Let It Be Me
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| "Let It Be Me" | ||
|---|---|---|
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| Single by Betty Everett and Jerry Butler | ||
| B-side(s) | "Ain't That Loving You Baby" | |
| Released | 1964 | |
| Format | 7" single | |
| Length | 2:48 | |
| Label | Vee-Jay | |
| Writer(s) | Gilbert Bécaud, Mann Curtis, Pierre Delanoë | |
| Chart positions | ||
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| Betty Everett and Jerry Butler singles chronology | ||
| Everett: I Can't Hear You (1964) ---- Butler: I Stand Accused (1964) |
Let It Be Me (1964) |
Everett: Getting Mighty Crowded (1964) ---- Butler: Smile (with Betty Everett) (1964) |
"Let It Be Me" is the name of a song written by Gilbert Bécaud, Mann Curtis, and Pierre Delanoë. Originally a French song, a version with English lyrics was introduced by Jill Corey when she performed it on the TV series Climax! In 1957, Corey released her version, with orchestration by Jimmy Carroll, as a single and met with modest success.
Many other versions of the song have since been recorded:
- In 1960, The Everly Brothers released their remake as a single. This version was extremely popular and became a top ten hit on the Billboard Hot 100. The harmony arrangement of this version was often emulated in subsequent remakes.
- In 1962, The Lettermen released their version as a track on their album Jim, Tony, and Bob.
- In 1962, Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass released their version as a track (instrumental) on their album The Lonely Bull.
- In 1964, Betty Everett and Jerry Butler released their version as a single. This version also became a top ten Hot 100 hit as well as a number one hit on Billboard's R&B chart.
- In 1966, Nancy Sinatra released a version of the song on her album How Does That Grab You?
- In 1967, The Sweet Inspirations released their version as a single. The song performed very well on Billboard's R&B chart and also became a minor Hot 100 hit. This version of the song incorporates some gospel-style vocals.
- Also in 1967, Chuck Jackson and Maxine Brown included a version on their duet album Hold On, We're Coming.
- In 1969, Glen Campbell and Bobbie Gentry had a top forty Hot 100 hit duet with their version of the song. It met with even greater success on Billboard's country chart.
- Also in 1969, Tom Jones released the song on his album This Is Tom Jones.
- In 1970 Elvis Presley released his version of the song on his album On Stage. Elvis introduced it by saying: "there's a beautiful song that came out a few years ago, it's not my song but I'd like to sing it for you anyway."
- In 1970 Bob Dylan released the song on his album Self Portrait.
- In 1974, singer/pianist/songwriter Nina Simone covered the song on her album It Is Finished.
- In 1979, Kenny Rogers and Dottie West released their version as a track on their duets album Classics.
- In 1982, Willie Nelson experienced pop and country success with his remake of the song.
- In 1984, David Hasselhoff released his version of the song on his album Night Rider.
- British vocalist Justin had minor chart success in the United Kingdom when he released his remake in 2000.
- Willie De Ville sang and recorded the song in his unplugged Concert in Columbia Hall, Berlin on March 21, 2002.
- In 2004, Paul Weller has covered the song as a b-side to the single Wishing On A Star.
- In 2005, singer-songwriter Rosie Thomas released a version of the song on her album If Songs Could Be Held
