Candy (1944 song)
"Candy" is a popular song. The music was written by Alex Kramer, the lyrics by Mack David and Joan Whitney. It was published in 1944.
The recording by Johnny Mercer and the Pied Pipers, with Jo Stafford, was released by Capitol Records as catalog number 183. It first reached the Billboard magazine Best Seller chart on February 22, 1945 and lasted 15 weeks on the chart, peaking at #2. Mercer recalled that the song was ideal for his limited range for ballad singing.
The recording by Dinah Shore was released by RCA Victor Records as catalog number 20-1632. It reached the Billboard magazine Best Seller chart on April 5, 1945 at No. 10, its only week on the chart.
Big Maybelle's version of the song received the Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 1999 and went to No. 11 on the Billboard R&B chart in 1956.
A notable jazz version was recorded by Lee Morgan as a teen-aged trumpet prodigy and heir apparent to the late Clifford Brown. The LP – entitled "Candy" and recorded for Blue Note Records on November 18, 1957 – is regarded as a classic by many followers of the brilliant trumpeter, who released almost 40 albums prior to his death at the age of 33. "Candy" is unique since the title track along with six additional song selections feature Morgan, for the only time in his career, as the solo horn, unassisted by any front-line partner. The rhythm section that accompanies Morgan's horn comprises Sonny Clark on piano, Art Taylor on drums and Doug Watkins on bass.
Another instrumental version was recorded on March 21, 1962, for the LP There Is Nothing Like a Dame with Pete Candoli and Conte Candoli on trumpets, Shelly Manne on drums, Jimmy Rowles on piano, Howard Roberts on guitar and Gary Peacock on bass.
The jazz vocalist group The Manhattan Transfer included this song on their eponymous 1975 album The Manhattan Transfer. Repeated on The Manhattan Transfer Live, The Best of The Manhattan Transfer and The Very Best of The Manhattan Transfer''.
