Rags to Riches (song)

"Rags to Riches" is a 1953 popular song by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross. The best-known version of the song was recorded by Tony Bennett and reached #1 on the Billboard chart in 1953. In the same year, a version by David Whitfield reached #3 in the British charts. Later recordings by Sunny and the Sunliners (# 45 in 1963) and Elvis Presley (# 33 in 1971) also made the Billboard charts.

The two themes that make up the main portion of the song and the tango-like bridge section were originally written by Charlie Chaplin as accompaniment to his movies. Similarly, the song "Smile" which was also a hit in the early 50's is based on a theme from Chaplin's "Modern Times".

"Rags to Riches" provided the basis for an unusual moment late in Elvis's career. Near the end of a New Year's eve concert on December 31st, 1976/January 1, 1977, Elvis announced he would sing the song -- which his band evidently hadn't rehearsed and didn't know. Playing piano, and giving chord instructions to his surprised band members, Elvis delivered a passionate rendition, climaxing with a series of near-operatic high notes before the last word "you." The effort earned a loud ovation from the audience in Pittsburgh's Civic Arena. However, the moment would never be repeated, as this was the only time Elvis sang the song in live performance. The moment was captured on a recording by an audience member that was later bootlegged.