The story behind puzzle No. 60

What a Diff'rence a Day Makes

Dinah Washington · What a Diff'rence a Day Makes! · Mercury · 1959

Dinah Washington could sing blues, jazz, gospel and pop. This 1959 record crossed over to the pop Top 10 and won her a Grammy.

The record

Washington recorded What a Diff'rence a Day Makes for Mercury in 1959 at Fine Recording Studios in New York, with Belford Hendricks arranging and conducting and Clyde Otis producing.

It reached number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 4 on the R&B chart. It won her the Grammy for Best Rhythm and Blues Performance and entered the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998.

The song

The Mexican composer María Grever wrote it in 1934 as Cuando vuelva a tu lado, When I Return to Your Side.

Stanley Adams wrote the English lyrics that Washington sings.

What to listen for

Listen to how Washington's voice cuts through the lush strings, crisp and a little bluesy on every word.

The arrangement keeps a steady pulse underneath, so the ballad never drags.

Who's on it

Dinah Washington
vocals
Belford Hendricks
arranger, conductor
Clyde Otis
producer

Keep listening

Compare her with Billie Holiday on God Bless the Child (puzzle No. 51).

Hear it on Apple Music Find Dinah Washington on vinyl Play today's puzzle

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