Sleep Walk is an instrumental song written, recorded, and released in 1959 by American instrumental rock and roll duo Santo & Johnny Farina, with their uncle Mike Dee playing the drums. Prominently featuring steel guitar, the song was recorded at Trinity Music in Manhattan, New York City.
The song’s origins are somewhat murky, with several different accounts of how it came to be written. One story claims that Santo Farina wrote the song while sleepwalking, while another claims that he wrote it as a tribute to his brother Johnny, who was serving in the military at the time. Regardless of its origins, “Sleep Walk” quickly became a hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in September 1959. It was the last instrumental to top the charts in the 1950s and earned a gold record for Santo and Johnny.
The song’s success can be attributed to a number of factors. First, its catchy melody and simple, yet effective, arrangement made it instantly appealing to listeners. Second, its release coincided with the rise of instrumental rock and roll, which was enjoying a great deal of popularity at the time. Finally, the song benefited from extensive radio airplay, which helped to make it a household name.
“Sleep Walk” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including The Ventures, Duane Eddy, and Larry Carlton. It has also been featured in a number of films and television shows, such as “American Graffiti” and “The Simpsons.” Today, the song remains a classic of instrumental rock and roll and is still enjoyed by listeners around the world.
In addition to its musical significance, “Sleep Walk” is also notable for its cultural impact. The song’s title has become synonymous with the act of sleepwalking, and it is often used to describe any situation in which someone is acting in a daze or without full awareness. The song has also been referenced in a number of other cultural works, including books, poems, and even video games.
Overall, “Sleep Walk” is a song with a rich history and a lasting impact. It is a classic of instrumental rock and roll that continues to be enjoyed by listeners around the world.