#1 for weeks of October 5, 12, 19, 26, November 2, 9, 23, 30, and December 7th, 1959.
That's quite a chart run isn't it? Nine non-consecutive weeks at #1, (Broken up by the next song on the list). One has to wonder what kept this song up on top for so long. Let's find that out shall we?
Bobby Darin was already an established singer, primarily in the Rock And Roll genre, with "Splish Splash", from 1958, being his most well known hit from this era. Then, that same year, Bobby branched out his sound quite a bit, first by covering, "Beyond The Sea", and then at the tail end of the year, covering another big band jazz standard - "Mack The Knife".
This song, originally from The Threepenny Opera, is a perfect example of lyrical dissonance. Without paying attention to the lyrics, the song has a happy musical melody, and a Sinatra-like big band arrangement. Bobby also adds enough gusto to his vocal performance to make the song his own. Pay attention to the lyrics, however and you'll realize "Mack The Knife" is actually about a serial killer. Quite a contrast indeed!
It is interesting that a straight up 1940's-style swing tune not only topped the Billboard charts at the tail end of the 1950's, but was also so popular. Perhaps due to the temporary decline of Rock And Roll and people possibly getting sick of soft ballads, this song sounded like fresh air.
Bobby Darin would become less active musically during the 1960's, and become associated, politically, with another Bobby, of the Kennedy variety. Sadly, just as Bobby Kennedy would have his life tragically cut short, Bobby Darin lost his life too, following a failed heart operation at only age 37, in 1973.
Final Verdict - This is one of the definitive recordings of this standard, (Louis Armstrong has another notable cover as well). Due to its big band jazz sound, it sounds rather timeless, and should be easily appreciated, especially if you are a jazz fan.
Coming Up Next - "Mr. Blue" by The Fleetwoods.
Until Next Time - Dr. Rock -
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