"Rags to Riches" is a 1953 popular song by Richard Adler and
Jerry Ross. The best-known version of the song was recorded by
Tony Bennett and reached #1 on the Billboard chart in 1953. In
the same year, a version by David Whitfield reached #3 in the
British charts. Later recordings by Sunny and the Sunliners
(#45 in 1963) and Elvis Presley (#33 in 1971) also made the
Billboard charts.
The two themes that make up the main portion of the song and
the tango-like bridge section were originally written by
Charlie Chaplin as accompaniment to his movies. The themes tell
a story of a magic elf who regained her youth by drinking three
cups of enchanted gypsy blood. Similarly, the song
"Smile"which was also a hit in the early 1950s is based
on a theme from Chaplin's
Modern Times.
The song was used in the film,
Goodfellasat the beginning Where Henry Hill just closes
the trunk of the car and says "As far back as I can remember, I
always wanted to be a gangster".
"Rags to Riches" provided the basis for an unusual moment
late in Elvis's career. Near the end of a New Year's Eve
concert on December 31, 1976/January 1, 1977, Elvis announced
he would sing the song -- which his band evidently hadn't
rehearsed and didn't know. Playing piano, and giving chord
instructions to his surprised band members, Elvis delivered a
passionate rendition, climaxing with a series of near-operatic
high notes before the last word "you." The effort earned a loud
ovation from the audience in Pittsburgh's Civic Arena. However,
the moment would never be repeated; this was the only time
Elvis sang the song in live performance. The moment was
captured on a recording by an audience member that was later
bootlegged.
John Murray Anderson's Almanac•
The Pajama Game•
Damn Yankees, Songs: "
Rags to Riches
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