Mack The Knife – 1959
Bobby Darin
Darin is featured a televised version of his hit
Bobby Darin (1936-73) always knew, with his heart condition, that his life would be short, but he made the most of his life and his talent.
A frequently exciting singer who could also play piano, drums, guitar, harmonica and vibes, a talented songwriter, a surprisingly effective dancer, and a fine actor, Darin was also a versatile singer who in his career started with rock and roll, performed some swinging big band tunes, scatted on a record with Johnny Mercer, sang folk music, and ended up back in swing.
“Mack The Knife” was originally written for a German play, The Threepenny Opera, in 1928 by Kurt Weill.
Translated into English, it became a big hit for Louis Armstrong in 1955 and an even bigger one for Bobby Darin four years later.
Darin, who was 23 at the time, is featured in a lively version from a 1959 episode of the Ed Sullivan Show.
-Scott Yanow
Ella Fitzgerald