Amazon’s 100 Greatest Wedding Songs contains many of the usual songs you’d expect. “At Last” by Etta James tops the list followed by Elvis’ “Can’t Help Falling In Love.” Number fourteen on the list is an interesting song, because the composer himself didn’t like the song.
Billy Joel’s “Just the Way You Are” was a huge hit with just about everybody except Mr. Joel himself.
He described the song as a chick song, a “gloppy ballad that would only get played at weddings.”
He had to be talked into putting the song on the album. To that end, Joel’s producer, Phil Ramone, brought in singers Linda Ronstadt and Phoebe Snow to take a listen, and they gave it a thumbs up.
Billy’s drummer, Liberty DeVitto, hated the original percussion track on the song. He and Ramone went back to the drawing board, finally deciding on rhythms with a more sensuous feel. The rest is history. “Just the Way You Are” won the the Grammy’s song of the year award in 1979.
Harry Connick’s cover
Although’s Billy version is the most popular, check out Harry Connick’s swinging take on it (above). Or better yet, Diana Krall’s sultry interpretation (below).
Diana Krall’s cover
Amazon’s 100 Greatest Wedding Songs is packed with amazing songs. You should check it out. The beauty of a professional wedding entertainment like Columbus Pro DJs is that we play the songs you like on high-end equipment with controlled, clear sound. We offer mood-enhancing decor lighting to create the vibe you’re looking for. Check us out!
