A Wedding Song To Remember: "What A Difference A Day

What a Difference a Day Makes is a popular song choice for weddings. Originally written in Spanish by Mexican songwriter María Grever in 1934, the song has been translated and covered by numerous artists, including Dinah Washington, whose version won a Grammy Award for Best Rhythm and Blues Performance in 1959. The song's uplifting message about the transformative power of love resonates with couples celebrating their wedding day, making it a beloved choice for processionals, first dances, and reception playlists.

Dinah Washington's version of the song won a Grammy Award in 1959 for Best Rhythm and Blues Performance

Dinah Washington's version of "What a Difference a Day Makes" is one of the most famous renditions of the song. Washington's distinctive vocal style, marked by absolute clarity of diction and clipped, bluesy phrasing, made her a beloved and influential vocal artist.

Washington's version of the song brought her widespread recognition and success. It earned her a Grammy Award in 1959 for Best Rhythm and Blues Performance, making it her first top-ten pop hit. The song reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100. Washington's powerful and soulful delivery of the song's uplifting message—of how "twenty-four little hours" can bring about a transformative change—resonated with audiences and cemented her place in musical history.

The original song, "Cuando vuelva a tu lado" ("When I Return to Your Side"), was written in Spanish by Mexican songwriter María Grever in 1934. The English lyrics were written by Stanley Adams, and the song was first recorded that same year. Over the years, numerous artists have covered "What a Difference a Day Makes", but it is Washington's rendition that remains the most iconic and beloved.

Washington, also known as the "Queen of the Blues," was a trailblazer in the music industry, leaving an indelible mark with her versatile talent and dynamic stage presence. Her impact extended beyond her music, as she also broke barriers for female artists, particularly women of colour, in a male-dominated industry. Washington's legacy continues to inspire and influence new generations of musicians, with artists like Amy Winehouse citing her as a source of inspiration.

The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Dean Martin, Rod Stewart, and Jamie Cullum

"What a Difference a Day Makes" is a popular song that has been covered by numerous artists over the years. The song was originally written in Spanish by Mexican songwriter María Grever in 1934 and titled "Cuando vuelva a tu lado" ("When I Return to Your Side"). The English version, penned by Stanley Adams, was first recorded that same year and has since become a beloved classic, with many artists putting their own spin on it.

One notable cover is by Dean Martin, who included the song on his album "Dino Latino" in 1962. Martin's smooth and charismatic delivery adds a touch of old-school charm to the song. Another iconic rendition is by Rod Stewart, who included the song on his album "Fly Me to the Moon... The Great American Songbook - Volume V" in 2010. Stewart's distinctive raspy vocals bring a unique flavour to the track.

In addition, jazz musician and singer Jamie Cullum recorded a version of the song for his 2003 album "Twentysomething." Cullum's interpretation showcases his soulful vocals and jazz piano skills. Cullum's version also highlights the song's message of love and joy, making it a popular choice for weddings. The song's uplifting lyrics and catchy melody have made it a favourite for couples looking to add a touch of romance and happiness to their special day.

"What a Difference a Day Makes" has endured as a timeless classic, and its popularity continues to grow with each new cover version. Whether it's Dean Martin's smooth crooning, Rod Stewart's distinctive rasp, or Jamie Cullum's soulful jazz interpretation, each artist has added their own unique flavour to this beloved song.

The song is about the beauty of the best day of everyone's life, their wedding day

"What a Difference a Day Makes", originally written in Spanish as "Cuando vuelva a tu lado" ("When I Return to Your Side") by Mexican songwriter María Grever in 1934, is a song that beautifully encapsulates the joy and transformation that can occur within a single day—specifically, one's wedding day. The song has been recorded by various artists, with the most famous version performed by Dinah Washington in 1959, for which she won a Grammy Award for Best Rhythm and Blues Performance.

The lyrics of "What a Difference a Day Makes" paint a vivid picture of the positive changes brought about in just twenty-four little hours. The song speaks of bringing the sun and flowers to replace the rain, turning yesterday's blues into a bright and colourful day filled with love and happiness. It acknowledges the power of a thrilling kiss and the blissful moment when romance finds its way onto the menu. The song celebrates the difference that a special person can make, bringing rainbow-filled skies and a heavenly feeling of being part of each other.

The beauty of the song lies in its ability to capture the essence of a wedding day, which is often filled with love, joy, and a sense of new beginnings. It recognises the significance of a day that marks the start of a couple's new life together, with all the excitement and emotion that entails. The song's upbeat and optimistic tone makes it a perfect choice for weddings, whether played during the ceremony, as a first dance song, or simply as part of the celebratory playlist.

"What a Difference a Day Makes" has stood the test of time, with numerous artists covering it over the years, including Jamie Cullum, Dean Martin, Barry Manilow, Aretha Franklin, and Rod Stewart, among others. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to resonate with people and convey the beauty and magic of a wedding day—a day that truly makes all the difference in a person's life.

The song was originally written in Spanish by Mexican songwriter María Grever in 1934

The song "What a Difference a Day Makes" has a long and fascinating history that began in Mexico in 1934. The original Spanish version, titled "Cuando vuelva a tu lado" ("When I Return to Your Side"), was written by Mexican songwriter María Grever and first recorded by Orquesta Pedro Vía. This initial release set the stage for the song's enduring popularity, with numerous artists covering and reimagining it over the following decades.

María Grever, a talented Mexican songwriter, composed the song "Cuando vuelva a tu lado" in 1934. Grever's composition captured the essence of new love and the transformative power of a single day. The lyrics, "What a difference a day made, Twenty-four little hours, Brought the sun and the flowers, Where there used to be rain," beautifully convey the joy and optimism of a relationship that has brought sunshine into a once rainy life.

The same year that Grever wrote the song, it was recorded and released by Orquesta Pedro Vía. This first recording introduced the world to the heartfelt melody and poignant lyrics that would go on to capture the hearts of audiences worldwide. While this initial version gained some recognition, it was the English translation that catapulted the song to widespread fame and enduring popularity.

The English version of the song, titled "What a Difference a Day Makes", has become a beloved standard, covered by numerous renowned artists. In 1959, Dinah Washington recorded what would become the most famous version, earning her a Grammy Award for Best Rhythm and Blues Performance. Washington's soulful rendition showcased the power of the song's message and solidified its place in musical history.

Over the years, "What a Difference a Day Makes" has been interpreted and recorded by a diverse array of artists, each bringing their unique style and interpretation to the song. From jazz greats like Etta Jones and Ella Fitzgerald to pop icons like Barry Manilow and Cher, the song has resonated across genres and generations.

The enduring popularity of "What a Difference a Day Makes" is a testament to the universal appeal of its message. The song's ability to transcend language and cultural barriers is a testament to the power of music to unite people from all walks of life. Whether heard at a wedding, on the radio, or in a film, the song continues to inspire and move listeners, reminding us all of the difference a day can make.

The English lyrics were written by Stanley Adams and first recorded that same year

"What a Diff'rence a Day Makes" is a popular song that was originally written in Spanish by Mexican songwriter María Grever in 1934. The song, titled "Cuando vuelva a tu lado" ("When I Return to Your Side"), was first recorded by Orquesta Pedro Vía in the same year. The English lyrics were written by Stanley Adams and first recorded in 1934, the same year as the original Spanish version. The English version has been recorded by numerous artists over the years, with Dinah Washington's version being the most famous.

Adams' English lyrics capture the beauty of finding love and the transformation it can bring. The song expresses how "twenty-four little hours" can bring about a significant change, bringing "the sun and the flowers" to replace the rain. The lyrics speak of leaving yesterday's blues behind, finding romance, and experiencing the thrill of a kiss. The song's sentiment is one of hope and joy, celebrating the difference that a day, and a loved one, can make.

The English version of "What a Diff'rence a Day Makes" has become a beloved classic, often chosen for weddings and other romantic occasions. It has been covered by various artists, each bringing their own interpretation to the song. While the Dinah Washington version is the most renowned, other notable recordings include those by Jamie Cullum, Dean Martin, Barry Manilow, and Chet Baker.

The enduring popularity of the song is a testament to the universality of its theme. "What a Diff'rence a Day Makes" continues to resonate with audiences, serving as a reminder that a single day, and the love shared, can indeed make all the difference.

Frequently asked questions