Wonderful Tonight


"Wonderful Tonight" is a song written and performed by English singer Eric Clapton. The ballad was included on Clapton's 1977 album Slowhand. Clapton wrote the song on his 1974 Martin D-28 guitar about Pattie Boyd. The female vocal harmonies on the song are provided by Marcella Detroit and Yvonne Elliman. It peaked at number 16 on the [Billboard Hot 100|Billboard Hot 100] on 15 July 1978, spending seven weeks in the top 40. In Canada it was in the top 40 for nine weeks.

Background

On 7 September 1976, Eric Clapton wrote "Wonderful Tonight" for then-girlfriend Pattie Boyd while waiting for her to get ready to attend Paul and Linda McCartney's annual Buddy Holly party. The song is mentioned in her 2007 autobiographical book Wonderful Today.

Reception

Billboard described "Wonderful Tonight" as "perhaps Clapton's prettiest and mellowest love ballad in some time." Billboard particularly praised Clapton's guitar playing during the interludes. Cash Box said that "Eric’s singing is superbly understated; the guitar work is simple and evocative" and praised "the gentle beat and organ accompaniment." Record World called it a "light, pretty ballad from Slowhand that should also move quickly up the charts" and praised Clapton's singing."

Personnel

In 1988, Clapton appeared in the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert as a guest guitarist for Dire Straits. The group became his backing musicians for a surprise performance of "Wonderful Tonight" during their set.

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart Peak
position
Belgium 6

Chart Peak
position
UK Singles 81

Year-end charts

Chart Position
Belgium 39
Netherlands 14
Netherlands 9

Certifications

Cover versions

Damage version

British R&B group Damage covered "Wonderful Tonight" and released it as the fifth single from their debut studio album, Forever, in April 1997. The single peaked at number three on the UK Singles Chart, becoming the band's highest-charting single. The song is prominently performed by Coreé Richards, with little vocal input from any other members of the band. The music video features the band performing the song in a recording studio with cut scenes of a girl preparing to go on a night out. The B-side, "I'm Ready", launched the career of Craig David, being the first song he had ever written to be released by himself or another artist.

Track listings

  • UK CD1
  1. "Wonderful Tonight"
  2. "I'm Ready"
  3. "Wonderful Tonight"
  • UK CD2
  1. "Wonderful Tonight"
  2. "Just My Imagination"
  3. "Love II Love"
  1. "Wonderful Tonight"
  2. "I'm Ready"

    Charts

Weekly charts
Chart Peak
position
Estonia 11
Europe 30
UK Airplay 19
UK Indie 1

Year-end charts
Chart Position
UK Singles 77

Certifications

Release history

David Kersh version

"Wonderful Tonight" was covered by country singer David Kersh on his album If I Never Stop Loving You in 1998. His version went to number 29 on the Hot Country Songs chart.

Charts

Butch Baker version

The song was covered by country music singer Butch Baker on his album We Will, whose rendition reached number 66 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 1989.