Idle On Parade

Album: Idle On Parade soundtrack (1959)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Based on the 1958 novel Idle On Parade, the film Idol On Parade was released in March 1959; the title song "Idle On Parade" was recorded by its star Anthony Newley who played Jeep Jackson. Although the pun may be lost on non-English speakers, the content won't be. The film was based rather loosely on the induction of Elvis Presley into the US Army; the song actually contains the phrase "all shook up."

    Produced from a British angle, the film was predictably more kitchen sink than Hollywood glamour.
  • Although Anthony Newley (1931-99) was a far cry from Elvis, he carved out a respectable career as a film actor. His greatest talent though was undoubtedly as a songwriter, although he didn't write this one; "Idle On Parade" was written by Leonard Praverman.
  • The song was released as an EP on the Decca label in 1959; it was the first track on the B-side; the A-side was "I've Waited So Long" and "Idle Rock-A-Boogie"; the fourth track was "Sat'day Night Rock-A-Boogie." Newley co-wrote the second and fourth tracks. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 3

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Randy Newman

Randy NewmanSongwriting Legends

Newman makes it look easy these days, but in this 1974 interview, he reveals the paranoia and pressures that made him yearn for his old 9-5 job.

Joan Armatrading

Joan ArmatradingSongwriter Interviews

The revered singer-songwriter talks inspiration and explains why she put a mahout in "Drop the Pilot."

David Sancious

David SanciousSongwriter Interviews

Keyboard great David Sancious talks about his work with Sting, Seal, Springsteen, Clapton and Aretha, and explains what quantum physics has to do with making music.

Dexys (Kevin Rowland and Jim Paterson)

Dexys (Kevin Rowland and Jim Paterson)Songwriter Interviews

"Come On Eileen" was a colossal '80s hit, but the band - far more appreciated in their native UK than stateside - released just three albums before their split. Now, Dexys is back.

Soul Train Stories with Stephen McMillian

Soul Train Stories with Stephen McMillianSong Writing

A Soul Train dancer takes us through a day on the show, and explains what you had to do to get camera time.

James Bond Theme Songs

James Bond Theme SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know the 007 theme songs?