Classic Pop Icons

Tommy Edwards’ signature hit “It’s All In The Game” is Song of the Week on Classic Pop Icons. “It’s All In The Game” was released in the summer of 1958, backed with “Please Love Me Forever”.

Tommy Edwards’ popular 1958 recording of “It’s All In The Game” was actually his second recording of the song. He had first attempted the song in 1951, with a swing arrangement. This 1951 recording was a hit, but has been totally overshadowed by the masterful 1958 version.

“It’s All In The Game” (1951) – Tommy Edwards

“It’s All In The Game” was adapted from future US Vice-President Charles Gates Dawes’ 1911 composition, “Melody in A Major,” which would become known as “Dawes’ Melody.” Songwriter, Carl Sigman, married the 1911 melody with his “It’s All In The Game” lyrics in 1951 and it was quickly recognised as a strong song, with recordings by the likes of Dinah Shore, Louis Armstrong, Nat King Cole, and the aforementioned first recording by Tommy Edwards.

With seven years past since his original recording of “It’s All In the Game” and four years since his last hit single, Tommy Edwards decided to revisit the song in the summer of 1958. It was a wise move. The recording would become his biggest ever hit and give his career the shot in the arm that it needed.

The 1958 recording was made at the height of the popularity of the new rock ‘n’ roll music and the new arrangement reflects that, embracing doo-wop harmonies of the time and moving away from the more jazzy arrangement of the original recording.

“It’s All In The Game” (1958) – Tommy Edwards

Tommy Edwards’ second recording of “It’s All In The Game” was ranked at number 38 in the Billboard Hot 100 All-Time Top Songs list in 2008.

Authorship

The words and music for “It’s All In the Game” were written by Carl Sigman and Charles Gates Dawes, respectively.

Dawes would become the 30th Vice President in 1925, under President Calvin Coolidge. He is also remembered for chairing the committee that produced the Dawes Plan on World War I reparations in 1924.

Sigman was a hugely successful lyricist, whose other credits include “What Now My Love,” “My Heart Cries For You,” “Ebb Tide,” and “(Where Do I Begin?) Love Story.”

Recording date/location

“It’s All In The Game” was recorded on June 9, 1958 at Metropolitan Studios, NYC.

Musicians

Tommy Edwards was backed by the LeRoy Holmes Orchestra on the single “It’s All In The Game,” as he had been on the original 1951 version. Both cuts were also produced by Harry Myerson.

Chart performance

“It’s All In The Game” hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in September 1958 and remained on top for six weeks. It also hit number one on Billboard’s R&B chart.

The single was also Tommy Edwards’ only UK number one.

Notable covers

“It’s All In The Game” – Cliff Richard

With the accomplished backing of the Norrie Paramor Orchestra, Cliff Richard recorded a sublime cover of “It’s All In The Game” in 1963. Cliff’s smooth delivery is well suited to the song and it ranks as one of his finest ballads of the decade. The single reached number two on the UK singles chart, and was Cliff’s only top 40 hit in the 1960s in the US, peaking at number 25 on the Hot 100.

“It’s All In The Game” – The Four Tops

The Four Tops hit number five on the UK singles chart with their soulful cover of “It’s All In The Game” in 1970. The song also featured on their 1970 album “Still Waters Run Deep.” The Frank Wilson-produced recording is notable for the imaginative string arrangement and for all four members sharing lead vocal duties. Fans of the group will enjoy the interaction, but the song probably works better with a solo singer.

There will be a new Song of the Week on May 28.

Both versions of Tommy Edwards’ “It’s All In The Game” is available on the compilation “It’s All In the Game – The Complete Hits of Tommy Edwards”.

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