“What A Wonderful World” MusicNotes by Ed Mullen
“What A Wonderful World”, a classic wedding song.
1961 – At Christmas 1961, Elvis Presley recorded George Weiss’ song “Can’t Help Falling In Love With You”. Weiss also wrote “Oh, What It Seemed To Be” # 1 hit, Frankie Carle in 1945, then # 1 for Sinatra, “Wheel Of Fortune” {# 1 for Kay Starr, 3 other hits recordings in 1952}.
George Weiss is a member of the National Academy of Popular Music’s Songwriter Hall Of Fame
1962 – “What a Wonderful World” written by George Weiss and Bob Theile.
1967 – Originally released as a hit single { vinyl 45 RPM }, then again in ’68. Available on several Louis Armstrong albums.
LOUIS ARMSTRONG (b.1901 – d.1971) Jazz innovator, unmatched skill, endless charm, as singer and with his instrument, the jazz trumpet. The premier jazz figure in music history. Louis Armstrong Biography – All Music Guide
1970’s – Anne Murray, Willie Nelson and Teresa Brewer charted versions of “What A Wonderful World”.
Not to be confused with Sam Cooke’s similar titled 1960 hit record which begins, “Don’t know much about…”. That song was recorded by Herman’s Hermits [1964] and Art Garfunkel [1978].
1987 – “Good Morning, Vietnam”, soundtrack, Charted Feb.1988. This soundtrack is filled with hit singles from the 60’s and Robin Williams comedy bits as the fast-talking star (real-life, US Air Force DJ named Adrian Cronauer) of the movie. Due to this movie’s exposure, the song becomes an American standard. Almost every wedding song collection features this song.
The song is succinct. The lyrics are a poem that reveal wisdom, nature and humanity.
1993 – It is recorded by the top native Hawaiian folk singer ISRAEL KAMAKAWIWO’ OLE,
on his CD called, “Facing The Future”. It is a medley with another classic “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”. [His medley also appears on “Alone” CD, 2001]
1996 – The late Eva Cassidy performs the song on her “Live From Blues Alley” CD.
1998 – The Hawaiian’s soulful acoustic version was featured in films “Meet Joe Black” (1998). The song was featured in 1998 commercial for “ etoys.com”. This exposure introduces the American public to the Hawaiian folk singing legend. However, ISRAEL KAMAKAWIWO’ OLE died June 26, 1997, at age 38 from respiratory problems due to his massive overweight problem. He weighed over 750 pounds at death. Although beloved in the Hawaiian Islands, he never lived to see his mainland acclaim.
1999 – Kenny G, in a duet with Louis Armstrong’s recorded voice, makes it to Billboard. Similar innovation was used with Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole in the massive hit, ” Unforgettable”.
2000 – “Finding Forrester”, soundtrack includes ISRAEL KAMAKAWIWO’ OLE’s version“What A Wonderful World”.
2002 – NBC’s “E R”, features ISRAEL KAMAKAWIWO’ OLE’s version as Doctor Carter reads a note mailed from Dr. Corday that her husband, Dr. Mark Green has died. This exposure leads to a media explosion about the song and the Hawaiian folk singer
LYRICS:
I See Trees Of Green, Red Roses Too,
I Watch Them Bloom For Me And You;
And I Think To Myself…. What A Wonderful World!
I See Skies Of Blue, Clouds Of White,
The Bright Blessed Day,And The Dark Sacred Night;
And I Think To Myself… What A Wonderful World!
The Colors Of The Rainbow, So Pretty In The Sky,
Are Also On The Faces Of People Passing By.
I See Friends Shaking Hands Saying “How Do You Do”,
What They’re Really Saying, Is “I Love You”.
I Hear Babies Crying, I Watch Them Grow;
They’ll Learn Much More Than I’ll Never Know.
And I Think To Myself……What A Wonderful World!
Yes, I Think To Myself……. What A Wonderful World!
Information compiled by DJ Mr Ed Mullen
Armstrong biog – AllMusicGuide.com
