Preston's original version first appeared on his 1974 album The Kids and Me. Cocker's producer, Jim Price created a slowed-down arrangement for Cocker's version, which first appeared on the album I Can Stand a Little Rain (released later in 1974). Released as a single, this Joe Cocker version reached #5 on the 1975 Billboard pop single charts and helped the album become a hit.

Although never officially credited, several sources have documented that Dennis Wilson of The Beach Boys was a co-writer of the song. According to Wilson's biographer, Jon Stebbins, Wilson claimed that he and Preston spontaneously collaborated on the words to the song at a party. . Wilson sang the song as an encore at Beach Boys shows intermittently between 1975 and 1983.

The song was also covered by many other artists, a few of which include Ray Charles, Kenny Rankin, Kenny Rogers, Bonnie Tyler, Al Green, Diana Ross, Tanya Tucker, Ray Stevens, Westlife, Michael Sweet from Stryper and an instrumental arrangement by pianist Bradley Joseph.

Lyrics:

You are so beautiful to me

You are so beautiful to me

Can't you see

You're everything I hoped for

You're everything I need

You are so beautiful to me

Such joy and happiness you bring

Such joy and happiness you bring

Like a dream

A guiding light that shines in the night

Heavens gift to me

You are so beautiful to me

References

External links