Lee Adams, Charles Strouse, Sammy Davis Jr. - Golden Boy (1964 Original Broadway Cast)

Golden Boy already had quite a showbiz legacy by the time this 1964 Broadway musical debuted. Clifford Odets's heavy drama was originally produced (sans music) in 1937 as part of New York's Group Theater, featuring in its cast, among others, Lee J. Cobb, Elia Kazan, and Francis Farmer; John Garfield starred in a 1952 Broadway revival of Golden Boy, while the film version was what turned William Holden (in the title role) into a star. Sammy Davis Jr. was already a star--the Rat Pack was in full bloom--when he made his Broadway musical debut as the title character in the Charles Strouse-Lee Adams transformation of Odets's original play, directed by soon-to-be-great film director Arthur Penn, no less. Davis's presence added a racial theme to this story of a prize boxer, addressed in such songs as "Colorful." Unfortunately, the Strouse-Lee score isn't nearly as impressive as their earlier Bye Bye Birdie--no standards were created here--although the fine "Gimme Some," with its rock & roll progression, could have been an outtake from that show. And "Don't Forget 127th St." is the kind of grand production number Broadway rarely delivers anymore. Sammy, meanwhile, is in full, uh, Sammy glory here, and a few of these songs were part of his nightclub repertoire during the mid-'60s. His fans will undoubtedly cheer this remastered rerelease on CD at last. --Bill Holdship Amazon.com

Golden..and how!

Not only was the CD in pristine condition, it was like a time machine back to 1964, when Broadway had a certain sound to it that was exactly what Sammy Davis Jr. could deliver. The ideas presented about race and how it hurts and hinders you are as topical today (alas!) as they were then. And, if you can get through the Broadway production, the numbers are beautifully written, really saying something! A treat! August 26, 2008

Time for a revival?

This is a terrific musical. One of Charles Stouse's best scores, if not THE best ( far more interesting than "Annie", for which he is more famous). Sammy Davis Jr. sounds better than I ever heard him. I guess I'd forgotten how good he was. A "must" for any fan of American musical theatre. May 26, 2008

GOLDEN BOY

I SAW THIS PLAY ON BROADWAY AND HAD THE LP FOR YEARS... I WAS GLAD TO SEE THAT IT WAS IN CD FORM. NOW I CAN ENJOY THE MUSIC AGAIN ALONG WITH THE WONDERFUL VOICE OF SAMMY DAVIS JR. August 23, 2007

Tour-de-force for Sammy Davis, Jr. -- Strouse & Adams Score

NOTE: The following review, with a couple of small edits, was posted on July 12, 2004, before DRG reissued this recording.

Having noticed that GOLDEN BOY had been discontinued and that a hole existed in my collection between GOLDEN APPLE and GOLDEN RAINBOW, I ordered a used copy to fill the gap. Based on prior reviews, I was prepared for a so-so Strouse & Adams score, so I was pleasantly surprised when I finally heard it. Frankly, I think that GOLDEN BOY is one of the strongest scores by the prolific team responsible for BYE, BYE BIRDIE; ALL AMERICAN; IT'S A BIRD. . . IT'S A PLANE. . . IT'S SUPERMAN!; APPLAUSE; ANNIE.

Originally released on a Capitol LP, this 1999 remaster on Razor & Tie (a division of EMI) definitely deserves to remain in the catalogue. Documenting the talents of Sammy Davis, Jr. and the great Billy Daniels, the score is considerably better that those for APPLAUSE and IT'S A BIRD. . . IT'S A PLANE. . . IT'S SUPERMAN!, both still in circulation. The subtle references to poverty and race in "Night Song" and not-too-subtle ones in "Colorful" and "Don't Forget 127th St." are lyricist Lee Adams in his prime. Charles Strouse's melodies are also fine.

Although 1962's NO STRINGS featured inter-racial leads, GOLDEN BOY was the first Broadway musical to make a real issue of race differences. And as liberal-minded as many of us claim to be, I'd venture there were many theatre goers shocked to see a black man (Davis) romance a white woman (Paula Wayne) on stage. With the proper cast and a little updating, GOLDEN BOY could probably do well on Broadway today. The themes and issues are still relevant, although the male lead probably would have to become a basketball player or hip-hop artist.

GOLDEN BOY is not a great show, but it has a lot to recommend it. Let's hope that DRG or Fynsworth Alley decides to resurrect it. I'd advise anyone interested in the history of Broadway musicals to snap up the remaining copies ASAP. (see note)

P.S. A minor correction to Amazon's editorial review: Bill Holdship states that Sammy Davis, Jr. made his Broadway debut in GOLDEN BOY. Not so. It was MR. WONDERFUL in 1957.

NOTE (1/12/06) ---- DRG's reissue is due on February 7. Get it!
August 11, 2006

One of my favorite scores- breathtaking!

The score for Golden Boy written by Charles Strouse and Lee Adams is neglected. It's quite sad that it is because the entire piece is so brilliant. Strouse's music is filled with urban jazz flavored pieces that are wonderful. Adams' lyrics are sharp, sardonic and sometimes even touching.
Sammy Davis Jr. gives a performance that deserved to be be legendary. The rest of the cast is top notch as well. Billy Daniels shines in my favorite song, "While the City Sleeps."
It was the year of Fiddler on the Roof, everyone was thrilled and exited with Fiddler. Although Fiddler on the Roof is excellent and a classic, Golden Boy is my kind of show and in my opinion...better. August 10, 2006

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