Writer(s) Jack Pitman | ||
"Beyond The Reef" is a song written by Canadian Jack Pitman in Hawaii in 1948. It was first performed by Hawaiian artist Napua Stevens in 1949.
Bing Crosby covered the song a year later on September 5, 1950 and this briefly reached the Billboard charts peaking at No. 26.
Elvis Presley recorded his version of the song on 27 May 1966 but this recording was only released on a boxset in 1980/1.
The Ventures also covered the song on their third album, Another Smash, in September 1961.
George Greeley recorded an instrumental version of the song in 1960 on his Warner Bros.album, The Most Beautiful Music of Hawaii.
Andy Williams released a version on his 1959 album, To You Sweetheart, Aloha.
Vic Damone included the song on his 1962 album Strange Enchantment.
Burl Ives included the song on his 1965 album On the Beach at Waikiki.
Marty Robbins included the song on his 1957 album Song of the Islands.
Although it is heavily influenced by Hawaiian music it does not contain any Hawaiian language words or any mention of Hawaii. It is a slow song in the key of C major with a 2-5-1 progression with D minor, G major and C major. It features the steel guitar, typical of Hawaiian music.