About the song
“Sleep Walk” is an iconic instrumental piece that epitomizes the dreamy allure of 1950s rock and roll. Composed and performed by Santo & Johnny Farina, with additional drums by their uncle Mike Dee, this timeless track was recorded at Trinity Music in Manhattan, New York City, and released in 1959 under Canadian-American Records.
The heart of “Sleep Walk” lies in its ethereal steel guitar melody, which captured the imagination of listeners worldwide. Santo & Johnny Farina, encouraged by their father Tony since childhood to explore music, crafted the song during a sleepless night after a performance. Using a Webcor tape recorder, they developed the harmonies and eventually added the mesmerizing steel guitar melody that defines the song’s enchanting mood.
Upon completing the demo, Ed Burton of Trinity Music recognized its potential and facilitated their signing with Canadian-American Records. “Sleep Walk” swiftly climbed the charts, entering the Billboard Hot 100 in July 1959 and reaching the number 1 spot for the final two weeks of September that year. It also peaked at number 4 on the R&B chart, solidifying its cross-genre appeal.
The instrumental’s popularity extended beyond its initial release, influencing subsequent artists and genres. The Shadows, a British group, covered “Sleep Walk” on their 1961 album, while Fleetwood Mac’s Peter Green found inspiration for his hit “Albatross” in its soothing melody. The song’s legacy continued with interpretations by Larry Carlton, Joe Satriani, and others, each adding their unique flair while honoring the original’s emotive charm.
Notably, “Sleep Walk” sparked creativity beyond music, inspiring Stephen King to incorporate it into his screenplay for the 1992 horror film “Sleepwalkers,” further cementing its cultural impact.
In conclusion, Santo & Johnny Farina’s “Sleep Walk” remains a masterpiece of instrumental music, celebrated for its haunting beauty and enduring influence on subsequent generations of musicians and storytellers alike. Its ability to evoke nostalgia and tranquility continues to captivate listeners, making it a cherished classic in the annals of rock history.
Video
Lyrics
Instead of dreaming
I Sleepwalk
Cause I lost you
And now what am I to do
What to do.
Can’t believe that we’re through
I don’t care how much you tell me
Sleep talk
Cause I miss you
While the memory of you
Lingers like a song
Darling, I was so wrong
But I’ll be right some day
The night fills my lonely place
I see your face
I know, I miss you so
I still love you
And it drives me insane
Sleepwalk
Every night I just Sleepwalk
And when you walk inside the door
I will Sleepwalk no more
Sleepwalk
Every night I just Sleepwalk
And when you walk inside the door
I will Sleepwalk no more
I will Sleepwalk no more
I will Sleepwalk no more