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Let There Be Love
Nat 'King' Cole
'Let There Be Love' was a hit for Nat together with the Shearing Quintet towards the end of his career. He'd initially come to the fore as a jazz pianist in the bars of LA with the King Cole Trio but he went on to sell over 50 million records with songs like 'Mona Lisa', 'Ramblin' Rose' and 'Stardust'. |  Song facts | | Composer | Lionel Rand
/Ian Grant | | | Genre | Easy | | | Album | Nat King Cole Sings/George Shearing Plays | | | Released | 1961 | | | UK Chart | 11 |
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The '50s was a tough time for a black man to secure a leading role but Nat King Cole got himself both a radio and a TV slot, 'The Nat King Cole Show'. He was the first black man to do either in America.
Easy listening music may be lambasted from time to time but 'Let There Be Love' is a beautiful and evocative song. Its lyrics are simple and achingly romantic rather than sugary: "Let there be you, let there be me, let there be oysters under the sea."
This song has been covered by Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Nat's daughter Natalie and numerous others. It has featured in movie soundtracks and wedding dances all over the world and has stood the test of almost half a century, even a battering by Westlife could not level 'Let There Be Love'.
Susan McFarland
Other versions | |
 Annie Ross recorded this version with Chet Baker during a two day session including Gerry Mulligan. Baker makes the trumpet sing and his warmth complements Ross's fluid, light style.
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Songwriting tips Your manager can be as influential as any musician - we've got tips on what to think about when considering management in the Songwriting Guides Working with other songwriters can expand your skills and bring new inspiration. More in The Songwriting Guides | | |
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