“At Last” is a song written by Mack Gordon and Harry Warren for the Sun Valley Serenade (1941) was performed in the film by Glenn Miller and his orchestra. Prior to release of Sun Valley Serenade, with vocals by Studio head Darryl Zanuck reportedly said, “There are too many big ones in this. Let’s save one for the next.” The “At Last” vocal by Payne and Bari was thus deleted, although instrumental versions remained in the film, including in the Black Ice Ballet finale. It was finally included in the movie ‘Orchestra Wives’ (1942) with vocals by John Payne and Lynn Bari, dubbed by Pat Friday. Glenn Miller and his orchestra recorded the tune several times, with a 1942 version reaching number two on the US Billboard chart.
The song became Etta James’s signature song and was the third in a string of successful songs from her debut album At Last. In April 1961, it became her second number two R&B hit single and crossed over to pop radio, reaching number 47 on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite its modest pop chart standing, the song is well-known and is still played regularly on oldies radio stations. The James version reached the top 40 in Cashbox (#30) and Music Vendor. James’ version, with its passionate vocal and sweeping orchestration, is often chosen for weddings and wedding receptions. Sadly there are no early live versions of her version and in the later ones her voice has lost something of it’s power. So the original recording must be used.
Whilst Etta James can to be the standard by which other versions are judged, it seemed good to share some of the other versions for you to decide on your favourite. We begin with Cyndi Lauper of ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun fame.’
Beyonce was chosen to sing the at the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the USA. The song chosen is the Etta James classic ‘At Last’ and the first couple took their first dance steps as the President and First Lady to this song. Here she is giving a rendition of the song at the Fashion Rocks awards 2008.
Christina Aquilera also cites Etta James as a major influence on her music and regularly performs ‘At Last’. In 2012, she was invited by Etta James’ family to sing “At Last” at James’ funeral. At the funeral, Aguilera stated that James was her idol and inspiration, and that in honour of James, she performs “At Last” at every concert. Here she is from her ‘Stripped’ tour with her rendition.
Finally from the grand dame of the dramatic to the simple stylings of Allie Sherlock, busking in the cold streets of Dublin.
