Title: What a Wonderful World
Performer: Louis Armstrong
Culture: United States
Instrumentation: Voice, clarinet, trombone, piano, drums
I chose this song because of the cultural aspect of it. The song was originally offered to Tony Bennett, who turned it down. It then was offered to Louis Armstrong, who obviously accepted it. The song was released in 1967 - a time of racial turmoil. The song is utterly uplifting, and offers hope for a bright future. The man for this job all along was Armstrong. It wouldn't have the same effect on me if it was sung by Bennett. The point I'm trying to make is that performers must be convincing, and they must feel what their music is meant to convey. Louis undoubtedly had at least a somewhat difficult upbringing, and he has seen success in his life, and knows there is a brighter future.
I never knew that, Vivie. I agree that Bennett's version would not have had the same meaning considering the context of the times. I wonder if that was a consideration in the composer's/publisher's/music manager's mind...have you uncovered any information about their thoughts?
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