Once Upon a Summertime is the English-language version with lyrics by Johnny Mercer of the French song La valse des lilas, a melody written by Michel Legrand with Eddie Barclay and Eddy Marnay. The French original is La valse des lilas. A notable early English recording is Blossom Dearie in 1958, and the tune has since become a jazz pop standard covered by many artists. Notable versions include Miles Davis on Quiet Nights, Sarah Vaughan on Star Eyes, Monica Zetterlund with Bill Evans on Waltz for Debby, Astrud Gilberto on Look to the Rainbow, Barbra Streisand on Je m'appelle Barbra, and Chet Baker. It has appeared on various albums and live releases such as Blossom Time at Ronnie Scott's (1966) and Walking the Line by Oscar Peterson (1970). The song blends 1950s pop with jazz influences and a waltz feel.
