Alfie (Sonny Rollins album) 3529) before resurfacing in 1966 as "Alfie" on the jazz-based Impulse! label, as in the United States. Burt Bacharach was commissioned to write the title song, "Alfie", a hit in the UK for Cilla Black, which was used over the closing titles. In the US release of the film, a recording by Cher was substituted. Bacharach and Hal David received an Oscar nomination for the song. All compositions by Sonny Rollins. Alfie (Sonny Rollins album) Alfie is a 1966 album by jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins of music composed for the film of the same name. It features performances by Rollins,
Alfie (Burt Bacharach song) Black, who had also had a UK #1 with a Bacharach/David number, "Anyone Who Had a Heart". Black was invited to record "Alfie" in a letter from Bacharach, and Black recalls him saying that the song had been written specially for her. Brian Epstein, her manager, was sent a demo of the song, originally performed by 22-year-old Kenny Karen, with Bacharach on piano, accompanied by a string ensemble. Black reacted negatively on hearing the demo "of some fella singing 'Alfie' ... I actually said to Brian 'I can't do this.' For a start - "Alfie"?? You call your dog Alfie!