Yesterday's news of Forest Whitaker's Louis Armstrong biopic immediately made me think of the last time I heard the song that will be the movie's title: "What a Wonderful World." My ears pricked up when I heard the song as covered by Joey Ramone in the recent Simon Pegg comedy How to Lose Friends and Alienate People. I wasn't thrilled with the movie as a whole, but I like a lot of the music in it — especially this track.
Nobody can do "What a Wonderful World" quite like Louie did, but that hasn't stopped a bajillion musicians from trying. Just doing a quick search on imeem brings up many varied covers, from Ghoul's death metal version (which doesn't sound like a wonderful world at all), to Eddy Arnold's lovely version that is currently being used in a teaser trailer for Oliver Stone's movie, W.
I sifted through the extensive list and picked out my favorite versions of the song and still, no matter how many times I hear it (which is many now), it brings a dippy smile to my face. It's so warm and life-affirming, no wonder everyone wants to cover it. Want to hear "What a Wonderful World" this is, with covers ranging from rock, jazz, bossa nova and more? To check out the playlist, read more.
Fornarina
Star by Julien Macdonald
Evisu Eu Ed
Oh I'm so glad you put israel kamakawiwo'ole ln this list. I LOVE LOVE LOVE that version. Iz's music is amazing!
1Louis Armstrong is an amazing talented man. No one can beat his original.
2John Legend can do no wrong... though no one can touch Louis' version!
Sarah Brightman's version is so... new age-y
I think of witches or fairies floating
around in the woods singing this version!
3israel kamakawiwo'ole's version always makes me wanna cry a little. It's just such a sweet version
4I, too, love IZ's version. Listening to it brings back so many happy memories; the tears I shed are happy ones! Thanks, Buzz!
5I like Eva Cassidy's version.
6@ ShannonSoCrazy: Thanks for the heads on Eva Cassidy having a version. Louis Armstrong is always sacred stuff. And in times like these most certainly needed.
7I love John Legend. That is all.
8I love the Joey Ramone version. It always reminds me of Gilmore Girls
9Love Joey Ramone's version! Rock on!
10The IZ version is one of the only covers I truly enjoy. I used the original as the father/daughter dance at my wedding, and now my parents get all sappy every time they hear it!
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