"Cry Me A River" is a song that was written by Arthur Hamilton.
It's an American torch song and he initially published it in 1953. First, it was offered to Peggy King but Mitch Miller, who at that time was in charge of Columbia Records A&R, declined it due to the use of the word "plebeian" in the lyrics.
Hamilton wrote the song for the actress Ella Fitzgerald as a jazzy blues ballad, for the movie "Pe Kelly's Blues". He composed it in the 20's but the movie was to be released in 1955. However, it was decided for the song to be dropped from the soundtrack. In 1961, Ella Fitzgerlad released a first recording of the song on "Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie!".
The first time that "Cry Me A River" has been recorded was by Julie London. She released it through Liberty Records and was accompanied by Ray Leatherwood for the bass and by Barney Kessel for guitar.
The song's popularity grew after she sang it in the 1956 movie "The Girl Can't Help It". It became number nine in the US and number 22 in the UK.
London's version of the song has featured in various movies such as "V For Vendetta", in 2005, and "Passion Of Mind", in 2000. In 1963, "Cry Me A River" was covered by Barbra Streisand for her debut album. Also, in 1970, Joe Cocker released an upbeat rock rendition for his album "Mad Dogs And Englishmen". Denise Welche covered it under "You Don't have To Say You Love Me/Cry Me A Rivere", as an A side single and it stayed three weeks in the UK Singles chart.
In 2001, it was covered by Diana Krall for her album "The Look Of Love". Other artists that have covered it also include Michael Bubble, in 2009, which is part of his album "Crazy Love". His cover was used at the 2010 Winter Olympics that took place in Vancouver.
If you want to learn how this beautiful, old song, simply use the free piano sheet that you will find on our website.
