Cy Coleman and 'Playboy's Theme'

Cy Coleman was already a well-regarded composer in 1960, when he recorded his composition "Playboy's Theme" in honor of magazine mogul Hugh Hefner. Hef brought it out as the first single on his Playboy Records label.

"Playboy's Theme" is instantly memorable, and so became popular. It is not, however, terribly original, being influenced heavily by Bobby Timmons' "Moanin'," recorded in 1958 with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers. (There's a great filmed version of the Messengers performing this live, with the original line-up of Blakey, Timmons, trumpeter Lee Morgan, tenor saxophonist Benny Golson, and bassist Jymie Merritt.)

In 1960, Coleman had already achieved moderate fame as a supper club pianist, with his trio, and had written a number of hits with lyricist Carolyn Leigh (notably "Witchcraft" and "The Best Is Yet to Come"). He and Leigh were just bringing their first musical to Broadway - Wildcat, with Lucille Ball. This was to be followed by the superb Little Me in 1962. Coleman then moved on to other successes with other collaborators.

Cy Coleman on Playboy After Dark

The flip side of this record shows Coleman's considerable skill as a vocalist, interpreting Leigh's lyrics for "You Fascinate Me So," a song from several years earlier. Coleman didn't have much of a voice, but he sure knew how to sing.

[Note (June 2023): This recording has now been remastered in vivid ambient stereo.]