How Important Can It Be?

Joni James

About How Important Can It Be?

"How Important Can It Be?" is a popular song written by Bennie Benjamin and George David Weiss, and published in 1955. The lyrics of the song find the narrator asking her lover why her indiscretions with other boyfriends before him matter at all, now that she loves him so and vows to be true to him. It was popularized in 1955 by Joni James. The song was first presented to James by the music publisher Tommy Valando, according to her international fan club president Wayne Brasler of the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools. James recorded it at her first session in New York City, after moving from her hometown of Chicago, with arranger David Terry. However, after listening to the playback she and her career director and future husband Tony Acquaviva felt, in her words, "something was missing." She came up with the idea of a shuffle beat and male chorus in the style of The Four Aces, and she re-made the song at her next session. It reached No. 2 in the Billboard charts during a 16-week stay and became a gold record. The 1950s version by Joni James was used in the popular Academy Award-winning motion picture LA Confidential. There was also a successful recording of this song by Sarah Vaughan in 1955 which reached the No. 12 position in the Billboard charts. The Vaughan version was just about to come out when James recorded her second version, which MGM Records rush-released. Teresa Brewer's recording the same year was popular too. more »

Year:: 1996
: 2:35
: 91 Views

The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com

How Important Can It Be
That I tasted other lips?
That was long before you came to me
With the wonder of your kiss

So the story got around
Of na old romance and me
But it happened oh! so long ago
How Important can't it Be?

Mine was a young and a foolish heart
Seeking love at every turn
But I have grown so much wiser now
Even foolish hearts can learn

Let the past just fade away
Why get lost in yesterday?
The important thing is here and now
And our love is here to stay

The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com

Joni James

Joni James (born Giovanna Carmella Babbo, September 22, 1930, Chicago, Illinois) is an American singer of traditional pop music. more »

1 fan

Genre »

Pop

Style »

Vocal

Sheet Music PDF Playlist

Written by: Bennie Benjamin, George David Weiss

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

4 facts about this song

About the Song 1.1. "How Important Can It Be?" is a popular song that was originally recorded and popularized by Joni James. The song was later covered by many artists, including the iconic jazz singer Sarah Vaughan. 1.2. The song was composed by Bennie Benjamin and George David Weiss, who have contributed to many popular songs in the music industry. 1.3. Joni James' rendition of the song was released in the year 1955 and became a hit, reaching #2 on the Billboard Top 100 songs.
Joni James 2.1. Joni James, whose real name is Giovanna Carmella Babbo, is an American singer of traditional pop music, well recognized during the 1950s. 2.2. "How Important Can It Be?" is one of the nineteen records charted by Joni James in the Top 40 from 1952 until 1967. 2.3. James retired from music fairly early, in 1964, to dedicate herself to raising her family, making her successful recordings, like "How Important Can It Be?" a testament to her talent.
Sarah Vaughan 3.1. Sarah Vaughan, often called "Sassy" or "The Divine One", was a renowned American jazz singer, known for her rich voice and vibrant personality. 3.2. Sarah recorded her version of "How Important Can It Be?" in the same year as Joni, 1955, for the album "In the Land of Hi-Fi". 3.3. Vaughan's version of "How Important Can It Be?" is highly praised for her exquisite vocal prowess and interpretation of the song.
Cultural Impact 4.1. The song, with its contemplative lyrics and catchy melody, resonated with the audience during the 1950s. It still stands as an example of classic traditional pop and jazz music. 4.2. "How Important Can It Be?" showcases the versatility of both Joni James and Sarah Vaughan, highlighting their mastery in delivering emotional and nuanced performances. 4.3. It continues to be a favorite among fans of traditional pop and jazz music, illustrating the enduring appeal of artists such as Joni James and Sarah Vaughan.

more »

Discuss the How Important Can It Be? Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

Notify me of new comments via email.

Citation

Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

Style:MLAChicagoAPA

"How Important Can It Be? Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/4387742/Joni+James/How+Important+Can+It+Be%3F>.

Missing lyrics by Joni James?

Know any other songs by Joni James? Don't keep it to yourself!

The Web's Largest Resource for

Music, Songs & Lyrics

A Member Of The STANDS4 Network

Watch the song video