"Key Largo" is the debut single by American singer-songwriter Bertie Higgins, released in September 1981. In early 1982, it became Higgins' only top 40 hit in the United States, peaking at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The track spent 17 weeks in the top 40 and was certified gold by the RIAA.Whitburn, Joel (2004). The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits, 8th Edition (Billboard Publications), page 285. In addition, "Key Largo" topped the Adult Contemporary chart for two weeks.Hyatt, Wesley (1999). The Billboard Book of #1 Adult Contemporary Hits (Billboard Publications), page 262. In Australia and Canada, the song reached the top three, peaking at No. 2 and No. 3, respectively. In 2009, VH1 ranked "Key Largo" No. 75 on its 100 Greatest One-Hit Wonders of the '80s program.
Background and content The song's lyrics plead with a lover to reconsider ending a romance. The singer recalls their first winter together, when they lived in a poorly heated place. Their only entertainment was watching the "Late, Late Show," which featured films such as Casablanca and Key Largo, the latter of which starred Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. Bacall does not appear in Casablanca. The couple is recalled in the lyric, We had it all / Just like Bogie and Bacall / Starring in our own late, late show / Sailin' away to Key Largo. The lyrics also draw from the film Casablanca, including the lines, "Here's looking at you, kid," and "Please say you will / Play it again." The song "Key Largo" was included on Higgins' album Just Another Day in Paradise.
Music video A promotional music video was produced in 1982, filmed in and around Tarpon Springs, Florida, and directed by David Jean Schweitzer. It begins with Higgins leaning against a pole, smoking a cigarette, reminiscing. Later, the singer walks with a young woman, played by then-17-year-old Patty Wolfe. The scene then cuts to the pair riding in a motorboat around Anclote Key, off Tarpon Springs. The video also shows them in a car at Fred Howard Park. The final moments depict the two walking along a beach at sunset.
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (1981–1982)Peakposition Australia (Kent Music Report)2Canadian RPM Top Singles3Canadian RPM Adult Contemporary Tracks1South Africa (Springbok)18UK Singles Chart60US Billboard Adult Contemporary Tracks1US Billboard Hot Country Singles50US Billboard Hot 1008US Cash Box Top 100Cash Box Top 100 Singles, May 1, 19827
Year-end charts Chart (1982)Rank Australia (Kent Music Report)5Canada RPM Top Singles29US Billboard Hot 10017US Cash Box41
Certifications and sales
See also List of Billboard Adult Contemporary number ones of 1982
References
External links
Single release info at discogs.com Key Largo video on youtube.com