Alfie

This is my instrumental cover of “Alfie”, which was composed by Bert Bacharach with lyrics by Had David. It was written to promote the 1966 film,”Alfie” which starred Michael Caine as a Cockney womanizer. It is not part of the original soundtrack, playing only during the final credits.

It was first recorded and released by Cilla Black in January 1966, four months prior to the opening of the film. The single was intended as a specialty item to foster interest in the upcoming film rather than a mainstream hit. However the track accrued enough interest to enter the UK Top 50 in April 1966, reaching #9 that May.

Cher was recruited to record a version for the US market and her version reached #32 on the US charts, also in 1966.

“Alfie” would not become a Top 15 hit in the US until the spring and summer of 1967 when Dionne Warwick, the most prolific interpreter of Bacharach/David compositions, recorded the song. Warwick’s version peaked to #15 on the Billboard Hot 100. She reportedly needed only one take.

Hank Marvin recorded an instrumental cover in 2017 for his album “Without a Word”.

 

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