Original and Cover Versions
The song was a favorite of Warren's and he would occasionally draw the melody of the first two bars of the song when signing an autograph.
The song became Etta James' signature song and was the third in a string of successful songs from her Chess Records debut album At Last!. In April 1961, it became her second number 2 R&B hit and crossed over to pop radio, reaching number 47 on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite its modest pop chart standing, the song is well-known and is still played regularly on oldies radio stations. The James version reached the top 40 in Cashbox and Music Vendor.
In the decades since its release it has been covered by many artists. The Etta James version, with its passionate vocal and sweeping orchestration, is often chosen for weddings and wedding receptions.
An unusual "cover" was released under the title: "Theme From 'The Last Time I Saw Archie'" (from the movie starring Robert Mitchum). Percy Faith charted the medley of "At Last" and "Angel Face", which reached #91 in 1961 in the US Music Vendor Top 100.
During her audition in Dallas for the first season of American Idol, Kelly Clarkson sang "At Last." On August 13, 2009, Connecticut contestant Katie Stevens covered this song in her American Idol audition.
Singer Christina Aguilera, who has been influenced by James since she started singing, performed the song at James's funeral in January 2012. Her performance received a standing ovation.
Ledisi covered the song at the 2012 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame during the "In Memoriam" montage in response to Etta James' death in January of that year.
Additional cover versions include:
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Read more about this topic: At Last
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