The Beatles never released a commercial recording of “Blue Moon of Kentucky,” but they did famously perform it in an impromptu jam session during the Anthology sessions in 1994. The jam featured Paul McCartney on vocals and bass, George Harrison on guitar, and Ringo Starr on drums.
The jam is a raw and energetic performance, with McCartney singing in a high-pitched bluegrass style and Harrison and Starr playing with gusto. The Beatles also perform a few instrumental breaks, including a solo by Harrison.
The “Blue Moon of Kentucky” jam was eventually released on the Anthology 3 album in 1996. It is a popular track among Beatles fans, and it is a good example of the band’s ability to jam and improvise.
In addition to the jam session, Paul McCartney also recorded a solo version of “Blue Moon of Kentucky” for his 1991 album Unplugged (The Official Bootleg). This version is a more faithful rendition of the original bluegrass song, and it features McCartney on vocals, guitar, and bass.
The Beatles’ association with “Blue Moon of Kentucky” is a testament to their versatility and their appreciation for different genres of music. The song is a classic bluegrass tune, but the Beatles were able to transform it into something uniquely their own.
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Lyrics
Blue moon, blue moon, blue moon,
keep shining bright.
Blue moon, keep on shining bright,
You’re gonna bring me back my baby tonight,
Blue moon, keep shining bright.I said blue moon of Kentucky
keep on shining,
Shine on the one that’s gone and left me blue.
I said blue moon of Kentucky
keep on shining,
Shine on the one that’s gone and left me blue.Well, it was on one moonlight night,
Stars shining bright,
Wish blown high
Love said good-bye.Blue moon of Kentucky
Keep on shining.
Shine on the one that’s gone and left me blue.Well, I said blue moon of Kentucky
Just keep on shining.
Shine on the one that’s gone and left me blue.
I said blue moon of Kentucky
keep on shining.
Shine on the one that’s gone and left me blue.Well, it was on one moonlight night,
Stars shining bright,
Wish blown high
Love said good-bye.Blue moon of Kentucky
Keep on shining.
Shine on the one that’s gone and left me blue.