Music Flashback: ‘New York, New York Became the Official Anthem of New York City in 1985

From Wipekedia: “Theme from New York, New York” (or “New York, New York“) is the theme from the Martin Scorcese film “New York, New York” in 1977. It is composed by John Kander, with lyrics by Fred Ebb. It was written for and performed in the film by Liza Minnelli. It remains one of the best-known songs about New York City. In 2004 it finished #31 on AFI’s 100 Years…100 Songs survey of top tunes in American Cinema.

The song has been embraced as a celebration of New York City, and is often heard at New York City social events. Many sports teams in New York City have played this song in their arenas/stadiums, but the new York Yankess are the most prominent example. It has been played over the loudspeakers at both the original and current Yankee stadiums at the end of every Yankee home game since July 1980. Originally, Sinatra’s version was played after a Yankees win, and the Minnelli version after a loss. However, due to a complaint from Minnelli, the Sinatra version is now heard regardless of the game’s outcome.

Liza Minnelli performed it live on September 21, 2001 at Shea Stadium during the seventh inning stretch which was the first game in New York after the attacks on the World Trade Center. The Mets beat the Braves with a dramatic home run by Mike Piazza. It is known as the “9/11 game.”