Essential Listening #2: Sleep Walk - Guitar Lessons by BrianGuitar Lessons by Brian

My Comments

When I collected CDs in the 80s and 90s I had a category stack of CDs of people that covered this song. I have 12 or 13 CDs in the stack. Sleep Walk may be the most romantic instrumental of the baby boomer generation. It conjures up memories of young teens dancing at a party with their first crush or skating under blue lights with their girlfriend at the local roller rink.

I did a video on YouTube of the song on my Fender String Master steel guitar. That was the same type of guitar Santos used on the original recording.

Details

“Sleep Walk” is an instrumental steel guitar-based song recorded by the American musical duo Santo & Johnny. Here’s an in-depth look at its history, composition, impact, and legacy:

Background and Release

Artists: Santo & Johnny (Santo Farina and Johnny Farina)
Release Date: 1959
Label: Trinity Records, later reissued by Canadian-American Records
Genre: Instrumental rock, surf rock

Composition

Writers: Santo Farina, Johnny Farina, and their mother, Ann Farina.
Instrumentation: The song is noted for its distinctive steel guitar lead, played by Santo, with Johnny accompanying on rhythm guitar. The steel guitar gives the song its dreamy, melancholic quality.
Melody and Structure: “Sleep Walk” is a slow, instrumental ballad with a haunting melody. The use of the steel guitar allows for smooth glides between notes, contributing to the song’s ethereal feel.

Recording

Studio: The song was recorded in Brooklyn, New York.
Sound: The production is simple yet effective, highlighting the steel guitar’s resonant tones and the gentle rhythm guitar backing.

Chart Performance

Billboard Hot 100: “Sleep Walk” reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for the week ending September 21, 1959, and stayed there for two weeks.
R&B Chart: It also achieved success on the R&B chart, reflecting its wide appeal across different musical audiences.

Influence and Legacy

Impact: “Sleep Walk” is considered one of the most famous and enduring instrumental tracks of the rock era. Its distinctive sound has influenced numerous musicians and has been widely covered.
Cover Versions: Many artists have covered “Sleep Walk” over the years, including The Shadows, Jeff Beck, and Brian Setzer. Each version brings a unique interpretation to the classic melody.
Cultural References: The song has been featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials, often used to evoke a sense of nostalgia or melancholy. Notable appearances include the movies “La Bamba” and “Sleepwalkers.”

Recognition and Honors

Grammy Hall of Fame: “Sleep Walk” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2004, recognizing its lasting significance in music history.
Rolling Stone List: The song has appeared on various lists celebrating the greatest instrumental tracks, cementing its status as a timeless piece.

Notable Appearances

Movies and TV: “Sleep Walk” has been used in several notable scenes in movies and television, contributing to its lasting popularity. Its emotive quality makes it a popular choice for evoking particular moods in visual media.
Live Performances: Santo & Johnny performed “Sleep Walk” live on numerous television shows and in concerts, helping to spread its popularity.

Legacy

“Sleep Walk” remains a beloved instrumental track, celebrated for its beautiful melody and emotional depth. It is a testament to the Farina brothers’ talent and continues to resonate with audiences around the world. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its simplicity and the evocative power of the steel guitar, making it a staple in the instrumental rock genre.