A song for You - wikipedia A song for You For other uses, see A Song for You ( disambiguation ). This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. ( September 2016 ) `` A Song for You '' Single by Andy Williams from the album You 've Got a Friend B - side `` You 've Got a Friend '' Released August 1971 Genre Vocal Length 3 : 12 Label Columbia 45434 Songwriter ( s ) Leon Russell Producer ( s ) Dick Glasser Andy Williams singles chronology `` ( Where Do I Begin ) Love Story '' ( 1971 ) `` A Song for You '' ( 1971 ) `` Love Is All '' ( 1971 ) `` ( Where Do I Begin ) Love Story '' ( 1971 ) `` A Song for You '' ( 1971 ) `` Love Is All '' ( 1971 ) `` A Song for You '' is a song written and originally recorded by rock singer and pianist Leon Russell for his first solo album Leon Russell, which was released in 1970 on Shelter Records. A slow, pained plea for forgiveness and understanding from an estranged lover, the tune is one of Russell 's best - known compositions. It has been performed and recorded by an array of artists, spanning many musical genres. Elton John has called the song an American classic. One of the first versions of the song that brought it broader attention was by Andy Williams, whose single peaked at # 29 on the adult contemporary chart and # 82 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1971. Ray Charles recorded a version that earned him the 1993 Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. Contents 1 Charts 2 Cover versions 2.1 Herbie Hancock and Christina Aguilera version 3 Bizzy Bone featuring DMX and Chris Notez 3.1 Music video 4 References 5 External links Charts Chart ( 2005 ) Peak position US Smooth Jazz 19 Chart ( 2008 ) Peak position US Billboard Hot R&B / Hip - Hop Songs 61 Cover versions Peggy Lee on her 1972 album Norma Deloris Egstrom from Jamestown, North Dakota. Elkie Brooks on her 2012 album Powerless. Michael Bublé : covered the song on his 2005 album It 's Time. Carpenters : not released as a single, it served as the title song for the duo 's 1972 album A Song for You. Ray Charles : He recorded a version of the song on his 1993 album My World. Released as a single, it reached # 4 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles, and won him a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. Charles also performed the song at New York 's Beacon Theatre on April 9, 2003, as part of Willie Nelson 's 70th birthday tribute ( released on DVD as Willie Nelson and Friends : Live & Kickin ' ). Leon Russell sang the first verse, Willie Nelson sang the second verse, and Charles sang the remainder of the song in this unforgettable performance. Nelson, who stood nearby during Charles ' performance, was moved to tears. Donny Hathaway covered the song on his 1971 album Donny Hathaway ( album ). Cher on her 1972 album Foxy Lady. Herbie Hancock : released in 2005 with vocals by Christina Aguilera ; it received airplay on U.S. smooth jazz radio and was also nominated for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals at the 2006 Grammy Awards. The duo performed a live rendition at the ceremony that year. Whitney Houston : on her 2009 album ' I Look to You '. She also performed it in 1991 live for the troops `` Welcome Home Hero 's with Whitney Houston '' Jaye P. Morgan : the 1950s chanteuse had her final Billboard chart song in 1971 with this tune ( `` Bubbling Under # 105 ). Willie Nelson : on his 1973 album Shotgun Willie. He also performed it in the 1980 movie Honeysuckle Rose, and it appears on the movie 's soundtrack. Simply Red : on the 2005 album Simplified and released as part of a double A-side single in January 2006. Donna Summer : often sang this as the encore during tours from 1977 to 1979, and again in 1983. Several clips are on YouTube. Temptations : also not released as a single, it served as the title song for the group 's 1974 album A Song for You. Zakk Wylde : Performed a rendition at the November 19, 2009, Gibson / Les Paul Tribute concert held at The Ryman auditorium in Nashville. Elliott Yamin : performed the song in both his audition for American Idol and in one of his final performances. It was also named number three in Entertainment Weekly 's 10 all - time best American Idol performances. The song is also on Yamin 's debut album. Amy Winehouse : on her posthumous compilation album Lioness : Hidden Treasures released on 2 December 2011. Aretha Franklin : on her 1974 album Let Me In Your Life. Natalie Cole : on her 1999 album Snowfall on the Sahara. Barbara Cook : on 1975 album Barbara Cook at Carnegie Hall. Earl Coleman : on 1977 album A Song for You. Victor Oladipo : on his 2017 EP Songs for You Justin Vernon of Bon Iver has occasionally performed the song live, most notably during a performance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon Herbie Hancock and Christina Aguilera version `` A Song for You '' Song by Herbie Hancock and Christina Aguilera from the album Possibilities Released August 2005 Genre Jazz Length 7 : 05 Label Vector Songwriter ( s ) Leon Russell Producer ( s ) Herbie Hancock Jessica Hancock John Alagía Bob Brockman Yaron Fuchs Bryce Goggin Steven `` Steven J. '' Jordan Rob Lucas Alan Mintz Greg Phillinganes Paul Simon This version performed by Herbie Hancock features singer Christina Aguilera. Released in August 2005, from Hancock 's 45th studio album Possibilities, Aguilera and Hancock were nominated for the 48th Grammy Awards in category `` Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals ''. Bizzy Bone featuring DMX and Chris Notez `` A Song for You '' Single by Bizzy Bone featuring DMX and Chris Notez from the album A Song for You Released March 18, 2008 ( U.S. ) Format CD single digital download Recorded 2007 Genre Hip hop Length 3 : 58 Label Virgin After Platinum Songwriter ( s ) L. Russell B. McCane E. Simmons Bizzy Bone featuring DMX and Chris Notez singles chronology `` Thugz Cry '' ( 1998 ) `` A Song for You '' ( 2008 ) `` Money '' ( 2008 ) `` Thugz Cry '' ( 1998 ) `` A Song for You '' ( 2008 ) `` Money '' ( 2008 ) `` A Song for You '', which features DMX and Chris Notez, is the first official single from rapper, Bizzy Bone 's album of the same name. It is sampled from Donny Hathaway 's 1971 rendition. Music video The music video for `` A Song for You '' included Bizzy Bone, DMX and Chris Notez ; the music video includes Chris Notez playing a grand piano in front of a big manor singing his lyrics in the chorus, Bizzy Bone, DMX and sometimes Chris Notez singing in a dimly lit big room with Bizzy Bone wearing a bright red jacket and DMX wearing a copper brown jacket. Lastly Bizzy Bone is often seen in a suit singing the song in front of a tombstone, which appears to be the gravesite of rapper Eazy - E. References Jump up ^ The Encyclopedia of Country Music, 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 vocalist Rita Coolidge. He followed with Leon Russell and the Shelter People ( 1971 ) and... '' Jump up ^ `` Billboard Singles ''. All Media Guide / Billboard. Retrieved 2010 - 03 - 01. Jump up ^ `` Billboard Chart History ''. Billboard. Retrieved 2010 - 03 - 01. External links Rap Basement Music Video on YouTube After Platinum Records Lyrics of this song at MetroLyrics Ray Charles Studio albums Atlantic Ray Charles ( Hallelujah, I Love Her So ) The Great Ray Charles Yes Indeed ! Soul Brothers What 'd I Say The Genius of Ray Charles The Genius Sings the Blues Soul Meeting The Genius After Hours True to Life Love & Peace Ai n't It So Brother Ray Is at It Again ABC The Genius Hits the Road Dedicated to You Ray Charles and Betty Carter Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music, Vol. 2 Ingredients in a Recipe for Soul Sweet & Sour Tears Have a Smile with Me Together Again / Country and Western Meets Rhythm and Blues Crying Time Ray 's Moods Ray Charles Invites You to Listen A Portrait of Ray I 'm All Yours Baby ! Doing His Thing My Kind of Jazz Love Country Style Volcanic Action of My Soul Jazz Number II A Message From The People Through The Eyes Of Love Crossover Renaissance My Kind of Jazz Part 3 Columbia Wish You Were Here Tonight Do I Ever Cross Your Mind Friendship The Spirit of Christmas From the Pages of My Mind Just Between Us Warner Bros. Would You Believe My World Strong Love Affair Other labels Genius + Soul = Jazz Porgy and Bess Thanks for Bringing Love Around Again Genius Loves Company Posthumous studio creations Genius & Friends Ray Sings, Basie Swings Rare Genius Live albums Ray Charles at Newport Ray Charles in Person Live in Concert Ray Charles Live Notable compilations Do the Twist ! with Ray Charles Ray Charles Greatest Hits A Man and His Soul The Best of Ray Charles Anthology The Birth of Soul Genius and Soul Ray Charles in Concert Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 Singles `` What 'd I Say '' `` Georgia on My Mind '' `` Hit the Road Jack '' `` One Mint Julep '' `` Unchain My Heart '' `` I Ca n't Stop Loving You '' `` You Do n't Know Me '' `` You Are My Sunshine '' `` Busted '' `` Take These Chains from My Heart '' `` Crying Time '' Other Billboard Charts # 1 singles `` I Got a Woman '' `` A Fool for You '' `` Mary Ann '' `` Drown in My Own Tears '' `` Together Again '' `` Let 's Go Get Stoned '' `` Seven Spanish Angels '' `` I 'll Be Good to You '' Grammy Awarded Works ( not included above ) `` Let The Good Times Roll '' `` Living for the City '' `` A Song for You '' `` Heaven Help Us All '' `` Here We Go Again '' See also Discography David `` Fathead '' Newman Fathead / Ray Charles Sextet Hank Crawford The Raelettes Ray ( soundtrack ) Quincy Jones The Blues Brothers Here We Go Again : Celebrating the Genius of Ray Charles Tribute to Uncle Ray `` Confession Blues '' Diet Pepsi Book Commons Wikiquote Andy Williams Studio albums Andy Williams Sings Steve Allen Andy Williams Sings Rodgers and Hammerstein Two Time Winners To You Sweetheart, Aloha Lonely Street The Village of St. Bernadette Under Paris Skies Danny Boy and Other Songs I Love to Sing Moon River and Other Great Movie Themes Warm and Willing Days of Wine and Roses and Other TV Requests The Andy Williams Christmas Album The Wonderful World of Andy Williams The Academy Award - Winning `` Call Me Irresponsible '' and Other Hit Songs from the Movies The Great Songs from `` My Fair Lady '' and Other Broadway Hits Andy Williams ' Dear Heart Merry Christmas The Shadow of Your Smile In the Arms of Love Born Free Love, Andy Honey Happy Heart Get Together with Andy Williams Raindrops Keep Fallin ' on My Head The Andy Williams Show Love Story You 've Got a Friend Love Theme from `` The Godfather '' Alone Again ( Naturally ) Solitaire The Way We Were Christmas Present You Lay So Easy on My Mind The Other Side of Me Andy Let 's Love While We Can Greatest Love Classics Close Enough for Love I Still Believe in Santa Claus Nashville We Need a Little Christmas I Do n't Remember Ever Growing Up Compilations Andy Williams Andy Williams ' Best Million Seller Songs Canadian Sunset Andy Williams ' Newest Hits May Each Day The Andy Williams Sound of Music Andy Williams ' Greatest Hits The Impossible Dream Love Story Andy Williams ' Greatest Hits Vol. 2 ( CBS ) Andy Williams ' Greatest Hits Vol. 2 Reflections The Best of Andy Williams ( 1992 ) Personal Christmas Collection 16 Most Requested Songs : Encore ! The Best of Andy Williams ( 1996 ) The Love Songs In the Lounge with... The Very Best of Andy Williams ( 2000 ) Andy The Essential Andy Williams B Sides and Rarities Music to Watch Girls By : The Very Best of Andy Williams Moon River : The Very Best of Andy Williams The Very Best of Andy Williams ( 2009 ) The Classic Christmas Album Live albums Greatest Hits The New Andy Williams Christmas Album Singles `` Walk Hand in Hand '' `` Canadian Sunset '' `` Butterfly '' `` I Like Your Kind of Love '' `` Lips of Wine '' `` Are You Sincere ? '' `` Promise Me, Love '' `` The Hawaiian Wedding Song '' `` Lonely Street '' `` The Village of St. Bernadette '' `` Danny Boy '' `` Fly by Night '' `` Stranger on the Shore '' `` Do n't You Believe It '' `` Twilight Time '' `` Ca n't Get Used to Losing You '' `` Days of Wine and Roses '' `` Hopeless '' `` A Fool Never Learns '' `` Charade '' `` Wrong for Each Other '' `` On the Street Where You Live '' `` Almost There '' `` Dear Heart '' ``... and Roses and Roses '' `` Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars ( Corcovado ) '' `` May Each Day '' `` You 're Gonna Hear from Me '' `` Bye Bye Blues '' `` How Can I Tell Her It 's Over '' `` In the Arms of Love '' `` Music to Watch Girls By '' `` Holly '' `` Ca n't Take My Eyes Off You '' `` Sweet Memories '' `` Battle Hymn of the Republic '' `` Happy Heart '' `` Live and Learn '' `` A Woman 's Way '' `` Ca n't Help Falling in Love '' `` One Day of Your Life '' `` It 's So Easy '' `` Home Lovin ' Man '' `` ( Where Do I Begin ? ) Love Story '' `` A Song for You '' `` You 've Got a Friend '' `` Speak Softly Love ( Love Theme from The Godfather ) '' `` MacArthur Park '' `` Solitaire '' `` Love 's Theme '' `` Another Lonely Song '' `` Cry Softly '' `` Sad Eyes '' `` The Other Side of Me '' `` Tell It Like It Is '' `` It 's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year '' B - Sides `` I 'm So Lonesome I Could Cry '' `` I Want to Be Wanted '' `` Summertime '' `` So Rare '' `` Emily '' `` Red Roses for a Blue Lady '' `` I 'll Remember You '' `` Something '' `` My Love '' `` They Long to Be Close to You '' `` I Love My Friend '' Related articles Discography The Williams Brothers Ronnie Dyson Studio albums One Man Band The More You Do It Singles `` ( If You Let Me Make Love to You Then ) Why Ca n't I Touch You ? '' `` Just Do n't Want to Be Lonely '' `` All Over Your Face '' Cover Songs `` A Song for You '' `` Girl Do n't Come '' `` Jive Talkin ' '' `` Love Wo n't Let Me Wait '' `` Something '' City High Ryan Toby Robbie Pardlo Claudette Ortiz Studio albums City High Singles `` What Would You Do ? '' `` Caramel '' `` A Song for You '' Portal : Biography Portal : Rock and roll Portal : Rock music Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=A_Song_for_You&oldid=814651414 '' Categories : Ballads Columbia Records singles Virgin Records singles 1970 singles 1971 singles 1972 singles 2005 singles 2006 singles 2008 singles Songs written by Leon Russell Leon Russell songs Andy Williams songs Christina Aguilera songs Donny Hathaway songs The Temptations songs Nancy Wilson ( jazz singer ) songs The Carpenters songs Simply Red songs Carmen McRae songs Ronnie Dyson songs 1970 songs Hidden categories : Articles needing additional references from September 2016 All articles needing additional references Articles with hAudio microformats Talk Contents About Wikipedia فارسی 日本 語 Norsk nynorsk Polski Português Svenska Türkçe Tiếng Việt Edit links This page was last edited on 10 December 2017, at 02 : 38. 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Question: who sang the original version of a song for you
Answer: Leon Russell