Buddy Greco was born Armando Greco in Philadelphia. His mother introduced him to piano at the age of four. At an early age he was singing and performing on the radio and during his teens in Philadelphia clubs. When he was 16, he was hired by Benny Goodman and toured worldwide. He spent four years with Goodman's orchestra, singing, playing piano, and arranging.
After leaving Goodman at the age of 20, he returned to nightclubs, singing and playing piano. He also recorded many hit songs in jazz, pop, and country music, including "Oh Look A-There", "Ain't She Pretty", "Up, Up and Away" and "Around the World". His most successful single was "The Lady Is a Tramp", which sold over one million copies. During his career, he recorded over sixty albums. He conducted the London Symphony Orchestra, performed for Queen Elizabeth II and with the Beatles.
In the 1960s, his career expanded into movies and television. He appeared often in the TV series Away We Go and had a role in the movie The Girl Who Knew Too Much. He worked with Ron Eschete from 1969–1970. The duo appeared in several TV shows, including The Mike Douglas Show.
Greco met Lezlie Anders while she was performing in Las Vegas. Their first meeting was when they stepped out on stage together, as she was a support act for him at The Desert Inn. After marrying, they worked and toured together.
In 1992, Greco began a thirteen-week act in Las Vegas at the Starlight Room at Stars' Desert Inn. This brought about his second big period of fame. The following year he was added to the Philadelphia Music Alliance's Walk of Fame. Shortly after, he toured Italy, France, Australia, and England.
While living in Palm Springs, Greco opened a small club. On the walls were pictures of Greco, the Rat Pack, and other celebrity friends, the room arranged by his wife. He often performed at his club, and it was a popular place for stars to dine before he closed it and moved to England.
Living in Palm Desert, California, he continued to appear at his club in Cathedral City, California, until it closed in August 2009. In 2004 he and his wife Lezlie Anders were headliners with the Fabulous Palm Springs Follies at the Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs, California.
Greco became acquainted with the UK in 1949. He spent years performing in clubs around England. He moved to Essex, though he still owns his house in Palm Springs, California, where he often spends vacations.
In 2008, Greco toured the UK with Anders. Together they performed with the BBC Big Band and played at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London. Greco was the first Las Vegas headliner to star at a British casino when he performed in cabaret in August 2008 at the Circus Casino, Star City, Birmingham. In April 2010, he performed a salute to Frank Sinatra for BBC Radio 2 with the 42-piece BBC Concert Orchestra. He toured the UK for over 30 dates from July 2010 with the Swinging Las Vegas Legends Show.
In 2010 Greco and his wife produced the stage show Fever! The Music of Miss Peggy Lee, which met with critical acclaim and opened in London's West End. The inspiration came from his wife, who was a friend of Lee. The show tells of the life and music of Peggy Lee. Greco plays piano and conducts the orchestra while his wife sings. The show received positive reviews and toured the U.S.
On New Year's Eve 2011 he made a guest appearance on Jools Holland's Hootenanny singing Fly Me to the Moon backed by the Jools Holland Rhythm & Blues Orchestra.
In 2012, Greco toured England in smaller venues, including Thameside Theatre Stage, and The Broadway in Essex.
In 2013, Greco celebrated his 80th year in show business in a concert in Southend, Essex. Stars such as the Rat Pack cast, Atila, Kenny Lynch, Paul Young and Michelle Collins were present to celebrate his career and also took part throughout the evening. Greco and his wife performed together.
Awards and honors
Inductee, Walk of Fame, Philadelphia Music Alliance
Appears in Encyclopedia of Great Musicians and the Encyclopedia of Great Jazz Singers and Musicians
Greco has been married five times:
Sally Baionno (1947–1962), divorced, 3 children
Dani Crayne (1961–1974), actress, divorced
Margret Kinley (1974–1977), divorced, 1 child Anastasia Greco
Jackie Sabatino (1977–?), 3 children
Lezlie Anders (14 April 1995–present)
My Baby Just Cares For Me
Buddy Greco Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My baby don't care for clothes
My baby just cares for me
My baby don't care for cars and races
My baby don't care for high-tone places
Liz Taylor is not his style
And even Lana Turner's smile
My baby don't care who knows
My baby just cares for me
Baby, my baby don't care for shows
And he don't even care for clothes
He cares for me
My baby don't care
For cars and races
My baby don't care for
He don't care for high-tone places
Liz Taylor is not his style
And even Liberace's smile
Is something he can't see
Is something he can't see
I wonder what's wrong with baby
My baby just cares for
My baby just cares for
My baby just cares for me
The lyrics of Buddy Greco's song "My Baby Just Cares For Me" describe a relationship in which the singer's partner does not care about materialistic things such as shows, clothes, cars or high-tone places. Instead, the partner simply cares for the singer, which is a heartwarming expression of love. The singer mentions celebrities such as Liz Taylor and Lana Turner, emphasizing that even their beauty cannot compare to the love and attention of the partner. Despite the disinterest in materialistic things, the singer wonders if something is wrong with the partner, but ultimately realizes that the partner's love is enough.
These lyrics are a beautiful reminder that it's the love and connection we have with people that truly matter in our lives, not the superficial things that society often prioritizes. The lyrics also highlight the importance of finding someone who loves you for who you are, and not for your possessions or status.
Line by Line Meaning
My baby don't care for shows
My partner isn't interested in attending events or performances.
My baby don't care for clothes
My partner isn't concerned with their wardrobe or fashion.
My baby just cares for me
My partner's main focus and affection is directed towards me.
My baby don't care for cars and races
My partner isn't interested in automobiles or racing competitions.
My baby don't care for high-tone places
My partner isn't attracted to fancy or upscale venues.
Liz Taylor is not his style
My partner isn't drawn to the glamour and fame represented by Elizabeth Taylor.
And even Lana Turner's smile
My partner isn't impressed or moved by the beauty of Lana Turner.
Is somethin' he can't see
My partner is indifferent to these aspects and doesn't place much value on them.
My baby don't care who knows
My partner is unapologetic about their lack of interest in these superficial things.
My baby just cares for me
My partner's devotion and love is solely focused on me.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Gus Kahn, Walter Donaldson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tan YikWah
I am glad to hear Buddy Greco's version of this classic tune, just great!