Sammy Davis Jr. - Night Song From "Golden Boy" (Original 1964 Version)

From the original first pressing, 1964. Replaced on all subsequent LP and CD releases with another version recorded when Davis wasn’t so hoarse. This original version is taken at a slower tempo yet is still half a minute shorter than the rerecorded version.
GOLDEN BOY was a musical by Charles Strouse and Lee Adams, with a book adapted by Clifford Odets (who wrote the source play). The plot regards a young black boxer and his travails trying to attain fame and fortune.
From the Capitol Original Cast Album, released 1964. Ripped by myself from a shoddy source.
Photo Credit: Friedman-Abeles

[@martycalabrese5575]

I saw Golden Boy as a kid. Memorable. Sammy gave one of the greatest performances ever to grace the Broadway stage. 1964 to this day... I still remember it fondly.

[@christophert-usa]

It's wonderful to hear it. To my ears, it's how the song should sound...

[@CatherineMeltzer]

Beautiful voice

[@harrygio1]

This song is one of Sammy's best; but because of his so many other hits, this one was lost in the shuffle. He is one if the greatest and his legacy will live on FOREVER.

[@jessied44]

This is my favorite of all his great songs.

[@susanmdunn]

Saw Sammy in GOLDEN BOY after work as a Secretary in NYC. All I could get was Orchestra Standing Room! But he was so amazing. I had never liked Davis before I saw that show. One of the great musical experiences in the 60s,

[@robertrothberg8678]

Susan and Jeff dunn,it's hard to believe that it took you to see Sammy davis jr.in Golden boy,to appreciate him.sammy was at his best during these performances.i hope you realized that he was the greatest entertainer that ever lived.

[@JoeLupariello]

Thanks for posting. One of my all time favorite scores. This version is a far superior to the subsequent rerelease. Davis rerecorded several tracks for a rerelease- and none of them are as good as the original cast recording. This version is purer- he sings it as it's composed and doesn't do all those Vegas riffs. As I understand, Strouse was not happy with the way Davis kept changing the melodies. As a kid, I played this album so much it had so many pops and crackles. I recently found a used album in excellent condition- it's sound so great. If you are unfamiliar with this score I urge you to find the ORIGINAL cast recording - absolutely amazing!

[@dantelsantos]

I prefer this performance to his eventual re-recording of the song. It’s much more raw and emotional as if it were live. To the best entertainer of all time: the late, great Sammy Davis.

[@LisaHawkinsHotJava]

Sammy hoarse?? Sounds good to me...........an all-around great entertainer! Missing you all these years, Sammy. Many of today's young performers could take a page from your book.

[@sumaarc46]

the greatest of all performers Sammy Davis Jr.

[@Davon_music]

Summer, not a bit of breeze. Neon signs are shining Through the tired trees. Lovers walking to and fro. Everyone has someone And a place to go. Listen! Hear the cars go past, They don't even see me, Flying by so fast. Moving, going who knows where? Only thing I know is, I'm not going there. Where do you go When you feel that your brain is on fire? Where do you go when you don't even know What it is you desire? Listen! Laughter everywhere! Hear it! Life is in the air! As the night comes and the town awakes, Sounds of children calling And the squeal of brakes, Music, but a lonely song, When you can't help wondering, "Where do I belong?" Where do you turn When you burn with this feeling of rage? Who do you fight when you wanna break out But your skin is your cage? Uptown, just another Joe. Downtown, where you gonna go? Always looking for that place to be. Where's that bright tomorrow For a guy like me? Damn it! Life is going by, And I stand and wonder, "Who the hell am I?"

[@robertchamberlain7202]

Setting on a New York apartment step in the summer evening and I’m not from nyc but I do have have an immagination.

[@jackknapp1870]

Thank you for this. Even in slightly tired voice, Sammy was a magnetic performer. Much of this score takes you all over your range.

[@LisaHawkinsHotJava]

Sammy's "slightly tired" voice was lots better than many singers at their peak. He was a phenomenal talent!

[@Jmcsj02]

Sammy was the best. I wish there were videos of these old plays. I think they should film one show of each play on broadway.

[@charlesjamison9491]

Helluva' song. Helluva' performance. Helluva' man.

[@jlernerz]

My favorite summer song

[@pavechoir72]

So glad I found this song. I will definitely be learning/performing this asap

[@edenjazz12]

Thank you....

[@BTURNER1961]

He could have had a marvelous career on the broadway stage ( this was his second and last original role) but for three problems. There was still vestiges of segregation through the 60'sm both in the orchestra pit, and the audience seats. there simply were not that many roles written for a black man on the musical stage no matter how talented, and there were so many other other avenues to explore with nightclubs, records, television and even movie offers. Sammy Davis was literally so incredibly good, so gifted that he smashed right through these arbitrary barriers, just as Ella, Billie, Nat , Lena, and Harry did except he did it on every field of endeavor and discipline he tried.

[@robertrothberg8678]

Brian turner,Sammy also performed at the Lincoln center in New York,starring in the revival of stop the world I want to get off.sammy was the greatest entertainer that ever lived.

[@deneenjeffries2768]

Better than the re-dub, I think. Both versions are lovely 😊

[@kimparker6628]

Who do you fight, when you want to break out, but your skin is your cage.?

[@RedBud315]

Sammy didn't open the first door for black entertainers but, he opened all the rest. Before Elvis, Liberace, Cher, Madonna, etc. the original one named act in my opinion was SAMMY!