"Walk on the Wild Side" originated as the title song of the 1962 film of the same name as performed by Brook Benton over the film's coda and closing credits. Lyrics were written by Mack David and music was by Elmer Bernstein. The two earned an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song.

Background

The song evokes the jazz and gospel music musical styles of the film's New Orleans setting, and the reputation of its Storyville district. It addresses an unnamed straying Christian — or perhaps all who and seems to threaten them in terms understood within their life style: The song has had a second life in real-life gospel music.

Chart performance

Brook Benton

Jimmy Smith version

Jazz organist Jimmy Smith recorded an instrumental version of the song for his 1962 album Bashin': The Unpredictable Jimmy Smith. The music was arranged by Oliver Nelson and features Nelson's Big Band. The record cover displays a sticker-facsimile quoting "Includes the exciting jazz version of WALK ON THE WILD SIDE" in order to take advantage of the success of the movie soundtrack. The track was released spread over two sides of a 45-rpm single; Smith's organ is not heard until Part Two. The single reached No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in June 1962. On the Hot R&B Sides chart, the track peaked at No. 4

Other recordings