Originally penned by Jane McNealy in the 1970s, “In The City” is an upbeat funk track that pays tribute to New York City, its people, and the vibrant pulse of city life. McNealy, an accomplished jazz, R&B, and pop songwriter, was deeply immersed in music and theater during this period, having co-written numerous musicals with her collaborator Alice Kuhns.
The song is a collaboration that features the vocal talents of Lynne Marta and George Ball, both seasoned theater performers who had previously worked with McNealy and Kuhns on past projects. With McNealy accompanying on piano, the trio created a rich, textured vocal harmony that reflects the song’s energetic spirit.
Produced and orchestrated by Jim Androne, who also played guitar, bass, and drums, “In The City” blends rhythmic shifts and harmonic changes, giving it an exciting, dynamic feel. McNealy explains the song’s inspiration as a reflection on kids living in the backstreets of New York and Coney Island—a fantasy of escape and the hopeful, dream-filled energy of the city.
For McNealy, this track remains a favorite, embodying the spirit of New York and the timeless energy of city life, alive with possibilities and dreams.
