This is Fresh Air, I'm Terry Gross. The iconic song New York, New York, was written by John

Cander and Fred Ebb for Martin Scorsese 1977 movie musical New York, New York, which starred Robert

Teneiro and Liza Manelli. A new Broadway musical called New York, New York, inspired by the film,

opens next week on Broadway. It includes Cander and Ebb songs from the movie, as well as several of

their little-known songs, and a few new ones composed by Cander with lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Today we're going to feature our interviews with Cander and a songwriting partner, Fred Ebb,

who died in 2004. Cander and Ebb's best-known Broadway shows are Cabaret and Chicago. Songs from

those shows are now being lovingly parodied in the series Schmokago, which also parodies other

Broadway shows from the 60s and 70s. It's the new follow-up season to the Apple TV plus series

Schmokadoon, which took on classic musicals of the 40s and 50s, including Brigaduin. John Cander is

96 now and still composing. Let's start with Frank Sinatra's recording of New York, New York.

One to be part of it, New York, New York. These back-up on the shoes are longing to stray.

Right through the very heart of it, New York, New York. I want to wake up in a city that doesn't sleep.

And find I'm king of the hill, top of the heap. These little town blues are melting away.

I talked about that song with John Cander when we spoke in 2015 after the release of a

double CD called John Cander Hidden Treasures. It includes this demo version of the first draft

of New York, New York, with composer Cander at the piano and lyricist Fred Ebb singing. It was recorded in 1976.

They always say it's a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there.

They always say it's a nice place to sightseeing but I wouldn't want to live there.

Of course I do like to do on park Avenue or to view a canoe at the central park too.

Or stare at the glare of the Broadway lights or bonamaticin' square to catch the fights but they cannot find a good place.

John Cander, welcome to Fresh Air. It's such a treat to have you back on the show. I love this new collection.

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