Although not derivative or music that is strictly re-created, this outing from veteran drummer Louis Hayes can be subtitled "Back to Blue Note." The music is often fiery and spirited hard bop with Hayes driving the ensembles. Riley Mullins is a spirited trumpeter who is featured quite effectively on a mute on "Ill Wind," while Abraham Burton's tenor solos show the influence of John Coltrane in spots but have a personality of their own; he is excellent during his ballad showcase on Lee Morgan's "Second Best." But actually pianist Dave Hazeltine, who has the most mature style of the main soloists, often takes honors, particularly on his own "Pentagon." In addition to three group originals, the program features music from Horace Silver (a couple of his lesser-known songs: "Pyramid" and "Safari"), Lee Morgan, Anthony Newley, and Freddie Redd. Redd's "Thespian" is a particular highlight, starting with a thoughtful melody statement, doubling its tempo, and then ending with a speedy reading of the complex theme. Newley's "The Candy Man," despite its childish melody, is turned into swinging jazz. Along the way Hayes and bassist Santi DeBriano have a couple solos, but the main emphasis is on the individual statements of the horns and Hazeltine. The energy and enthusiasm of the musicians, in addition to the well-planned program, make this a highly recommended effort. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
Louis Hayes (Drums), Louis Hayes (Main Performer), Santi Debriano (Bass), Abraham Burton (Sax (Tenor)), Ira Gitler (Liner Notes), Riley Mullins (Trumpet), David Hazeltine (Piano), Jimmy Katz (Cover Photo), Jimmy Katz (Inlay Photography), Lou Holtzman (Mastering), Lou Holtzman (Mixing), Lou Holtzman (Recording), Peter Schmidlin (Executive Producer), Aleardo G. Buzzi (Producer), Aleardo G. Buzzi (Photography), Gigi Schmid-Huetiger (Graphic Design)
"The Candy Man" was most famously covered by Sammy Davis, Jr.. His version of "The Candy Man" hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart on June 10, 1972, spending three weeks there. It also spent two weeks atop the adult contemporary chart. The track featured vocals by the Mike Curb Congregation, who had earlier released their own unsuccessful version of the song. Davis was interested in playing the character of Bill in the original film. Although producers balked at the idea (and although he originally disliked the song), Davis eventually worked the song into his shows and it is now recognized as one of his signature songs.
"The Candy Man" has been featured in a number of radio, films and TV shows.
M&M Mars used the song as a jingle for M&M's chocolate candies.
Scrubs, in the episode "My Dream Job", during a day-dream sequence where JD imagines his dream job: being the "Chocolate King" and having an office where everything (including Turk, as his secretary) is made of chocolate.
The 1996 Ren & Stimpy episode "Sammy and Me" featured a parody of "The Candy Man" entitled "The Mantis Man", sung by a praying mantis version of Sammy Davis, Jr. named Sammy Mantis (voiced by Tommy Davidson).
In the 2005 film Madagascar, when Alex the lion is shot with a tranquilizer dart, he has a psychedelic experience with the Sammy Davis, Jr. version playing throughout (it is sped up the second time he's tranquilized).
Homer: "Who can take some vodka, sprinkle it with ice, pour it down your gullet 'till the world seems really nice? The brandyman. The brandyman can if you're over 21...
Danny Baker used the song extensively as a theme during his breakfast show for BBC London 94.9. He would reward listeners who phoned into the show and greeted him as Candy Man. During his time on the show he amassed a large number of existing versions of the song and commissioned guests such as Ray Gelato to produce new versions. He continues to use the song as a theme tune for his afternoon show on BBC London 94.9.
Gilmore Girls, Season Five, after Rory and Dean have sex. Also, Taylor sings it in Season Three when he's announcing the opening of his Candy Shoppe.
On Father's Day in 2007, an El Paso, Texas radio station (KHEY[disambiguation needed]) played a parody called "Daddy-Man", whose chorus was: "The Daddy-Man can, 'cause he don't give a dang when he embarrasses you."
In an episode of My Name Is Earl (season 1, episode 24), Randy Hickey finds a coin in a drain, which is accompanied by an instrumental rendition of the Candy Man.
Craig David uses the melody of "Candy Man" for the chorus of his song "Booty Man".
Walt Disney World works melodies and lyrics from various holiday-related songs to create the music for Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, including lyrics from The Candy Man.
Animator John Wilson made an animated vignette of the song, which was featured on such shows as Romper Room.
In 2009 Christian Comedian Tim Hawkins did a parody song and video “The Government Can”.
Another cover version can be found on a Kidsongs video and DVD, "What I Want to Be".
References
The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits, 6th Edition, 1996
