“The Candy Man” by Sammy Davis, Jr. BY: RANDAL C. HILL “It’s horrible. It’s white bread; it’s ‘cute-ums’.” Sammy Davis, Jr., couldn’t imagine singing lyrics that included such cloying phrases as “groovy lemon pies.” But Davis was being pressured to record “The Candy Man” by his manager and Mike Curb, the 26-year-old hotshot president of MGM Records. Curb was convinced that the song had “hit” written all over it—but only if done by Sammy. Before he approached the legendary vocalist, Curb recruited his 16-member recording group—the Mike Curb Congregation—to tape a childlike background for “The Candy Man.” As a member of the legendary Rat Pack, Sammy had earned celebrity by performing for sophisticated adult audiences. Was he willing to risk his reputation by recording a featherweight kiddie ditty? Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory was the classic 1971 movie based on the 1964 book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by children’s writer Roald Dahl. In Dahl’s novel, the main character is Charlie Bucket, who, along with four other juveniles, visits a candy factory owned by the eccentric chocolatier Willie Wonka. British entertainment partners Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse had created the music for the film’s soundtrack. The first tune heard is “The Candy Man.” Sung by actor Aubrey Woods as the neighborhood candy-store owner named Bill, the shopkeeper enthusiastically extols the magical properties of Wonka’s seductive sweets.
Dear Ms. Price, I am getting married this June. My fiancé, “George,” and I waited out the pandemic because we wanted to have our friends, family and those dearest to us share our special day. We’re having a beachside dinner party a few days before the wedding, given in our honor by George’s brothers and their families. They plan to serve alcohol. My family is extremely religious and is opposed to serving alcohol. Should I ask George’s family to respect their wishes and not serve cocktails? -Teetotalers Trouble Dear “Teetotalers,” I feel your pain, Teetotaler, but it would not be polite or appropriate to ask George’s family to modify an entire event because two people don’t approve. If they disapproved of dancing, would you ask to eliminate that? This party is a gift, and we do not dictate the terms of a gift unless asked by the gift giver. You can make it as alcohol-free as you wish when you host your events. Congratulations to you both. -Ms. Price Dear Ms. Price, I plan to marry the love of my life this year. Her name is “Samantha,” and she’s perfect for me. But I wouldn’t be writing to you if there wasn’t a problem.
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Woods did a serviceable job on the tune, but Newley hated the rather stiff rendition and felt that Woods’s version could easily doom a potential hit single. Newley decided to record his own interpretation, but Mike Curb got the jump on him. Image from stereogum.com Eventually, Sammy capitulated, still fearing that this could become a regrettable decision. Focused on a forthcoming trip to Vietnam to entertain the troops, he hurried through “The Candy Man” in two takes. When he listened to the playback in the recording studio, Davis moaned, “This record is going straight into the toilet, and it may just pull my whole career down with it.” To his amazement (but not Curb’s), the single caught the nation’s ear when music fans of all ages embraced the joy that Davis offered here. “The Candy Man” shot to Number One on Billboard’s chart and even earned a Grammy nomination. In time, the 45 topped playlists worldwide. “There are lots of regional hits, but rarely does a record become an international hit,” Davis explained later, probably with a smile and perhaps a slight feeling of guilt. “With a 5% royalty, I made half a million dollars.”
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I have full custody of my nine-year-old daughter from a previous marriage. Let’s call her “Tabitha.” She’s kind, talented and has attention deficit disorder. Samantha tries hard to connect with Tabitha but doesn’t understand the challenges of the disorder. She has told me that she feels Tabitha is being manipulative and acts out on purpose. I feel that Samantha is too hard on my daughter. I love her with all my heart, but I’m having second thoughts. -Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered Dear “Bewitched,” My heart goes out to people who remarry and have children from a previous marriage. It’s not all “Brady Bunch” and roses. Our children do come first, but the day will come when Tabitha is out in the world. You need a life partner, and you do have a love for Samantha. I would schedule a session ASAP with a specialist in ADD and get the three of you in for family counseling. When Samantha hears all of the facts you already know about ADD from a professional and the three of you engage in counseling, I feel things will improve.
