Joe Dolce Music Theatre
"Shaddap You Face"

Entered Top 20: 14 February 1981
Chart peak: 1
Catalogue: Epic EPC 9518

Biography

At one time the biggest-selling Australian record in pop history, Shaddap You Face was in fact the creation of an American. Joe Dolce was born in Ohio but had lived in Melbourne for several years, and developed Shaddap You Face from an improvisation in his nightclub act. Based on characters he had met while growing up among the Italian community, the song was performed by Dolce in the guise of an Italian chef, Giuseppe.

Having been a hit in Australia, cover versions started appearing all over the world. In the UK, the song was recorded by actor Andrew Sachs in the guise of Manuel, the Spanish character he played in the sitcom Fawlty Towers (1976-9). In response to Sachs' recording, the original was rush-released in the UK (though Dolce was reported to have liked Sachs' version).

Dolce followed his hit with other tracks sung as Giuseppe, including a version of Jimmy Soul's "If You Wanna Be Happy" and a reworking of "Waltzing Matilda" as "Reggae Matilda" (Jimmy Soul's other US hit was "Twisting Matilda").

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