Centerpiece (Hendricks)

'Keester Parade' is an instrumental composition by Johnny Mandel, first recorded on December 4, 1955 by Cy Touff Octet (incl. Harry Edison, Conrad Gozzo (trumpet) Cy Touff (bass trumpet) Richie Kamuca (tenor sax) Matt Utal (baritone, alto sax) Russ Freeman (piano) Leroy Vinnegar (bass) Chuck Flores (drums)). The main theme was re-visited by Harry "Sweets" Edison on November 12, 1958 as 'Centerpiece'.

Lyrics were added by JON HENDRICKS in 1959:

The more I'm with you pretty baby
The more I feel my love increase
I'm building all my dreams around you
My happiness will never cease
But nothing's any good without you
Cause baby you're my centerpiece

I buy a house and garden somewhere
Along a country road a piece
A little cottage on the outskirts
Where we can really find release
But nothing's any good without you
Cause baby you're my centerpiece
Hey baby come and go

Recordings exist by Lambert-Hendricks-Ross (1959), Joni Mitchell, City Light Orchestra, Van Morrison with Georgie Fame, Greta Matassa with Mimi Fox, Roberta Gambarini, Mark Robinson, Giacomo Gates, Nikoletta Szöke, Renée Yoxon, etc