"Wonderful Tonight" is a song written and performed by English singer Eric Clapton. The ballad was included on Clapton's 1977 album Slowhand. Clapton wrote the song on his 1974 Martin D-28 guitar about Pattie Boyd. "the hard-rock pioneer and guitar god also become a soft-rock star in the mid-1970s. He celebrated his sobriety with (... ) the Top 5 hit "Lay Down Sally" and hit No. 16 with the ballad "Wonderful Tonight," both off his 1977 Slowhand album" The female vocal harmonies on the song are provided by Marcella Detroit (then Marcy Levy) and Yvonne Elliman. It peaked at number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 on 15 July 1978, spending seven weeks in the top 40. In Canada it was in the top 40 for nine weeks.
Background On 7 September 1976, Eric Clapton wrote "Wonderful Tonight" for then-girlfriend Pattie Boyd while waiting for her to get ready to attend Paul and Linda McCartney's annual Buddy Holly party. The song is mentioned in her 2007 autobiographical book Wonderful Today.
Song Meaning British comedian and former radio producer Karl Pilkington believed this song to be about a 'little fella in a wheelchair' during a 2005 broadcast of the Ricky & Steve Show on XFM, a regional London radio station in the UK. He believed this for no apparent reason, and was profusely mocked by co-presenters Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant for this interpretation.
Reception Billboard described "Wonderful Tonight" as "perhaps Clapton's prettiest and mellowest love ballad in some time." Billboard particularly praised Clapton's guitar playing during the interludes. Cash Box said that "Eric’s singing is superbly understated; the guitar work is simple and evocative" and praised "the gentle beat and organ accompaniment." Record World called it a "light, pretty ballad from [the album] Slowhand that should also move quickly up the charts" and praised Clapton's singing.
Personnel Eric Clapton – lead vocals, lead and rhythm guitar George Terry – rhythm guitar Dick Sims – Fender Rhodes and Hammond organ Carl Radle – bass guitar Jamie Oldaker – drums and percussion Marcy Levy and Yvonne Elliman – harmony and backing vocals
Performance In 1988, Clapton appeared in the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert as a guest guitarist for Dire Straits. The group became his backing musicians for a surprise performance of "Wonderful Tonight" during their set.
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (1978)PeakpositionCanada (CHUM). CHUM. Retrieved 15 August 2015.16France (IFOP)3US Billboard Hot 10016US Billboard Adult Contemporary39 Chart (1988)PeakpositionBelgium (VRT Top 30 Flanders)6 Chart (1991–1992)PeakpositionJapan International Singles (Oricon)1 Chart (2009)PeakpositionUK Singles (OCC)81
Year-end charts Chart (1978)PositionCanadian Top Singles (RPM)144 Chart (1988)PositionBelgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)39Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)14Netherlands (Single Top 100)9
Certifications
Cover versions Damage version
British R&B group Damage covered "Wonderful Tonight" and released it as the fifth single from their debut studio album, Forever (1997), in April 1997. The single peaked at number three on the UK Singles Chart, becoming the band's highest-charting single. The song is prominently performed by Coreé Richards, with little vocal input from any other members of the band. The music video features the band performing the song in a recording studio with cut scenes of a girl preparing to go on a night out. The B-side, "I'm Ready", launched the career of Craig David, being the first song he had ever written to be released by himself or another artist.
Track listings UK CD1 "Wonderful Tonight" "I'm Ready" "Wonderful Tonight" (Ethnic Boyz Mix)
UK CD2 "Wonderful Tonight" (acoustic mix) "Just My Imagination" "Love II Love" (acoustic mix)
UK cassette single "Wonderful Tonight" "I'm Ready"
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (1997)PeakpositionEstonia (Eesti Top 20)11Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)30UK Airplay (Music Week) 19UK Indie (Music Week)1
Year-end charts Chart (1997)PositionUK Singles (OCC)77
Certifications
Release history RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)United Kingdom28 April 1997Big LifeUnited States9 September 1997Critique
David Kersh version
"Wonderful Tonight" was covered by country singer David Kersh on his album If I Never Stop Loving You in 1998. His version went to number 29 on the Hot Country Songs chart.
Charts Chart (1998)Peakposition
Butch Baker version The song was covered by country music singer Butch Baker on his album We Will, whose rendition reached number 66 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 1989.
References
External links Allmusic review