Champagne Charlie (song)
Champagne Charlie is a music hall song from the 19th century composed by Alfred Lee with lyrics by George Leybourne. It was popularised by performer George Leybourne. The song was first performed at the Sun Music Hall, Knightsbridge in 1867. Leybourne entered in top hat and tails, dressed as a "swell" in immaculate evening dress, with gloves, cane, and scarf, waving a bottle of vintage Moët et Chandon.
Leybourne's rival Alfred Vance introduced a number called Cliquot, starting a fierce competition between the two men.
The melody of this song was subsequently adapted by the Salvation Army for their song Bless His Name He Sets Me Free. It later featured in the play Champagne Charlie and the film Champagne Charlie featuring Tommy Trinder and Stanley Holloway. This song, with alternate lyrics, was also sung by the jazz musician Leon Redbone on his album of the same name in 1978. It is also heard as a background song a few times in the Jack the Ripper (1988) television movie starring Michael Caine.
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