Billboard #1 Hits: #19: “Sleep Walk”- Santo And Johnny. #1 September 21, 1959- 2 weeks. Released on Canadian-American Records. Written by Santo Farina, Johnny Farina, Ann Farina. Genre: Instrumental Rock. Time: 2:20. B-Side:”All Night Diner.” Grade: A
“Sleep Walk” is an instrumental by the Brooklyn born guitar duo of Santo and Johnny Farina. It was their first chart hit and their biggest. From 1959-64 they would have six Hot 100 singles with only two “Sleep Walk” and “Tear Drop” #23 also in 1959 cracking the Top 40. “Sleep Walk” peaked at #22 on the UK chart. This is another one of tunes where I didn’t recognize it by the title but 2 seconds into the song- of course I’ve heard that dozens of times.
In 1998 The Brian Setzer Orchestra’s version of “Sleep Walk” would receive a Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance. “Sleep Walk” is also cited as an inspiration to Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac- in 1968 to write “Albatross” -which in turn inspired The Beatles “Sun King.”
Haunting… Good to put a name to the tune
A great co,position. This was used in the Richie Valens biography film LA BAMBA. For more on Richie Valens, read: https://rizziallen.wordpress.com/2018/02/02/shades-of-richie/
Great tune. I think Jeff beck introduced me to it but the original was the inspiration. Beck didn’t stray to far.
❤ x 1000 +1 When I hear how this song inspired others who inspired others, the term "musical scientist" comes to mind. I could listen to this song all day.
I like that “Musical Scientist”. I might use that one.
I agree the tune is haunting. It sends chills right up my spine. I had the honor to see Johnny Santos perform this live at one of the oldies shows. It was surreal, to say the least.
both brothers are still around!