What a Diff'rence a Day Makes
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"What a Diff'rence a Day Made", also recorded as "What a Difference a Day Makes", is a popular song originally written in Spanish by María Grever, a Mexican songwriter, in 1934 with the title "Cuando vuelva a tu lado" ("When I Return to Your Side") and first recorded by Orquesta Pedro Vía that same year. A popular version in Spanish was later recorded by trio Los Panchos with Eydie Gormé in 1964.
The song is also known in English as "What a Diff'rence a Day Makes", as popularized by Dinah Washington in 1959.
English adaptation
The English lyrics were written by Stanley Adams, and was played by Harry Roy & his Orchestra. It was published in late 1934. The most successful early recording, in 1934, was by the Dorsey Brothers, with vocals by Bob Crosby, although it was first recorded by Cleveland crooner Jimmy Ague.
Dinah Washington version
Dinah Washington won a Grammy Award in 1959 for Best Rhythm and Blues Performance with this song. Her version was also inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998. It also earned her first top ten pop hit, reaching number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Charts
| Chart (1959) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 8 |
| US Billboard Hot R&B Sides | 4 |
Esther Phillips version
In 1975, Esther Phillips recorded her version of the song. Her version had a disco feel to it. The Esther Phillips version became a big hit, reaching number twenty on the US Hot 100 and number 6 in the UK. It also reached number two on the disco charts. Her version also did well on the US soul chart, reaching the top ten. Phillips performed the song on the television comedy variety program Saturday Night Live during its first season.
Charts
| Chart (1975) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australia (Kent Music Report) | 38 |
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 20 |
| US Billboard Hot Soul Singles | 10 |
| U.S. Billboard Dance Club Songs | 2 |
| U.S. Billboard Easy Listening | 33 |
| UK Singles Chart | 6 |
Notable cover versions
- Andy Russell, a Mexican-American singer, recorded a bilingual version of the song in 1944 which reached number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
- Vaughn Monroe's 1955 version reached number 60 in the US Music Vendor survey.
- Lucía Gutiérrez Rebolloso became the first Mexican jazz singer to win the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition with an English and Spanish interpretation of "Cuando vuelva a tu lado/What a Difference a Day Makes".
- In 1991, on his album Romance, Mexican star Luis Miguel does a stirring rendition.