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Champagne Charlie’s my Name

Drinking Song #22 is called Champagne Charlie. Let’s go back to 1932 and Blind Blake:

http://youtu.be/Ekh2ysgiw3Y

This tune actually goes further back to 1862. Wikipedia suggests: Champagne Charlie is a music hall song from the 19th century composed by Alfred Lee with lyrics by George Leybourne. It was popularised by performer George Leybourne. The song was first performed at the Sun Music Hall, Knightsbridge in 1867. Leybourne entered in top hat and tails, dressed as a “swell” in immaculate evening dress, with gloves, cane, and scarf, waving a bottle of vintage Moët et Chandon.

Here’s Tommy Trinder from 1944:

I first heard this tune as performed by that curious revivalist Leon Redbone. I dug up a video on YouTube of Mr. Redbone performing it.

6 Comments

  1. Pingback: Blind Blake – Diddie Wa Diddie | Acoustic Nook

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  3. azahar's avatar

    Haha… love it! I also first heard this song played by Leon Redbone, probably at the Wpg Folk Festival. Kind of like if Groucho Marx could play the guitar.

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