The original author of this song, Dolly Parton, wrote it in 1973 for her former business partner and mentor, country music star Porter Wagoner. Houston later recorded the song for the movie 'The Bodyguard,' which was handpicked by her co-star, Kevin Costner.
Six years before Bette Midler's version of this father daughter wedding song won her a Grammy, Gary Morris' recording won Song of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards.
After the Sept. 11 attacks, Clear Channel created a list of songs that might not be appropriate for airplay, and 'What a Wonderful World' was included. Ironically, the song was written as an 'antidote' to the stresses of the modern world and is meant to lend listeners a few minutes of escapism.
The title track off Vandross' last album before his death in 2005, this song was his last to enter the Billboard Top 40. The Father Daughter favorite was inspired by Vandross' nostalgic childhood memories dancing with his ol' man.
Carey was recruited to write this father daughter song for the film 'Hero,' intending to have Gloria Estefan on vocals. (Carey apparently believed the song sounded too old-fashioned.) However, after making the song more personal, Carey decided that she would not only sing it, but not include it in the movie after all.
'The Way You Look Tonight' was originally performed by Fred Astaire and was written by Jerome Kern and Dorothy Fields. Fields, a lyricist and author of over 400 songs in her lifetime said, "The first time Jerry played that melody for me I went out and started to cry. The release absolutely killed me. I couldn't stop, it was so beautiful."
This father daughter song was penned by Diane Warren specifically for the movie 'Pearl Harbor.' It was first offered to Celine Dion, who sang Diane Warren's 'My Heart Will Go On' for the 'Titanic' soundtrack, but Dion refused and Faith Hill was chosen instead.
'You Raise Me Up' was originally an instrumental track titled 'Silent Story.' The song is based on a traditional Irish tune that also lends its melody to the popular 1910 song 'Danny Boy.' The lyrics for this father daughter song were written by Brendan Graham, and after it became a hit in Europe, Josh Groban was elected to perform it.
The No. 2 track on our Father Daughter Wedding Songs list was written by Diane Warren. The single stayed at No.1 on the Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks for 19 weeks.
The No. 1 father daughter wedding song was written by Carlisle as a tribute to his daughter. The same year Carlisle released his version, two other country artists made covers of the song. Obviously, the love put into Carlisle's song resonated with other fathers. The song went on to receive a Grammy Award for Best Country Song.
