Melonious Thonk #10: The History of 'Sunny'

You've probably heard variations and covers of 'Sunny' by multiple artists and musicians. Optimistic and uplifting songwriting, coupled with an addictive melody, and a fusion of R&B and Pop, it's no surprise that 'Sunny' is one of the most covered song to date. However, the songwriting process was not inspired by positive events. In fact, it was the polar opposite.

American R&B/soul singer-songwriter and musician, Bobby Hebb wrote 'Sunny' within two days following two tragedies on November 22, 1963. First, the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy and secondly and most importantly, the brutal stabbing of Bobby's older brother, Harold.

Hebb stated that this song was an expression of his desire for a "sunny" frame of mind, opposed to the "lousy" state following these two horrific events. How Hebb was able to write this song during his unfortunate circumstance is unfathomable to me.

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We've all heard the popular idiom "look on the bright side". That idiom was the direction of this song: the desire to express optimism and to think of happier moments. 'Sunny' is Hebb's tribute to his brother.

Hebb's admittedly stated that 'Sunny' was another variation to Prisonaires' 1953 'Just Walkin' in the Rain', written by Johnny Bragg (of Prisonaires).

Prisonaires - Just Walkin' in the Rain

Although all the credits go to Hebb for the inception of this song, he was not the first to release this song. Due to circumstances related to the PR department, 'Sunny' producer Jerry Ross passed the song to Jay Proctor. Somehow this song reached Japan.

Considered the "Connie Francis of Japan", Mieko "Miko" Hirota released 'Sunny' in 1965.

Mieko Hirota - Sunny

Then it was released in America, but not by Hirota and still not by Hebb. Marimbaphonist Dave Pike released an instrumental version of Sunny in early 1966.

Dave Pike - Sunny

Finally, Hebb released his version in July 1966. The overwhelmingly positive reception resulted in Hebb touring with The Beatles that same year. In fact, during late August of 1966, 'Sunny' was more popular than any of The Beatles' repertoire of songs.

Bobby Hebb - Sunny

(lyrics below for your reference)

Lyrics:

Sunny, yesterday my life was filled with rain.
Sunny, you smiled at me and really eased the pain.
Oh, the dark days are done, and the bright days are here,
My sunny one shines so sincere,
Oh Sunny one so true, I love you.

Sunny, thank you for the sunshine bouquet.
Sunny, thank you for your love you've brought my way.
You gave to me you all and all.
Now I feel ten feet tall.
Oh Sunny one so true, I love you.

Sunny, thank you for the truth you've let me see.
Sunny, thank you for the facts from A to Z.
My life was torn like wind blown sand,
Then a rock was formed when we held hands,
Sunny one so true, I love you.

Sunny, thank you for that smile upon your face.
Sunny, thank you for that gleam that flows with grace.
You're my spark of nature's fire,
You're my sweet complete desire.
Sunny one so true, I love you...

To embrace the zeitgeist of the 1970s disco era, Hebb updated the song with a disco beat. Now Hebb's "Sunny '76" had people dancing to it.

Bobby Hebb - Sunny '76

The next notable version of this song was performed by German vocal disco group Boney M. in 1976. This particular version gained more popularity and is arguably considered the most popular.

Boney M. - Sunny

There are hundreds of versions and covers released over the years by artists such as James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald, Marvin Gaye, Frank Sinatra, Bill Cosby, and the list goes on and on.

Here's a few that stands out to me.

Ella Fitzergerald and Tom Jones - Sunny (Live)

James Brown - Sunny (Live)

Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass - Sunny

Oscar Peterson - Sunny

So the next time we hear 'Sunny', I hope we can truly appreciate the context and the message it delivers.

Thanks for listening,
Hive account@scuzzy