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

Chris Tomlin

Chris TomlinSongwriter Interviews

The king of Christian worship music explains talks about writing songs for troubled times.

John Kay of Steppenwolf

John Kay of SteppenwolfSongwriter Interviews

Steppenwolf frontman John Kay talks about "Magic Carpet Ride," "Born To Be Wild," and what he values more than awards and accolades.

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17Songwriter Interviews

Martyn talks about producing Tina Turner, some Heaven 17 hits, and his work with the British Electric Foundation.

Sugarland

SugarlandSongwriter Interviews

Meet the "sassy basket" with the biggest voice in country music.

Song Titles That Inspired Movies

Song Titles That Inspired MoviesSong Writing

Famous songs that lent their titles - and in some cases storylines - to movies.

Director Paul Rachman on "Hunger Strike," "Man in the Box," Kiss

Director Paul Rachman on "Hunger Strike," "Man in the Box," KissSong Writing

After cutting his teeth on hardcore punk videos, Paul defined the grunge look with his work on "Hunger Strike" and "Man in the Box."