The Wonder of You - Elvis Presley

> _**And when you smile, the world is brighter**_

In the spring of 1970, **Elvis Presley** unleashed a live rendition of The Wonder of You, a shimmering ballad recorded during the February 18 dinner show at Las Vegas International Hotel. Released April 20, this singlebacked by the tender Mama Liked the Roseswas no mere cover. It was a bold reimagining, propelled by Elvis soaring vocals and **Glen D. Hardin**s deft arrangement. Storming charts worldwide, it peaked at #9 on _Billboard_s Hot 100 and held court for 12 weeksa testament to Presleys enduring fire.

Originally a 1959 hit for **Ray Peterson**, which climbed to #25, [The Wonder of You](https://youtu.be/Xc9pzjH1Lec "") had been a modest success. Peterson shared an exchange with Elvis, who sought his blessing to record it: He asked if Id mind if he recorded The Wonder of You. I said, You dont need permission; youre Elvis Presley.' He said, Yes, I do. Youre Ray Peterson.' That respect belied how high Elvis would take the song. _Billboard_ hailed it as a top of the chart winner, updating Petersons ballad with modern flair. _Variety_ called it a polished big ballad and an excellent vehicle for his powerful vocal delivery. Few recall Petersons original nowElvis made it his own.

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**Transpose by -5**
**Tempo: 90 BPM**

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Piano tutorial by [**W Piano**](https://youtu.be/TbvhUEjD62Q "")

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The track marked a pivotal moment. After his 1969 Memphis sessions delivered #1 smashes like [In The Ghetto](https://youtu.be/pdXKk8dcfqM "") and [Suspicious Minds](https://youtu.be/RxOBOhRECoo ""), plus Top 10 hits [Dont Cry Daddy](https://youtu.be/RG7iQWP0o4g "") and [Kentucky Rain](https://youtu.be/XGdo-Hpl-NQ ""), Elvis was at a creative peak. The Wonder of You wasnt new material, but it was new for himhis first A-side single drawn from a live performance. Captured for his _On Stage_ album, it was meticulously rehearsed, not just another setlist number. It stood tall.

For fans, 1970 was Elvis' last great year of chart reign. The flip side, [Mama Liked the Roses](https://youtu.be/1iG8pSfAoA0 ""), earned equal praise, with _Variety_ noting the sentimental ballad showcased a powerful vocal performance. Together, they proved Elvis' range, blending pop punch with heartfelt depth. Yet it was only five years earlier, on May 5, 1965, ABCs _Shindig!_ aired a Salute to Elvis' 10th Year in Show Businessalmost a plea for the 1954-61 Elvis. Performers like Ray Peterson, **Sonny & Cher**, and **Glen Campbell** revived Heartbreak Hotel, All Shook Up, and A Big Hunk O' Love. Peterson, no stranger to Elvis, sang Cant Help Falling In Love and Its Now or Never, his voice a bridge to the past. With **James Burton** and Glen D. Hardin in the house band, the tribute carried extra weightboth would later join Elvis' TCB Band.

Five years on, Elvis is back. Watching from his Perugia Way home that _Shindig!_ night, he must have felt the weight of expectation. By 1970, he answered. James Burtons guitar on The Wonder of You proves its edge, and Elvis' rich, commanding voice turned a decade-old ballad into a timeless hit. It was a triumph, proof that Elvis Presley could still set hearts ablaze.

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**The Wonder of You** (Baker Knight)

Arranged by Glen D. Hardin \* Lead Guitar: James Burton \* Rhythm Guitar: John Wilkinson \* Bass: Jerry Scheff \* Piano: Glen D. Hardin \* Drums: Bob Lanning \* Acoustic Guitar: Charlie Hodge \* Orchestra: Bobby Morris & The Bobby Morris Orchestra \* Backup Vocals: The Sweet Inspirations, The Imperials