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Wand'rin' Star

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"Wand'rin' Star"
Single by Lee Marvin
B-side
Released1970 (1970)
Length4:30 (album version)
2:59 (radio edit)
LabelParamount
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Tom Mack

"Wand'rin' Star" is a song that was originally written by Alan J. Lerner (lyrics) and Frederick Loewe (music) for the stage musical Paint Your Wagon in 1951.

Lee Marvin recording

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"Wand'rin' Star" was a number one single in the UK for three weeks[1] and in Ireland for two weeks for Lee Marvin in March 1970. The song also peaked at number 10 in Australia.[2]

Background

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When the film of the musical was made in 1969, Lee Marvin took the role of prospector Ben Rumson. Not a natural singer, Marvin nevertheless sang all of his songs in the film, rejecting the idea of miming to another singer's voice. Despite the film being a box office flop, the soundtrack became a success. Orchestrated and arranged by Nelson Riddle, Marvin's version of the song "Wand'rin Star" became a number 1 single in Ireland and the UK, keeping The Beatles at number 2 in the UK with their single "Let It Be". Marvin never released a follow-up single, so he is considered a one-hit wonder.

Cover versions

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  • In 2002, the song was played at the end of Joe Strummer's funeral.[4]
  • The song was mentioned in the words of "Build a Fire" by the KLF. The last lines are, "We'll stop for lunch, in some taco bar./Lee Marvin on the jukebox, 'Wand'rin' Star.'"

Sample

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References

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  1. ^ "All The Number 1 Singles > 1970's". The Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on 16 March 2010. Retrieved 26 February 2010.
  2. ^ Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 194. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
  3. ^ [Top of the Pops, Vol. 10 – Various Artists at AllMusic]
  4. ^ Singleton, Phil (24 January 2003). "An Audience with Glen Matlock". God Save the Sex Pistols. North Bar, Blackburn. Retrieved 7 October 2018.