Tiptoe Through the Tulips
"Tiptoe Through the Tulips", also known as "Tiptoe Thru’ the Tulips with Me", is a popular song published in 1929. The song was written by Al Dubin (lyrics) and Joe Burke (music) and made popular by guitarist Nick Lucas. On February 5, 1968, singer Tiny Tim made the song a novelty hit[1] by singing it on the popular American television show Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In.[2][3]
Tip Toe Through the Tulips | |
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by Joe Burke (music) & Al Dubin (lyrics) | |
![]() Original Cover for the 1929 Sheet Music to "Tip Toe Through The Tulips" | |
Genre | Popular song from the 1929 film Gold Diggers of Broadway |
Publisher | M. Witmark & Sons (New York) |
Recording history
"Crooning Troubadour" Nick Lucas topped the U.S. charts with "Tiptoe Through the Tulips" in 1929, after introducing the song in the musical "talkie" film Gold Diggers of Broadway. Lucas's recording held the number 1 position for 10 weeks.[4] Other artists charted with the song in 1929, including Jean Goldkette (number 5), Johnny Marvin (number 11), and Roy Fox (number 18).
The song was recorded and then released in April 1968 by Tiny Tim on his album God Bless Tiny Tim. Produced by Richard Perry, Tim's version charted at number 17 in the United States that year, becoming his signature song; which he would continue to perform throughout his career. Side B of the released single included the song "Fill Your Heart".
References
- The New York Times. "Tiny Tim Singer Dies at 64". William Grimes. December 2, 1996.
- LA Times. "Behind the Laughter at 'Laugh-in'". Susan King. March 7, 2011.
- The New York Times. "A Little Bit of a Bad Thing Can Be Good". Neil Genzlinger. January 31, 2007.
- CD liner notes: Chart-Toppers of the Twenties, 1998 ASV Ltd.