"Strangers in the Night" is one of Frank Sinatra's most iconic songs, and here are some interesting facts about the song and Sinatra's performance of it:
Songwriters: "Strangers in the Night" was written by Bert Kaempfert, with English lyrics by Charles Singleton and Eddie Snyder. The song was originally titled "Beddy Bye" but was later renamed.
Recording: Frank Sinatra recorded "Strangers in the Night" on April 11, 1966. The recording took place at the famous United Western Recorders studio in Hollywood.
Grammy Wins: The song was a massive success and won three Grammy Awards in 1967, including Record of the Year and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. These awards further solidified Sinatra's status as a legendary performer.
Chart Success: "Strangers in the Night" reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, becoming Sinatra's second and final chart-topping single. It also topped the Easy Listening chart for several weeks.
Ad-Libbed Lyrics: During the recording session, Sinatra famously ad-libbed the scat singing "doo-be-doo-be-doo" at the end of the song. This improvisation has become a signature element of the track.
Album Release: The song was featured on Sinatra's 1966 album of the same name, "Strangers in the Night." The album also performed well on the charts, peaking at number one on the Billboard 200.
Sinatra's Distaste: Interestingly, Sinatra wasn't particularly fond of the song. He referred to it as "a piece of st" and "the worst f*ing song I've ever heard" in private conversations. However, he recognized its commercial potential and recorded it.
Crossover Success: "Strangers in the Night" played a crucial role in helping Sinatra attract a younger, more diverse audience, thus contributing to his continued success as a recording artist.
Cover Versions: Numerous artists have covered "Strangers in the Night" over the years, but Sinatra's version remains the most famous and enduring. It has been featured in various movies, TV shows, and commercials.
Legacy: "Strangers in the Night" remains one of Frank Sinatra's most recognizable and enduring songs. It is often associated with the peak of his career and is frequently performed in tribute to the iconic singer.
The song continues to be a beloved classic in the Great American Songbook and is an essential part of Frank Sinatra's musical legacy.