The seasoned singer-songwriter Bertie Higgins, best known for his enduring 1982 hit "Key Largo," is making a significant return to the Billboard charts, debuting at No. 29 on the Adult Contemporary (AC) chart with his new single, "A River." This marks Higgins’ first appearance on the AC ranking in over 42 years, a testament to his sustained career and the enduring appeal of his songwriting. The 81-year-old artist expressed his surprise and delight at this resurgence, especially given the contemporary landscape of the music industry.
A Journey Back to the Charts: From "Key Largo" to "A River"
Higgins’ initial foray into chart success began in the autumn of 1981 with "Key Largo." The song, inspired by the classic 1948 film of the same name starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, experienced a period of anxious ascent. "I was panicking the week of Nov. 21, 1981," Higgins recalled in a recent interview with Billboard from his home in Florida. "Key Largo" had debuted at No. 86 on the Billboard Hot 100 the week prior. While it climbed to No. 82 in its second week, it "lost the bullet," a chart metric indicating a decline in sales and airplay relative to other songs. This momentary dip caused concern for Higgins.
However, by its third week, the song regained its momentum, signifying a stronger upward trend. "Key Largo" ultimately surged to a peak of No. 8 on the Hot 100 in April 1982, holding that position for two weeks. This initial success on the Hot 100 was soon followed by an even more dominant run on the Adult Contemporary chart. "When it made it into the AC chart," Higgins reflected, "that was a great time in my life." On the AC chart, "Key Largo" spent three weeks at the No. 1 position, cementing its status as a major hit.
Following the triumph of "Key Largo," Higgins continued to chart on the Adult Contemporary list. His single "Just Another Day in Paradise" reached No. 10 in June 1982, and "When You Fall in Love" followed, peaking at No. 34 in January 1984. These subsequent hits further solidified his presence in the adult contemporary music scene during the 1980s.
A New Chapter: "A River" and Enduring Songwriting Prowess
The release of "A River" marks a significant new chapter for Higgins, reintroducing him to a chart that has evolved considerably since his last appearance. The current Billboard Adult Contemporary chart features a diverse range of artists, including, notably, four songs by Taylor Swift within the top 10. Higgins’ debut at No. 29 alongside such contemporary powerhouses is a remarkable achievement. "To compete with that, that’s amazing," he remarked. "God bless her."
"A River," released on Toucan Cove and cowritten by Eddie Hedges, is a testament to Higgins’ continued dedication to his craft. "My main thrust is my songwriting," he emphasized. The inspiration for "A River" is rooted in a profound cinematic moment. "A River’ came from a unique spot, from the movie Lawrence of Arabia," Higgins explained. He cited a paraphrased line from the 1962 epic: a sheikh character, portrayed by Anthony Quinn, declares, "I’m a river to my people – everything I have goes to them." This powerful sentiment resonated with Higgins, shaping the lyrical direction of his new single.
Higgins described his songwriting process as an ongoing absorption of the world around him. "As a songwriter, I’m tuned in to every street sign, things that people mumble about that I can barely understand, so I’ve got my brain out there for all this material," he shared. This observational approach led to the creation of "A River," with its evocative imagery: "her love flows like a river into my heart." He added, "It’s amazing where you get your inspiration from."
Thematic Echoes and Personal Connections
The thematic echoes between "A River" and his career-defining hit "Key Largo" are not coincidental. Higgins believes his affinity for "those older movies" plays a role. The lyrical content of "Key Largo," with its direct nod to the Bogart and Bacall film, is emblematic of this cinematic influence.
Beyond film, Higgins’ personal connection to the Florida landscape deeply informs his music. "My wife and I used to go down to the Florida Keys a lot. I’m a Florida boy. I’m from Tampa Bay in a little fishing village called Tarpon Springs," he recounted. His formative years were spent immersed in the coastal environment, even working as a sponge diver. "That was a great eye-opening, difficult gig. Good lord, those guys worked hard. I’ve seen everything you can see in the salt water out here in the gulf. My father taught me all about fishing." This upbringing provided a rich tapestry of experiences that he has woven into his songwriting.
The personal narrative behind "Key Largo" adds another layer to its enduring appeal. Higgins cowrote the song with Sonny Limbo and coproduced it with Limbo and Scott MacLellan. He revealed that the song was born out of a period of separation from his wife. "My wife and I really liked that film a lot, and we split up for a while before we got married, and I really missed her. That’s when I wrote ‘Key Largo’," he disclosed. This poignant backstory undoubtedly contributed to the song’s emotional resonance.
The Genesis of a Classic and Industry Insights
The question of whether Higgins knew "Key Largo" would achieve such classic status is met with humble reflection. He recalled the foresight of his publisher in Atlanta, Bill Lowery. "My publisher in Atlanta, Bill Lowery… great ears… said, ‘Lad, if this damn thing ever gets legs, it’ll live forever.’ And he’s been so right – that song won’t go away. The song had an amazing run and it still is running." Lowery’s prediction has proven remarkably accurate, with "Key Largo" continuing to resonate with audiences.
According to data from Luminate, "Key Largo" has accumulated an impressive 74.3 million official U.S. streams and garnered 45 million in radio airplay audience. It has also achieved 243,000 in digital downloads, underscoring its sustained popularity across multiple consumption formats.
A Career of Diverse Experiences and Enduring Advice
Higgins’ musical journey has been marked by encounters with some of the most iconic figures in music history. Early in his career, he shared stages and collaborated with bands like The Beach Boys and The Rolling Stones. Bruce Johnston of The Beach Boys became a close friend, and Higgins fondly remembers the late Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts as "the best… a friendly guy." These experiences provided invaluable lessons and broadened his perspective within the music industry.
Looking back, Higgins offers sage advice to emerging artists navigating the complexities of the modern music landscape. "Follow your mentors and always surround yourself with winners. If you’re smart enough, you’ll listen to the peers around you who’ve been successful," he counseled. He also stressed the importance of strategic positioning and consistent effort. "Never try to make it into the charts out of Tarpon Springs. I had to go to Atlanta. I mean, the chances of a major producer walking into some honky-tonk you’re playing are slim and none. Get in the middle of the fray. Go to L.A., New York, Hollywood and get in the middle of the craziness and compete."
For aspiring songwriters, Higgins’ advice is straightforward: "And just write every day if you’re a writer. No matter whether it’s a folk or a honky-tonk song, blues, just write it down, because you never know who’s going to pick it up." This emphasis on prolific and diverse writing underscores his belief in the power of consistent creative output.
Accolades and Reflections on a Remarkable Career
Beyond his chart successes and enduring hits, Bertie Higgins’ career has been recognized with unique honors. He proudly displays a sword and numerous Gold and Platinum albums in his living room, symbols of his achievements. He also shared a lighthearted anecdote about how he learned of receiving a knighthood: "Someone approached me, and I said, ‘Why not? I’ve never met a knight.’" Furthermore, he has been awarded an honorary PhD in music from Germany.
These significant accolades contribute to a sense of wonder and gratitude. "I’ll lay in bed at night and go, ‘Did that really happen to me?’" Higgins mused. His return to the Billboard charts with "A River" adds another remarkable chapter to a career that continues to demonstrate the lasting impact of heartfelt songwriting and an unwavering passion for music.