Ray Peterson - The Wonder Of You (1959)

Charted at #25 on Billboard Hot 100 in May 1959 and #23 on UK Singles chart. One of the most beautiful recordings ever made. Like Jesse Belvin's "Guess Who", this record features the orchestra and chorus of Shorty Rogers, so it has the same atmospheric haunting sound for the backing. A re-release of this recording also charted at #70 in April 1964 making it Ray's first and last single to chart on the Hot 100. Many people know the famous story behind the 1970 remake by Elvis. Presley phoned up Ray before performing the song to get his blessings. When Elvis asked for permission to sing it, Ray told him that he didn't need to ask because he's Elvis Presley. Elvis said that, indeed he did, because "you're Ray Peterson". A very nice gesture on Elvis's part. Other charting versions: #22 on the UK Singles chart for Ronnie Hilton in August 1959, #38 Adult Contemporary for John Davidson in 1969, #9 Hot 100 for Elvis Presley in May 1970 (#1 UK, #1 Adult Contemporary, #37 Country), #48 UK for Elvis Presley in September 1977 and #4 UK for Elvis Presley in April 2005. Written by Baker Knight. B-side is "I'm Gone".