Who sang the song mona lisa
The Artists Behind “Mona Lisa” – A Timeless Classic
The song Mona Lisa, penned by Ray Evans and Jay Livingston, is one of the most enduring classics in music history. Originally performed by Nat King Cole in 1950 for the film Captain Carey, U.S.A., it won an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Over the decades, numerous singers and bands have reinterpreted this song, adding their unique touch to its timeless melody. Here’s a journey through some of the most notable renditions, complete with links to enjoy their performances on YouTube.
Panic! At The Disco: The Ballad Of Mona Lisa
1. Nat King Cole
The original and most iconic rendition of Mona Lisa belongs to Nat King Cole. His velvety voice and smooth delivery made the song an instant classic.
🎵 Listen to Nat King Cole’s “Mona Lisa”
2. Carl Mann (1959)
Carl Mann brought a rockabilly flair to Mona Lisa, transforming it into a more upbeat number. His version reached No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of his career highlights.
🎵 Carl Mann’s Rockabilly Version
3. Conway Twitty (1959)
In the same year, Conway Twitty recorded a soulful version that topped charts in several countries, including the UK and Norway. His interpretation showcased his emotive vocal range.
🎵 Conway Twitty’s “Mona Lisa”
4. Andy Williams (1964)
Andy Williams included a version of Mona Lisa in his album The Academy Award-Winning “Call Me Irresponsible”. Known for his crooning style, Williams infused the song with elegance.
🎵 Andy Williams’ Rendition
5. Willie Nelson (1981)
Willie Nelson gave Mona Lisa a country twist on his album Somewhere Over the Rainbow. This version peaked at No. 11 on the US Country Charts, blending tender storytelling with heartfelt vocals.
🎵 Willie Nelson’s Country Version
6. Seal (2003)
Seal’s lush and modern cover was part of the Mona Lisa Smile movie soundtrack. His smooth and soulful voice brought the song to a new generation.
🎵 Seal’s “Mona Lisa”
7. Phil Ochs (1970)
Phil Ochs, primarily known for his protest songs, performed Mona Lisa in a memorable live concert at Carnegie Hall. His rendition, included in the album Gunfight at Carnegie Hall, offered a folk touch.
🎵 Phil Ochs’ Live Performance
8. Little Willie Littlefield (1990)
Little Willie Littlefield added a boogie-woogie twist to the song in his album Singalong with Little Willie Littlefield. His playful approach offered a fresh perspective.
🎵 Little Willie Littlefield’s Version
9. Brian Setzer (2005)
In a tribute to rockabilly, Brian Setzer covered Mona Lisa on his album Rockabilly Riot Vol. 1: A Tribute to Sun Records. His energetic guitar-driven rendition pays homage to Carl Mann’s version.
🎵 Brian Setzer’s Rockabilly Tribute
10. Al Tuck (2005)
Canadian singer-songwriter Al Tuck recorded Mona Lisa for his album My Blues Away, adding his introspective style to the song.
🎵 Al Tuck’s Version
11. Kurt Henckels (1950s)
German bandleader Kurt Henckels brought a big band style to Mona Lisa in the early 1950s, reflecting pre-WWII European jazz influences.
🎵 Explore Kurt Henckels’ Style
Each of these artists brought something distinctive to Mona Lisa, reflecting the song’s versatility and timeless appeal. Whether it’s the soulful crooning of Nat King Cole or the rockabilly energy of Carl Mann, Mona Lisa continues to enchant audiences around the world.
This list celebrates the song’s rich legacy, but many more interpretations exist, waiting to be discovered. Which version resonates most with you? Share your thoughts and favorites!
