Bobby Hebb, with his soul-jazz classic:
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRWyxzmNdJc&w=550&h=309]
Recorded in 1966, but written three years earlier:
Hebb wrote the song in the 48 hours following a double tragedy on November 22, 1963: the day U.S. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, and Hebb's older brother Harold was also stabbed to death outside a Nashville nightclub. Hebb was devastated by both events and many critics say that they, and critically the loss of his older brother, inspired the lyrics and tune. According to Hebb, he merely wrote the song as an expression of a preference for a "sunny" disposition over a "lousy" disposition following the murder of his brother.
It was first recorded by Mieko "Miko" Hirota – the "Connie Francis of Japan". Oh yes. Not, in my opinion, one of the best versions. Of which there have been many: at least 75 other artists have recorded the song.
Here's Hebb performing the song on The !!!! Beat – the 1966 show from WFAA Dallas. He's not quite at ease, and it misses out that lovely guitar intro, but worth a listen.
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