THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

567-Frank Sinatra & Sammy Davis Jr.-Me and My Shadow.

1962-Number 20 single.

Best Bit-At 2.28.’There’s no business like show business.’

‘Me and My Shadow’ was written in 1927 by Billy Rose (1899-1966,) who provided the lyrics, and Dave Dreyer (1894-1967) who was responsible for the music. Officially the singer Al Jolson (1885-1950) (see also best songs 310) is also credited as a co-writer, but his input would have been minimal, as he would often insist on having his name added to a song he was willing to record, although he only performed the song live, never getting around to producing a studio version.’Me and My Shadow’ has become a standard over the years with dozens of artists stamping their interpretation on it. One of the earliest recordings was by ‘Whispering’ Jack Smith (1896-1950,) in 1927. The American entertainer Ted Lewis (1890-1971) first performed the song in 1928, and for the rest of his career would use it to close his act. The comedy double act Morecambe and Wise recorded a parody version in 1961, and more recently Robbie Williams with Jonathan Wilkes duetted the song for Williams 2001 Album ‘Swing When Your Winning.’

Frank Sinatra (see also best songs 877-567-469-120 and 73) & Sammy Davis Jr. recorded the song twice. The first time was in 1958 for Capitol Records, conducted by Nelson Riddle, and released on the Album ‘Classic Duets.’This version of the song was recorded in 1962 for the ‘Reprise’ records label, with the arrangement by Billy May. The songs ‘B’ side is a duet between Sammy Davis Jr., and Dean Martin, singing ‘Sams Song.’

Sammy Davis Jr. was born on December 8th, 1925, in New York City, United States, he died on May 16th, 1990 from throat cancer. He is recognised as one of the greatest all round entertainers of the 20th Century, appearing in numerous films, and television programmes, including his own shows ‘The Sammy Davis Jr. Show’ in 1966, and the ‘Sammy and Company’ show between 1975-1977.He recorded numerous Albums during his career including an unreleased Album for ‘Motown’ records in 1970. He achieved 10 Billboard top 40 singles, the first being ‘Hey There,’ in 1954, and the last being ‘The Candy Man,’ his only Billboard Number 1, in 1972.

‘We’re closer than smog when it clings to L.A., we’re closer than Bobby is to JFK.’