How Important Can It Be

Joni James

About How Important Can It Be

"How Important Can It Be?" is a popular song written by Bennie Benjamin and George David Weiss, and published in 1955. The lyrics of the song find the narrator asking her lover why her indiscretions with other boyfriends before him matter at all, now that she loves him so and vows to be true to him. It was popularized in 1955 by Joni James. The song was first presented to James by the music publisher Tommy Valando, according to her international fan club president Wayne Brasler of the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools. James recorded it at her first session in New York City, after moving from her hometown of Chicago, with arranger David Terry. However, after listening to the playback she and her career director and future husband Tony Acquaviva felt, in her words, "something was missing." She came up with the idea of a shuffle beat and male chorus in the style of The Four Aces, and she re-made the song at her next session. It reached No. 2 in the Billboard charts during a 16-week stay and became a gold record. The 1950s version by Joni James was used in the popular Academy Award-winning motion picture LA Confidential. There was also a successful recording of this song by Sarah Vaughan in 1955 which reached the No. 12 position in the Billboard charts. The Vaughan version was just about to come out when James recorded her second version, which MGM Records rush-released. Teresa Brewer's recording the same year was popular too. 


Year:
2006
2:33
207 

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How Important Can It Be
That I tasted other lips?
That was long before you came to me
With the wonder of your kiss
So the story got around
Of na old romance and me
But it happened oh! so long ago

How Important can't it Be?
Mine was a young and a foolish heart
Seeking love at every turn
But I have grown so much wiser now
Even foolish hearts can learn
Let the past just fade away
Why get lost in yesterday?
The important thing is here and now
And our love is here to stay

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Joni James

Joni James (born Giovanna Carmella Babbo, September 22, 1930, Chicago, Illinois) is an American singer of traditional pop music. more »

1 fan

Written by: Bennie Benjamin, George David Weiss

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


13 facts about this song

Artist Classification
"How Important Can It Be" was performed by Joni James, an American singer known for her traditional pop music style, and Sarah Vaughan, an American jazz singer who won four Grammy Awards.
Song Category
"How Important Can It Be" falls under the category of traditional pop and jazz.
Release Fact
The song was initially recorded and released by Joni James in 1955.
Chart Success Fact
Joni James' version of the song peaked at number two on the Billboard pop chart.
Reputation Fact
Joni James is noted for her crystalline vocal style and for her renditions of romantic ballads such as "How Important Can It Be."
Retake Fact
Sarah Vaughan later recorded her own version of the song.
Album Fact
Vaughan's recording is included in her 1957 album called "Swingin' Easy."
Style Fact
Sarah Vaughan's rendition of the song demonstrates her range and flexibility as a singer, as well as her penchant for jazz improvisation.
Legacy Fact
Both James' and Vaughan's versions of the song are considered classics in their respective genres.
Trivia Fact
"How Important Can It Be" was written by Bennie Benjamin and George David Weiss, who also wrote hits for artists like Elvis Presley, Frankie Laine, and The Stylistics.
Music Industry Fact
The song "How Important Can It Be" stands as a testament to how different artists can interpret the same song in unique ways.
Musical Influence Fact
While Joni James' version had a more classic pop feel, Sarah Vaughan used her jazz background to give the song a different twist.
Memorabilia Fact
Original records of "How Important Can It Be" by both Joni James and Sarah Vaughan are considered valuable by collectors of vintage music.

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