That Lucky Old Sun

For the Brian Wilson album, see That Lucky Old Sun (album).

"That Lucky Old Sun" is a 1949 popular song with music by Beasley Smith and words by Haven Gillespie. Like "Ol' Man River", its lyrics contrast the toil and intense hardship of the singer's life with the obliviousness of the natural world.[1]

1949 recordings

The biggest hit version of the song was by Frankie Laine. This recording was released by Mercury Records as catalog number 5316. It first reached the Billboard magazine Best Seller chart on August 19, 1949 and lasted 22 weeks on the chart, peaking at #1.[2]

The recording by Vaughn Monroe & His Orchestra was released by RCA Victor Records as catalog number 20-3531 (78 rpm) and 47-3018 (45 rpm) (in USA) and by EMI on the His Master's Voice label as catalog number B 9836. It first reached the Billboard magazine Best Seller chart on September 16, 1949 and lasted 14 weeks on the chart, peaking at #9.[2]

The recording by Louis Armstrong was released by Decca Records as catalog number 24752. It first reached the Billboard magazine Best Seller chart on October 14, 1949 and lasted 3 weeks on the chart, peaking at #24.[2]

Frank Sinatra released his competing version of the song on the Columbia label catalog number 38608. It reached the best sellers chart on October 29, 1949 and peaked at #16. Included on his The Best of The Columbia Years 1943–1952 album.

Other covers

Dick Haymes Album: Once in a Lifetime

In Czech by Hana Hegerova. Also by Karel Gott, 1964.

Seth Avett covered this song in July 2014.

Chris Isaak recorded a cover for his 2011 album Beyond the Sun.

Bob Dylan recorded a version for his 2015 Frank Sinatra covers album Shadows in the Night.

Crossroads Barbershop Quartet - Lucky Old Sun barbershop style. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7mGjSZpdpk

Asleep at the Wheel recorded a cover on their 1988 album Western Standard Time.

References

  1. Bush, John, That Lucky Old Sun — Brian Wilson, All Music.
  2. 1 2 3 Whitburn, Joel (1973). Top Pop Records 1940–1955. Record Research.
Preceded by
"You're Breaking My Heart" by Vic Damone
US Billboard Best Sellers in Stores number-one single (Frankie Laine version)
October 1 November 19, 1949
Succeeded by
"Mule Train" by Frankie Laine
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