Because of You (1940 song)

A 1951 recording by Tony Bennett, Columbia Records catalog number 39362, recorded on April 4, 1951 with orchestral backing conducted by Percy Faith, was Bennett’s first major hit, reaching number one on the Billboard charts and staying there for 10 weeks. Due to its importance in establishing his fame, he continued to perform the song for the rest of his career, even singing it at his final concert performances 70 years after its release. It was one of the last songs rehearsed at his piano before he died. ==Notable cover versions==

In 1951, there were several artists covering the song: • A cover version by Johnny Desmond reached number seventeen at the same time as the Bennett recording. • Tab Smith released an R&B instrumental version which was number one on the R&B chart and number 20 on the pop chart. • In 1967, a live recording was made by Chris Montez, whose version peaked at number 71 on the U.S. pop chart and number 25 on the Easy Listening chart. ==See also==