Louis Armstrong "What a Wonderful World"
Louis Armstrong’s "What a Wonderful World" is one of the most beloved songs in music history. With its gentle melody, heartfelt lyrics, and Armstrong’s warm, gravelly voice, the song conveys a timeless message of hope and appreciation for life’s simple beauty. For both music fans and musicians, this classic offers valuable lessons in expressive singing, minimal yet effective arrangement, and the power of music to transcend troubled times. In this article, we take a closer look at the background, songwriting credits, chart performance, and the song’s legacy in visual media.
Song Overview
"What a Wonderful World" was recorded in 1967 and released as a single the following year.
At the time, the United States was experiencing social turmoil due to the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War.
Amidst these turbulent times, the song was created to convey a message of hope and beauty, reminding listeners that despite the struggles of the world, there was still so much to appreciate.
The lyrics paint vivid imagery of everyday life, describing "blue skies, white clouds, green trees, and red roses," emphasizing their simple yet profound beauty.
Additionally, heartfelt moments like "the sound of a baby crying" and "friends shaking hands" are highlighted, illustrating the warmth and positivity found in human connection.
This simple yet universal message continues to resonate deeply with listeners, making the song timeless and beloved across generations.
Musically, the song incorporates elements of jazz while maintaining a simple, slow-tempo ballad arrangement.
Louis Armstrong’s rich, distinctive voice, paired with a subtle yet emotionally expressive orchestration, creates a warm and heartfelt atmosphere throughout the song.
Songwriting and Production
"What a Wonderful World" was written by Bob Thiele (under the pseudonym George Douglas) and George David Weiss. Thiele was a jazz producer with a deep understanding of Armstrong’s strengths, while Weiss had already proven his songwriting talent with hits like "Can’t Help Falling in Love" and "The Lion Sleeps Tonight."
The production was handled by Bob Thiele himself, who made the conscious decision to frame Armstrong’s voice with minimal ornamentation. The string arrangement was designed to feel warm and embracing, reinforcing the song’s central message without overpowering the vocal. This restraint allowed Armstrong’s personality and sincerity to shine through.
Charts
Upon its initial release in the United States, "What a Wonderful World" struggled commercially due to limited promotion from the record label. In contrast, the song received heavy airplay in the United Kingdom, where it reached number one on the singles chart in early 1968. It became Armstrong’s biggest UK hit, showcasing his appeal far beyond jazz audiences.
The song’s American resurgence came two decades later, in 1988, when it was prominently featured in the film "Good Morning, Vietnam." The emotional power of the scene, combined with the rediscovery of Armstrong’s performance, brought the song back into public consciousness. This renewed popularity propelled the track into the charts again, solidifying its status as one of the most cherished songs of all time.
Music Video
Since "What a Wonderful World" predates the era of modern music videos, no official video was produced at the time of its release. However, several archival performance clips of Armstrong singing the song exist. One of the most iconic performances comes from a 1968 television appearance, where Armstrong’s heartfelt delivery and warm smile perfectly embody the spirit of the song.
In later years, the song has been visually represented through numerous tribute videos, documentary sequences, and film montages, often paired with images of natural beauty, human connection, and moments of global significance. This visual legacy continues to enhance the song’s timeless message for new generations.
Louis Armstrong - What A Wonderful World (At The BBC)
