Key Largo - Berties Higgins (1982) 9/16/23

Today's Great Song of the '80s is about a man who is urging his lover NOT to break up with him by referencing a classic film of 1948.

"Key Largo" (the song) by Bertie Higgins draws inspiration from "Key Largo" (the film) by referencing the onscreen--and offscreen--love affair between Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall.

It even tosses in a few lines from Bogart's 1942 classic, "Casablanca.) ("Here's looking at you, kid,")

The song's video plays right into the references. It was shot in Tarpon Springs, Florida..with Bertie (at age 38) playing Bogart and 17-year-old actress Patty Wolfe as Bacall. (Note: This was a nod to the age difference between Bogie (45) and Bacall (20) when they married in real life.)

In 1982, the song topped Billboard's Adult Contemporary Chart, and reached #8 while spending 17 weeks on the Hot 100.

"Key Largo" made Bertie Higgins a one-hit wonder, but as a small consolation, VH-1 ranked it at #75 on their list of the "Top One-Hit Wonders of the '80s." (Hey, a kudo is a kudo!)

So, here's where I quote Bogart, using a line from "Casablanca" (which is also included in the song): "Play It, Sam!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ru2tsT32pHA

Tomorrow: Bryan's Heart.