Rags to Riches (song)

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"Rags to Riches" is a popular song.

It was written by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross. The song was published in 1953. The best-known version of the song was recorded by Tony Bennett and reached #1 on the Billboard chart in 1953. In the same year, a version by David Whitfield reached #3 in the British charts. Later recordings by Sunny and the Sunliners (# 45 in 1963) and Elvis Presley (# 33 in 1971) also made the Billboard charts.

"Rags to Riches" provided the basis for an unusual moment late in Elvis's career. Near the end of a New Year's eve concert on December 31st, 1976/January 1st, 1977, Elvis announced he would sing the song -- which his band evidently didn't know and hadn't rehearsed. Playing piano, and giving chord instructions to his surprised band members, Elvis delivered a passionate rendition, climaxing with a flourish of near-operatic high notes before the last word "you." The effort earned a loud ovation from the audience in Pittsburgh's Civic Arena. However, the moment would never be repeated, as this was the only time Elvis sang the song in live performance.

Preceded by St. George and the Dragonet	Cash Box magazine best selling record chart #1 record November 14, 1953	Succeeded by Eh, Cumpari!
Preceded by Eh, Cumpari!	Cash Box magazine best selling record chart #1 record November 28, 1953–December 19, 1953	Succeeded by Oh! My Pa-Pa (Oh, Mein Papa)