First performed and recorded by Elmer Bernstein (1955).
Hit single versions by Richard Maltby & His Orchestra (US #14 1956), Elmer Bernstein (US #16 1956), Billy May (US #49/UK#9 1956), Dick Jacobs (US #22 1956), Jet Harris (UK #12 1962).
Also recorded by The Sweet (1974).
From the wiki: “‘(Themes from) The Man with the Golden Arm‘ was written by Elmer Bernstein for the 1955 film The Man with the Golden Arm, directed by Otto Preminger. Upon the film’s release, Bernstein’s score garnered widespread acclaim, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Music Score of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture. The score’s success not only elevated Bernstein’s status as a composer but also influenced the future direction of film music, particularly with its incorporation of jazz elements.
“The film’s score, particularly its main themes, has left a significant mark on the landscape of film music, characterized by its innovative and daring use of jazz elements which reflected the gritty and tense atmosphere of the film, effectively conveying the film’s themes of addiction, struggle, and the redemption of a drug-addicted jazz musician portrayed by Frank Sinatra.
“In addition to its critical acclaim, ‘(Themes from) The Man with the Golden Arm‘ achieved additional commercial success, leading to numerous recordings and adaptations over the years, cementing its place as a classic example of film music.
“The song was first commercially released by Richard Maltby & His Orchestra, debuting on the Billboard Top 100 chart the week of March 17, 1956. The following week, two more recordings — by Bernstein and by Billy May — debuted on the same chart the week of March 24, 1956 with the latter recording achieving Top 10 chart success in the U.K.
“Jet Harris revived ‘(Themes from) The Man with the Golden Arm‘ in the U.K. in 1962 with a guitar-centric arrangement that peaked at #12 on the UK Singles chart. The U.K. rock band The Sweet also covered the song in 1976 for their album Desolation Boulevard (from which came the hit ‘Fox on the Run’) that begins with the Billy May U.K. hit recording before segueing into a rock-oriented, drum-heavy arrangement.”
Richard Maltby & His Orchestra, “(Themes from) The Man with the Golden Arm” (1956):
Elmer Bernstein, “(Themes from) The Man with the Golden Arm” (1956):
Billy May, “(Themes from) The Man with the Golden Arm” (1956):
Dick Jacobs, “(Themes from) The Man with the Golden Arm” (1956):
Jet Harris, “(Themes from) The Man with the Golden Arm” (1962):
The Sweet, “(Themes from) The Man with the Golden Arm” (1974):