Rags to Riches

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Percy Faith, Tony Bennett

About Rags to Riches

"Rags to Riches" is a 1953 popular song by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross. The music is based on a Spanish or a Latin American melody. The best-known version of the song, recorded by Tony Bennett with Percy Faith and his orchestra, was number one for eight weeks on the Billboard chart in 1953 and became a gold record. In the same year, a version by David Whitfield reached number three in the British charts and one by Billy Ward and his Dominoes with Jackie Wilson singing lead made number two on Billboard's R&B chart. Later recordings by Sunny & the Sunliners (#45 in 1963) and Elvis Presley (#33 in 1971) also made the Billboard charts. 


Year:
2005
2:51
42 
#3

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Percy Faith

Percy Faith (April 7, 1908 – February 9, 1976) was a Canadian bandleader, orchestrator, composer and conductor, known for his lush arrangements of pop and Christmas standards. He is often credited with popularizing the "easy listening" or "mood music" format. Faith became a staple of American popular music in the 1950s and continued well into the 1960s. Though his professional orchestra-leading career began at the height of the swing era, Faith refined and rethought orchestration techniques, including use of large string sections, to soften and fill out the brass-dominated popular music of the 1940s.[citation needed] more »

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7 facts about this song

Rags to Riches" Origin
The song "Rags to Riches" is a famous tune that was written by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross in 1953. It has been sung by various artists over the years and has gained iconic status through these interpretations.
Tony Bennett Version
Tony Bennett's version is perhaps the most renowned rendition of "Rags to Riches". It was released in 1953 and quickly shot to the top of the Billboard charts, where it held the number one spot for eight weeks. - Tony Bennett's version of the song is remembered for its singable melody and poignant lyrics, which resonated with listeners in the post-WWII era.
Elvis Presley Version
Elvis Presley recorded a cover of "Rags to Riches" in 1971, nearly two decades after Tony Bennett's version was released. - Elvis Presley's rendition was praised for its emotional intensity and Presley's distinct interpretation of the song's lyrical themes.
Jackie Wilson Version
Jackie Wilson, often referred to as "Mr. Excitement" due to his dynamic performances, also covered "Rags to Riches." - Wilson's recording of the song is noted for its energetic delivery and the then innovative use of a full backing orchestra, which gave the tune a new dimension.
Billy Ward Version
Billy Ward and his group, the Dominoes - a prominent R&B group in the 1950s - released a doo-wop influenced version of "Rags to Riches." - This version stands out for its harmonic blend of voices and innovative musical arrangements, which were trademark traits of the group.
Percy Faith Version
Percy Faith, known for his orchestral arrangements, also created a version of "Rags to Riches." - Faith's rendition stands out due to its instrumental and symphonic approach, eschewing the original lyrics for a purely instrumental interpretation.
Cultural Impact
The song "Rags to Riches" has had a significant cultural impact, largely due to the varied interpretations of the many artists who have covered it. It has been used in films, TV shows, and commercials to evoke a range of emotions and settings, from triumphant success to nostalgic longing. - Its most prominent feature in recent years was in the 2019 film "Joker", where Tony Bennett's version was included as a part of the soundtrack.

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