Alfie (Cilla Black)

10 MAY 1966



Cilla Black’s ‘Alfie’, written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David for the 1966 Michael Caine movie Alfie, was at its peak UK chart position of #9.

The songwriters originally wanted Dionne Warwick to record the song, but an English singer was decided upon to complement the movie's London setting. It was first offered to Sandie Shaw, who refused it. Cilla was the second choice, and even she was reluctant, only agreeing to record it if Bacharach himself arranged the song.

The song was rerecorded for the US market by Cher, who reached #32 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with it. The two versions were released in Australia in July 1966. Cilla's version reached #22 there, with Cher's at #96.

In 1967 the song was finally recorded by Dionne Warwick, who took it to #15 in the US.

B-side: 'Night Time Is Here'
Released: 1966 (UK); July 1966 (US)
Length: 2:40
Label: Parlophone (UK); Capitol (US)
Producer: George Martin

Alfie (Cilla Black)