Alice in Wonderland (song) facts for kids

Alice in Wonderland is a famous song from the 1951 Walt Disney animated movie Alice in Wonderland. Sammy Fain wrote the music for the song. The words were written by Bob Hilliard.

The song was sung by The Jud Conlon Chorus and The Mellomen in the film. Harry Simeone helped arrange the music for higher voices.

About the Song

This special song plays at the very start and end of the Alice in Wonderland movie. It helps set the dreamy mood for the film. For the Japanese version of the movie, a singer named Izumi Yukimura sang her own theme song.

From Film to Jazz Standard

Over time, "Alice in Wonderland" became a well-known jazz standard. A jazz standard is a song that many jazz musicians play and record. It's like a classic hit in the world of jazz music.

Many famous jazz artists have performed this song. These include Bill Evans, Oscar Peterson, and Dave Brubeck.

Famous Jazz Performances

Jazz expert Ted Gioia wrote about "Alice in Wonderland" in his book The History of Jazz. He said that Bill Evans's version was one of his most beautiful performances. Gioia thought it was as lovely as Evans's other famous song, "Waltz for Debby".

Bill Evans recorded his version of the song in 1961. He played it at a famous jazz club called the Village Vanguard. This recording was part of his album Sunday at the Village Vanguard.

Different Versions and Keys

Other singers have also recorded "Alice in Wonderland." Rosemary Clooney recorded it along with "The Unbirthday Song," which is another tune from the movie. Michael Feinstein also recorded a mix of songs from the film, including "Alice in Wonderland."

When the song was first recorded for the movie, it was in the key of G major. A "key" in music is like a starting point for the notes. However, when jazz musicians play it, they often use the key of C major. Both Bill Evans and Oscar Peterson played it in C major.