ISTANBUL (NOT CONSTANTINOPLE)

Created on 25/01/2001
Latest update on 03/02/2024

Artist: Four Lads
Author: Jimmy Kennedy/Nat Simon
Label: Columbia
Year: 1953

From Canada; top 10 US. Direct descendant of novelty piece Al-Bar the Bubul Emir, printed in Captain Billy's Whizbang, early 20th century precursor of Mad Magazine. Nat Simon also wrote the music of Poinciana.

Covers:

1953:

Edmundo Ros

1953:

Radio Revellers

1953:

Joe 'Fingers' Carr

1954:

Frankie Vaughan

1954:

Caterina Valente [early in her career]

1960:

Champs

1962:

Santo & Johnny

1963:

Jumping Jewels

1969:

Ike Turner [part of the melody in Funky Mule]

1990:

They Might Be Giants [small hit UK]

1992:

Pam Tillis [melody in chorus Cleopatra Queen Of Denial]

1994:

Chris Potter & Kenny Werner

1998:

Lee Press-On & The Nails [swing version]

Melodically in line with Irving Berlin's Puttin' On The Ritz (see there).

Contact


If you noticed blunt omissions, mis-interpretations or even out-and-out errors,
please let me know:

Arnold Rypens
Rozenlaan 65
B-2840 Reet (Rumst)

info@originals.be

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