The B-side, "I'm Ready", launched the career of Craig David, being the first song he had ever written to be released by himself or another artist. The music video features the band performing the song in a recording studio with cut scenes of a girl preparing to go on a night out. The song is prominently performed by Richards, with little vocal input from any other members of the band. The single peaked at number three on the UK Singles Chart, becoming the band's most successful single to date, and peaking highly in several other territories, which was a first for the band. Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.Ĭover versions Damage version "Wonderful Tonight"īritish R&B group Damage covered "Wonderful Tonight" and released it as the fifth single from their debut studio album, Forever (1997), in April 1997. ^ Shipments figures based on certification alone. Japanese International Singles ( Oricon) Ĭertifications Certifications and sales for "Wonderful Tonight" The group became his backing musicians for a surprise performance of "Wonderful Tonight" during their set. In 1988, Clapton appeared in the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert as a guest guitarist for Dire Straits.
Marcy Levy – harmony and backing vocals.
Yvonne Elliman – harmony and backing vocals.
Dick Sims – Fender Rhodes, Hammond organ.
Cash Box said that "Eric’s singing is superbly understated the guitar work is simple and evocative" and praised "the gentle beat and organ accompaniment." Personnel The song is mentioned in her autobiographical book Wonderful Today.īillboard Magazine described "Wonderful Tonight" as "perhaps Clapton's prettiest and mellowest love ballad in some time." Billboard particularly praised Clapton's guitar playing during the interludes. On 7 September 1976, Clapton wrote "Wonderful Tonight" for Boyd while waiting for her to get ready to attend Paul and Linda McCartney's annual Buddy Holly party.