the history of Stella By Starlight. This, after all is the song that gave me the idea for Standards From Film as a course in the first place. #standardsfromfilm #gailrussell #theuninvited1944 #stellabystarlight #victoryoung

[@mikegreene5788]

That was crazy good, really appreciate your playing Mike,.

[@theshallowsea]

Always so inspiring to listen to your fantastic playing Mike ; and your captivating and haunting version of this classic tune echoed so well with the stunning beauty and tragic life of Gail Russell ..

[@tfjzz]

Mike you are an exceptional guitarist! Love your work!

[@rayszymarek2920]

One of the most beautiful love songs ever written

[@estevankuhn6739]

00:40 . They way the melody and dialogue line up is beautiful.

[@theuninvited1944GR]

Beautiful video of the song "Stella By Starlight", and the legendary actress Gail Russell, who inspired Victor Young to compose the serenade that became so popular to Jazz musicians later on. Hard to believe it was 80 years ago "The Uninvited" was released by Paramount Studios, and even harder to believe it will be, on September 21,2024, the 100th Anniversary of the birth of the lovely, but tragic Gail Russell.

[@deLeonGuitarStudio]

Amazing as always. I always end up having to hit the replay button multiple times on your arrangements because they are so good!

[@insidejazzguitar8112]

Beautiful playing, as well as writing about the film and the actress

[@yanqui777]

Lovely piece of composition Stella by Starlight is

[@jazzbrew68]

One of my all time favorite standards. That was beautiful Mike.

[@JoJoGMusic]

Beautiful arrangement and guitar sound!

[@JoaquinRamirez]

Thanks fo sharing Mike!