In a Broadway Bag

In a Broadway Bag, released in June 1966, was Bobby Darin's second LP for Atlantic Records. Though The Shadow of Your Smile included five songs from Oscar nominated films and a number of other standards, it is on In a Broadway Bag where Darin took the concept to its logical end. This is a complete album of outstanding songs from current and recent hit musicals. It begins with "Mame," which, as a single before the show had even opened on Broadway, became a one of the biggest hits of the year. As a result, the song became a staple of Darin's live act, and often opened his show. His success with "Mame" inspired him to learn more about Broadway shows and to compile In a Broadway Bag. The LP showcases upbeat songs, including "Don't Rain on My Parade" from Funny Girl, "I Believe in You" from How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, "It's Today," also from Mame, "Everybody Has the Right to be Wrong" from Skyscraper, and "Feeling Good" from The Roar of the Greasepaint, the Smell of the Crowd. In a Broadway Bag has its share of ballads as well, including Jerry Orbach's tune "Try to Remember" from The Fantastiks, "Night Song" from Golden Boy, "Once Upon a Time" from All American, "I'll Only Miss Her" from Skyscraper, and "The Other Half of Me" from I Had a Ball. The Shadow of Your Smile began the second highly successful period in the artist's career, after the "Splish Splash" and "Mack the Knife" days. In a Broadway Bag continued that success, and "Mame" was his biggest hit in three years. In a Broadway Bag is generally considered one of Bobby Darin's best (and certainly most cohesive) LPs. ~ JT Griffith