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)
Something
Buddy Greco Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Meets an old immovable object like me
You can bet just as sure as you live
Something's gotta give
Something's gotta give
Something's gotta give
Warms an old implacable heart such as mine
Don't say no because I insist
Somewhere, somehow
Someone's gotta be kissed
So, en garde, who knows what the fates might have in store
From their vast mysterious sky
I'll try hard ignorin' those lips that I adore
But how long can anyone try?
Fight, fight, fight, fight, fight it with all of our might
Chances are some heavenly star-spangled night
We'll find out just as sure as we live
Something's gotta give
Something's gotta give
Something's gotta give
Fight, fight, fight it with all of your might
Chances are that some heavenly star-spangled night
We'll find out just as sure as we live
Something's gotta give
Something's gotta give
Something's gotta give
Something's gotta give
Something's gotta give
Aw, let's tear it up
The lyrics to Buddy Greco's "Something's Gotta Give" portray a classic, playful sentiment between two individuals who seem to be opposite in nature. The song describes the meeting of an irresistible force (likely referring to the captivating nature of the singer's love interest) and an old immovable object (indicating the singer's stubbornness). The singer acknowledges that their opposing personalities are sure to cause conflict, stating "something's gotta give."
Despite this incompatibility, the singer continues to be enamored by their love interest's irrepressible smile, and implores them not to reject his advances, insisting that "somewhere, somehow, someone's gotta be kissed." The lyrics suggest that the two are engaged in a playful, flirty dance, both aware of the potential for conflict and tension, but unable to resist the chemistry between them.
The second half of the song focuses on the internal struggle of the singer, who attempts to ignore the lips of his love interest that he adores, knowing that their opposing personalities will only lead to conflict. The lyric "fight it with all of our might" indicates that the singer recognizes the challenge of reconciling their differences, but still holds onto the possibility that the two can overcome their obstacles and find love. However, the ultimate sentiment of the song remains that "something's gotta give," suggesting that the relationship is destined to hit a breaking point.
Line by Line Meaning
When an irresistible force such as you
Describing a person who's so charming that one can't help but feel drawn to them
Meets an old immovable object like me
Comparing oneself to an old and stubborn person who's resistant to change or compromise
You can bet just as sure as you live
Expressing absolute certainty that something is bound to happen
Something's gotta give
Suggesting that a compromise or change must be made, as the current situation is unsustainable
When an irrepressible smile such as yours
Referring to the captivating and infectious smile of the other person
Warms an old implacable heart such as mine
Admitting that despite being stubborn, the other person's smile has softened one's heart
Don't say no because I insist
Urging the other person to accept one's advances, despite the potential challenges
Somewhere, somehow
Expressing a vague hope or belief that something good will happen
Someone's gotta be kissed
Implying that the two should share a romantic moment, whether or not it leads to something more
So, en garde, who knows what the fates might have in store
Acknowledging that the future is uncertain and that anything could happen, whether positive or negative
From their vast mysterious sky
Describing the unknown and unpredictable nature of destiny
I'll try hard ignorin' those lips that I adore
Admitting that it's difficult to resist the other person's physical charm and attraction
But how long can anyone try?
Expressing doubts about being able to resist the other person for an extended period of time
Fight, fight, fight, fight, fight it with all of our might
Exhorting oneself and the other person to resist temptation with all their power
Chances are some heavenly star-spangled night
Indicating a small probability that something magical and wonderful might happen in the future
We'll find out just as sure as we live
Suggesting that whatever happens, it will be an undeniable and unforgettable experience
Aw, let's tear it up
Ending the song with a playful and carefree attitude, implying a willingness to take chances and have fun
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Johnny Mercer
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@gleetz
Hi WE are doing a documentary on Buddy and I was wondering if you might have the original source material for this video in a higher quality ? thanks
@Johan-Dienaar
i don,t think i have the original dvd (copy ) anymore, but i will search for it , in the weekend
@gleetz
@@Johan-Dienaar thank you
@shanedeleon5376
@@Johan-Dienaar where was this available on dvd?
@Johan-Dienaar
@@shanedeleon5376 It was send to me years ago from someone in the UK, lost his adres, name., letter.
@stephenvincent4989
The first time I saw Buddy was in the early 60’s at “The Talk of The Town” Leicester Square London. His hip approach to lyrics was truly special combined with his excellent musicianship on the ivories . As an aside the regular cabaret included Lynda Baron far before she was a regular on tv in such programmes as Open all Hours with the late great Ronnie Barker.
@jimcapone2593
Pure show biz and great music. We wont see this ever again.
@stephenvincent4989
Yes, brought back great memories of seeing Buddy in London at “The Talk of the Town” in the ‘60’s exciting performance - special times.
@christophersansone2755
Great show thanks for posting.
@sumaarc46
The great Buddy Greco, One of America's greatest stylist...This is STILL 'Hip'...thank you..Buddy, Danny Barrett.