About the artist
Dooley Wilson was an American actor, singer, and drummer best remembered for playing Sam, the piano player and singer at Rick's Café Américain, in the 1942 film Casablanca. His performance of «As Time Goes By» in that film became one of the most iconic musical moments in Hollywood history, even though Wilson himself was primarily a drummer and did not actually play the piano on screen.
Before his breakthrough film role, Wilson had already built a long career in vaudeville, theater, and jazz bands, performing in both the United States and Europe during the 1920s and 1930s. He was a stage actor of some standing, having appeared in productions like the Federal Theatre Project's «Haiti» and other Broadway shows, and brought that seasoned stage presence to his warm, understated screen persona.
While Casablanca defined his legacy, Wilson recorded a handful of songs connected to his film and stage work, including material like «Knock On Wood», reflecting his roots in swing-era popular song. His gentle vocal style and quiet dignity on screen made Sam one of classic cinema's most beloved supporting characters.