"A Song for You" is a song written and originally recorded byrock singer and pianistLeon Russell for his first solo albumLeon Russell, which was released in 1970 onShelter Records. A slow, pained plea for forgiveness and understanding from an estranged lover, the tune is one of Russell's best-known compositions. Russell sang, played piano, and playedtenor horn on the recording. It has been performed and recorded by over 200 artists, spanning many musical genres.The Encyclopedia of Country Music wrote in 2012: "In 1970 Russell released his self-titled debut solo album, including such enduring songs as "Delta Lady" and "A Song for You", both written for versatile vocalistRita Coolidge.
"A Song for You" has been covered many times since its release. The most notable versions include the following:
1971 –Dusty Springfield recorded the song for her 1972 album,See All Her Faces. It was an outtake and unreleased untilDusty in London was issued by Rhino Records in February 1999.
1971 –Donny Hathaway recorded the song for his second albumDonny Hathaway, featuring orchestral string and woodwind parts arranged byArif Mardin. Hathaway's producerJerry Wexler wrote that this version revealed why Mardin was known for the "fastest growing reputation among the new breed of arrangers..."[6] Hathaway'sgospel-inflected interpretation has been praised as redefining the song as his own. His live performances were electrifying, evoking a near-religious experience for the audience.[7][8]
1972 –The Carpenters used the song for the name of their hit albumA Song for You, and included it as the first track and the last track (in the form of areprise). The Carpenters took Leon Russell's lyrical idea and expanded it to frame their whole album as aconcept album.[9] Though the song itself was not released as a single by the Carpenters, they performed it on aBob Hope television special that aired on October 5, 1972.[10][11] Their version is considered a standard ofadult contemporary music.[12]
2003 – Willie Nelson, Leon Russell and Ray Charles performed the song at New York'sBeacon Theatre on April 9, 2003, as part of Willie Nelson's 70th birthday tribute (released on CD and DVD asLive and Kickin' credited to "Willie Nelson & Friends"). Leon Russell sang the first verse, Willie Nelson sang the second verse, and Charles sang the remainder of the song in this performance. Nelson, who stood nearby during Charles' performance, was visibly moved.[14]
2009 –Whitney Houston recorded an uptempo version of the song for her final studio albumI Look to You. Houston also performed a slowed-down version of the song in 1991 at herWelcome Home Heroes with Whitney Houston concert. It was reported that Russell was so moved by the performance that he personally wrote her a letter expressing his admiration of her rendition of his song.[18]
2011 –Amy Winehouse recorded a version from her home that was included on the posthumousLioness: Hidden Treasures compilation album. She specifically covered the Donny Hathaway version and references him at the end of the recording.[19]
2023 -Suzanne Somers sang a version of the song in a video clip at her own memorial. She was 76. According to her husbandAlan Hamel, he claims that it was "our song" as "there wasn't a dry eye in the room".[20]
