What A Diff'rence A Day Makes

Album

Misguided Roses

Label

Mercury Records

Genre

-Pop

Composer(s)

Stanley Adams;Maria Grever

Entered Chart

May 25, 1959

Peak Date

Aug 10, 1959

Released

1959

Recorded

1959

Catalog #

Mercury 71435

B-Side

Come On Home

This was written in 1934 by Maria Grever, who was the first successful female Mexican songwriter. She wrote it as "Cuando Vuelva A Tu Lado," which translates to "When It returns To Your Side," but for English consumption the lyricist Stanley Adams rewrote it as "What a Diff'rence a Day Made." The Dorsey Brothers Orchestra recorded it with the English lyrics in 1934, and their version was a #5 hit. Many artists have recorded it since, but Washington's version has become the most popular. It was her first hit and also the first hit for the songwriter Grever. Other artists to record this include Chet Baker, Ray Conniff, Sarah Vaughan, Bobby Darin, and Deborah Cox. In 1975, a dance version by Esther Phillips hit #20 in the US. Weird fact: Phillips was born Esther Mae Jones, Dinah Washington was born Ruth Lee Jones. Washington won a Grammy for Best Rhythm & Blues Performance for her version.

What a difference a day made
Twenty-four little hours
Brought the sun and the flowers
Where there used to be rain

My yesterday was blue, dear
Today I'm a part of you, dear
My lonely nights are through, dear
Since you said you were mine

Lord, what a difference a day makes
There's a rainbow before me
Skies above can't be stormy
Since that moment of bliss
That thrilling kiss

It's heaven when you
Find romance on your menu
What a difference a day made
And the difference is you