Introduction
“Mack the Knife,” originally titled “Die Moritat von Mackie Messer,” was composed by Kurt Weill with lyrics by Bertolt Brecht for their 1928 music drama, The Threepenny Opera. The song narrates the tale of Macheath, a notorious criminal in London’s underworld. Over the years, it has become a jazz standard, covered by numerous artists.
In 1959, Bobby Darin released his rendition of “Mack the Knife,” which became a significant hit. On May 31, 1959, Darin made his debut appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, performing both “Mack the Knife” and “Dream Lover.”
His performance on the show played a crucial role in popularizing the song and solidifying his status in the music industry.
Darin’s version of “Mack the Knife” achieved remarkable success, reaching the number one spot on the charts and maintaining that position for nine weeks. The song sold two million copies and earned Darin the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1960.
His rendition is often considered the definitive version of the song, showcasing his versatility and charisma as a performer.
The performance of “Mack the Knife” on The Ed Sullivan Show is available for viewing on YouTube.
Bobby Darin’s interpretation of “Mack the Knife” remains a timeless classic, reflecting his enduring influence on popular music.