About the song
The song you’ve chosen, The Everly Brothers’ rendition of “The Sheik of Araby”, takes us on a nostalgic journey through the landscape of early rock and roll, with a healthy dose of theatrical flair thrown in for good measure.
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Composed in 1921 by the songwriting duo of Harry B. Smith and Francis Wheeler, with music by Ted Snyder, “The Sheik of Araby” predates the Everly Brothers by a good stretch. It was a product of the Tin Pan Alley era, a time when catchy tunes and sheet music ruled the music industry. The song itself rode the wave of popularity generated by the silent film craze, particularly the exotic allure of Rudolph Valentino’s portrayal of The Sheik.
The Everly Brothers, those smooth-voiced harmonizing icons, took on this cultural touchstone in the mid-1960s, imbuing it with their signature rock and roll energy. This wasn’t a faithful ballad rendition by any means. The Everly Brothers injected a playful spirit, transforming it into a kind of tongue-in-cheek homage. Their close harmonies, a hallmark of their sound, weave a playful tapestry around the song’s narrative, a tale of a captivating desert love.
“The Sheik of Araby”, in the Everly Brothers’ hands, becomes a delightful exercise in musical interpretation. It’s a bridge between eras, a reminder of how timeless melodies can be reimagined and reenergized for new generations.
Theirs is a performance that winks at the past while firmly planting itself in the burgeoning rock and roll scene. It’s a testament to the versatility of the Everly Brothers’ talent, showcasing their ability to breathe new life into established classics.
So, as you prepare to listen to The Everly Brothers’ “The Sheik of Araby”, keep in mind the song’s rich history. Imagine yourself transported back to a simpler time, a time of flickering black and white films and catchy gramophone tunes. But most importantly, prepare to be charmed by the Everly Brothers’ undeniable charisma and their playful take on a cultural phenomenon.