Champagne Charlie

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Champagne Charlie was originally a Music Hall song.

see Champagne Charlie (song).

It became a play.

see Champagne Charlie (play).

And, in 1944, a musical film.

see Champagne Charlie (film).

And again, in 1989, a 'made for TV' film starring Hugh Grant.

see Champagne Charlie (film).

It was the nickname (bill matter) of George Leybourne who introduced it to the London music hall.

Modern Usage

Subsequently, it has become to be used as a soubriquet for anyone who lives a "champagne lifestyle" in a metropolis, especially if they are from the provinces and sometimes in a derogatory sense implying that the person concerned has lost touch with their roots. In early 21st century Britain it was applied to Charles Kennedy, the (alcoholic) leader of the Liberal Democrats.

It has also been used to describe the Scottish footballer Charlie Nicholas.

"Champagne Charlie Is My Name" was also recorded in June 1932, with different lyrics, under the name of Blind Blake (Ragtime and Blues guitar wizard and singer Blind (Arthur) Blake). It is this version of "Champagne Charlie" which was recorded and popularized again by Leon Redbone on his album "Champagne Charlie" in 1978.

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