The Candy Man by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley – Improvised by pianist Charles Manning

“The Candy Man,” also known as “The Candy Man Can,” was written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley for the 1971 film “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.” The musical fantasy film, starring Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka, is an adaptation of the 1964 novel “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” by Roald Dahl. The film’s soundtrack version of “The Candy Man” was sung by Aubrey Woods, who portrayed Bill, the candy store owner. Subsequently, various performers recorded versions of the song, including Anthony Newley’s version for MGM Records in 1971. The popular hit single of the song was by Sammy Davis Jr. from his album “Sammy Davis Jr. Now.” Released in 1972, it became one of his signature songs and his only No. 1 hit song. The single reached the top at No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100, Adult Contemporary, and Cash Box Top 100 charts. In this rendition, pianist Charles Manning improvises the hit song “The Candy Man.”