Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

My Prayer

"My Prayer" is a popular song composed in 1926 as an instrumental titled "Avant de mourir" by Romanian violinist , with English lyrics added in 1939 by and Carlos Gomez Barrera. First recorded by bandleader and His Orchestra in June 1939, it achieved early success through versions by (reaching number two on the chart that year) and (peaking at number three). The song's enduring fame stems from The Platters' 1956 recording on Mercury Records, featuring lead vocals by Tony Williams, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 for five weeks and became one of the group's signature hits. This doo-wop rendition, blending smooth harmonies with emotional depth, topped the charts ahead of contemporary releases including Elvis Presley's "Don't Be Cruel" and solidified ' status as a leading vocal group of the 1950s. Revived by music publisher in the mid-1950s, "My Prayer" has been covered over 230 times, influencing , and later genres, with notable renditions by Roy Orbison in 1963 and in 2023. Its lyrics, evoking twilight romance and heartfelt longing, have made it a timeless standard in American music.

Background and Composition

Origins of the Melody

The melody of "My Prayer" originated as the instrumental composition "Avant de mourir" ("Before Dying"), created around 1924 by Romanian-born violinist and composer Georges Boulanger. Born Gheorghe Pantazi in , , in 1893, Boulanger trained at the Conservatory and later studied with in before establishing himself in . In the , Boulanger gained prominence as a ist in , performing elegant in intimate, upscale gatherings for elite audiences. He composed "Avant de mourir" as a sentimental , Op. 17, specifically for and , capturing a melancholic and reflective tone suited to such refined settings. The piece was first published in 1926 in by Bote & Bock through editions, remaining purely instrumental without any attached lyrics. Boulanger's orchestra recorded an early version of the work in 1924, but the 1926 arrangement solidified its form as a popular piece. The melody's gentle, lyrical flow and prayer-like introspection—evoking quiet devotion and emotional depth—made it adaptable for later romantic and spiritual interpretations, including Jimmy Kennedy's 1939 English lyrics that transformed it into "My Prayer."

English Adaptation and Lyrics

In 1939, Irish songwriter penned the English lyrics for "My Prayer," adapting the original instrumental melody composed by Georges Boulanger around 1924 as "Avant de mourir." The lyrics are standardly credited to both Kennedy and Carlos Gomez Barrera. The lyrics center on themes of selfless love and a heartfelt for a loved one's enduring , even amid separation, employing a verse-chorus structure that incorporates subtle religious undertones through its of and divine dreams. The song's poetic evokes twilight, blue skies, and glowing hearts, emphasizing and in simple, evocative language suitable for broad emotional resonance. For instance, the declares: "My prayer is to linger with you / At the end of the day / In a dream that's divine / My prayer is a in blue / With the world far away / And your lips close to mine." This structure and sentiment transformed the piece from an into a with depth. The English version was first published as sheet music in 1939 by Skidmore Music Co. in New York, marking its introduction to English-speaking audiences. Kennedy drew inspiration from the melody's inherent emotional profundity, crafting lyrics intended to achieve universal appeal during the tense pre-World War II period.

Early Recordings

1939 Releases

The first English-language recording of "My Prayer" was made by Ambrose and His Orchestra, featuring vocalist Denny Dennis, on June 17, 1939, in London; it was released later that year by Decca Records on the single Decca 2732. This version, adapting the 1939 English lyrics by Jimmy Kennedy to the original melody by Georges Boulanger, marked the song's debut in the UK market and showcased Ambrose's big band style with a sentimental vocal interpretation. In the United States, recorded "My Prayer" on August 18, 1939, with vocalist , and released it on as Bluebird B-10404. The track quickly gained popularity, reaching number 2 on Billboard's National Best Selling Retail Records chart in late 1939 and maintaining a position in the top 10 for 10 weeks from October 28 to December 30. Its smooth orchestration and Eberle's crooning delivery contributed to its appeal as an early hit for Miller's rising orchestra. The followed with their own recording on September 18, 1939, released by on Decca 2790, featuring lead vocals by Bill Kenny and the group's signature harmonic backing. This version peaked at number 3 on Billboard's National Best Selling Retail Records chart in 1939, spending 12 weeks in the top ranks, and highlighted the quartet's innovative blend of barbershop harmonies and jazz influences that would define their sound. These 1939 releases established "My Prayer" as a sentimental hit during a period of escalating global tensions leading into , offering audiences a poignant through its themes of and hope; Miller's version alone achieved substantial commercial success, reflecting the era's demand for comforting ballads.

World War II Interpretations

During , "My Prayer" evolved into a poignant emblem of emotional resilience, its lyrics evoking a heartfelt for love's endurance amid global upheaval. Originally composed in 1939, the song's themes of and devotion resonated deeply with the era's experiences of separation due to and , shifting its interpretation toward hopes of reunion and solace for both troops and those on the . This alignment with wartime sentiments helped foster morale, as like this provided emotional outlets during prolonged uncertainty. Vera Lynn, dubbed the "Forces' Sweetheart" for her contributions to British wartime spirit, prominently featured the song in the 1944 film One Exciting Night, where her rendition captured the quiet desperation and optimism of lovers parted by conflict. Released during the war's later stages, the film's inclusion of "My Prayer" amplified its symbolic role in evoking personal prayers for peace and return, aligning with Lynn's broader efforts to uplift audiences through song. Her performances, including this one, were part of broadcasts targeted at Allied forces, reinforcing communal bonds across battle lines. Other adaptations in the early 1940s extended the song's reach. Building on precursors like the 1939 recordings by and , and His Orchestra issued a version on Victor Records in September 1939, with vocalist delivering a smooth, orchestral take that circulated among American troops as the U.S. entered the war. Across , an Italian tango adaptation titled "Sì, voglio vivere ancor!" emerged in 1940, performed by Norma Bruni with the orchestra of Cinico Angelini for Parlophon, adapting the melody into a more melancholic form suitable for the tense atmosphere under Mussolini's regime. These variants underscored the song's international adaptability, maintaining its core message of hopeful persistence despite geopolitical divides.

Post-War Revival

The Platters Version

The Platters recorded "My Prayer" on April 17, 1956, at Mercury Sound Studio in , with the session produced by for . The track, featuring lead vocals by tenor Tony Williams, was released as a in July 1956 under catalog number 45-70804, backed by "Heaven on Earth" and running 2:45 in length. Following sporadic covers in the late and early , such as by Sonny Til in 1951, this version reimagined the 1939 through harmonies layered with orchestral swells, creating a smoother, more romantic pop sound that contrasted with earlier interpretations like ' 1939 recording. Williams' soaring lead, supported by the group's "downcast moans" in the background vocals, emphasized emotional depth and mournful intensity, transforming the song into a staple of the revival. Emerging during The Platters' breakthrough period, the recording followed their 1955 hit "Only You (and You Alone)" and solidified their transition from regional R&B acts to national stars under Ram's management. Upon release, it received praise for its heartfelt delivery, with critics noting Williams' performance carried "the force of a Shakespeare ," appealing broadly and surpassing sales of previous versions through its blend of vocal polish and orchestral elegance.

Chart Performance and Legacy

Commercial Success

The 1939 recording by achieved significant commercial success, peaking at number 2 on the chart in October 1939 and remaining on the chart for 15 weeks. Similarly, The Ink Spots' version, released the same year, reached number 3 on the chart in November 1939, charting for 12 weeks. The Platters' 1956 rendition marked a major commercial breakthrough, topping the for five weeks from August to September 1956. It also held the number 1 position on the Billboard R&B chart and ranked number 4 on the year-end Hot 100 for 1956. In the , the single peaked at number 4 on the Official Singles Chart. The ' single was certified as a million-seller by , exceeding one million copies sold . This version's success far outpaced the 1939 recordings, driven by its crossover appeal in the emerging rock 'n' roll era, which broadened its reach to diverse audiences beyond the and vocal group markets of the pre-war period.

Cultural Impact and Media Use

The Platters' 1956 rendition of "My Prayer" solidified its place as a standard, exemplifying the genre's blend of smooth harmonies and emotional balladry that influenced later vocal ensembles. The melody's timeless appeal extended into sampling practices, particularly in 1990s , where it provided a nostalgic backbone for tracks such as "Stanco Del Mio Tutto" by the Italian rap group Uomini di Mare in 1997. This reuse underscored the song's enduring rhythmic and melodic versatility across genres. In film and television, ' version has been prominently featured, enhancing scenes of romance and nostalgia. It appears in the 2008 film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, directed by , during a pivotal emotional sequence; in the 1999 biographical drama , evoking youthful aspiration; in the 1985 coming-of-age comedy , capturing 1950s-era sentiment; and in (2017), specifically in Part 8, as part of the series' atmospheric soundtrack. Beyond media, the song inspired numerous covers that spanned decades and styles, with over 230 recorded versions as of 2023. In the , versions included Roy Orbison's 1963 rendition, which reached number 27 on the and brought a edge to the standard, and Johnny Thunder's 1966 release, which bubbled under the charts and echoed the era's pop sensibilities. Modern interpretations, such as Mariah Carey's orchestral cover released in September 2023 on her album Music Box: 30th Edition, continued to reinterpret its romantic essence for contemporary audiences. As of November 2025, the song remains a timeless standard. As a symbol of enduring romance, "My Prayer" encapsulates heartfelt longing through its and , a quality that contributed to its lasting cultural resonance. Its chart peaks in and 1956 further established this foundational status.

References

  1. [1]
    The Platters' My Prayer — 'delivered with the force of a Shakespeare ...
    Feb 26, 2018 · One song was a unique challenge. · In 1939, the song was rushed to American big-band leader · Led by mighty tenor Tony Williams, · No version has ...Missing: history | Show results with:history
  2. [2]
    Original versions of My Prayer written by Jimmy Kennedy
    The song My Prayer was written by Jimmy Kennedy and Georges Boulanger and was first recorded by Ambrose and His Orchestra in 1939.
  3. [3]
    'My' songs, charts | CHART BEAT CHAT - Billboard
    Oct 4, 2004 · The Knack, “My Sharona,” 1979, No. 1 for six weeks. The Platters, “My Prayer,” 1956, No. 1 for five weeks. Wings, “My Love,” 1973, No. 1 for ...
  4. [4]
    https://www.prestomusic.com/sheet-music/products/8500235--boulanger-g-avant-de-mourir-op-17
  5. [5]
    Jazz, Dance & Film Music - JPK Musik
    Salon Music and Georges Boulanger: DA CAPO! Georges Boulanger (1893-1958) was a Romanian violinist, conductor and composer. He is considered one of the most ...
  6. [6]
    Avant de mourir - Schott Music
    €12.00 In stock 14-day returnsGeorges Boulanger, Heinz Bethmann: Avant de mourir | Buying sheet music and downloads from Schott Music. ... Avant de mourir, written in 1926 and known as ...
  7. [7]
    Avant de mourir / My Prayer | Songbook - WordPress.com
    The song was originally written as an instrumental piece with the title “Avant de mourir” by Boulanger and first recorded by Orchester Georges Boulanger in 1924 ...
  8. [8]
    Discography of American Historical Recordings - Detail Mastertalent ...
    First Recording Date, Title, Primary Performer, Description, Role, Audio. Decca, DR 3681, 10-in. 6/17/1939, My prayer, Ambrose Orchestra. Decca, DR 3735, 10-in.
  9. [9]
    Song: My Prayer written by Jimmy Kennedy | SecondHandSongs
    Release date, Info. My Prayer REC, Ambrose and His Orchestra, September 1939, First recording on June 17, 1939. listen on Internet Archive · My Prayer REL, Joe ...
  10. [10]
    78 RPM - Ambrose - My Prayer / South Of The Border (Down Mexico ...
    78 RPM Record. Artist: Ambrose. Label: Decca. Country: USA. Catalogue: 2732. Date: Sep 1939. Format: 10". Collection: I Own It I Want It. Community: 6 Own.
  11. [11]
    [PDF] GLENN MILLER AND HIS ORCHESTRA “TOP 10 HITS” 1939-1943
    My Prayer. 2. 10 weeks. 10-28-39/12-30-39. 9. Blue Orchids. 1. 9 ... The first Glenn Miller records appeared on the Hit Parade singles charts for May 20, 1939.
  12. [12]
    Song title 942 - My Prayer - TSort.info
    My Prayer, 1939, US Billboard 3 - 1939 (12 weeks), nuTsie 49 of 1930s, Europe 67 of the 1930s (1939). 3, Glenn Miller, My Prayer, 1939, US Billboard 2 - 1939 ( ...
  13. [13]
    Tracks on My Prayer - Ink Spots (1939) | SecondHandSongs
    My Prayer by Ink Spots ; Recording date: September 18, 1939 ; Label: Decca ; Catalog number: 2790 ; Format: 78rpm ; Buy: 2 copies from $10.86 ...
  14. [14]
    https://www.musicvf.com/songs.php?page=artist&artist=The%2BInk%2BSpots&tab=allsongschartstab
  15. [15]
    World War II Music - Warfare History Network
    WWII music provided inspiration and solace, raising morale, easing fears, and giving hope. Both US and England used similar songs.
  16. [16]
    The forgotten World War II backlash against Vera Lynn
    Jun 3, 2014 · Central to the wartime debates about sentimental music on the BBC, not everyone agreed that her music was good for morale at the time. At ...
  17. [17]
    Dame Vera Lynn: Forces' Sweetheart dies aged 103 - BBC
    Jun 18, 2020 · Dame Vera Lynn, the Forces' Sweetheart whose songs helped raise morale in World War Two, has died aged 103. The singer was best known for ...
  18. [18]
    VICTOR 78rpm numerical listing discography: 26000 - 26500
    LARRY CLINTON & HIS ORCHESTRA, CHANGE PARTNERS, 024047=1, -, -, 7/16/1938, IRVING ... MY PRAYER (v. Clyde Burke), 41477, -, -, 9/20/1939, GEORGES BOULANGER - J ...
  19. [19]
    Ink Spots - My Prayer / Give Her My Love
    ### Recording Details
  20. [20]
    The Ink Spots - The Vocal Group Hall of Fame
    Hit after hit in the style of “If I Didn't Care” came forth from the Ink Spots and Decca, including “Address Unknown” (#1, 1939), “My Prayer” (#3, 1939, later a ...Missing: backing | Show results with:backing
  21. [21]
    The Ultimate Collection - The Ink Spots | Album - AllMusic
    The Ink Spots · If I Didn't Care · Whispering Grass (Don't Tell The Trees) · Address Unknown · My Prayer · Bless You · Memories Of You · I'm Getting Sentimental Over ...
  22. [22]
    Malcolm X (1992) - Soundtracks - IMDb
    My Prayer. Written by Jimmy Kennedy and Georges Boulanger. Used by permission of Skidmore Music Co., Inc. Performed by The Ink Spots. Courtesy of MCA Records.
  23. [23]
    The Platters - My Prayer / Heaven On Earth
    ### Extracted Details
  24. [24]
    The Platters – My Prayer Lyrics - Genius
    My Prayer Lyrics [Intro] When the twilight is gone And no songbirds are singing When the twilight is gone You come into my heart And here in my heart you will ...
  25. [25]
    Marv Goldberg's R&B Notebooks - PLATTERS - Unca Marvy
    The Platters' first recording session was held on September 15, 1953, at which time the group consisted of Tony Williams (tenor), Gaynel Hodge, (tenor), David ...
  26. [26]
    1956 | Welcome to www.kingkoncert.com!!
    On “My Prayer” the soaring lead vocals are anchored solidly by layers of harmony vocals. However, as a top act, the Platters' recordings also included orchestra ...
  27. [27]
    The Platters - The Vocal Group Hall of Fame
    He turned to management in the early '50s in Los Angeles, building a ... October Sky (1999) (performer: “My Prayer”, “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes”, “Only ...
  28. [28]
    https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/19561228/7501/
  29. [29]
    Top 100 Songs Of 1956 - Top40weekly
    Billboard's Hot 100 Year-end Of 1956. Billboard's HOT 100 Songs are ... My Prayer (#1) The Platters, Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be) (#2)
  30. [30]
    Official Singles Chart on 28/12/1956
    The Official Singles Chart Top 100 reflects the UK's biggest songs of ... MY PRAYER · PLATTERS. LW: 8,; Peak: 4,; Weeks: 9. Read more icon Close read more ...
  31. [31]
    1964 Billboard list of million-sellers - Top 40 Music on CD Forum
    Aug 17, 2014 · Of course, any non-RIAA list must be taken with a grain of salt. ... 1956 Platters - My Prayer (Mercury) 1958 Platters - Twilight Time ...
  32. [32]
    The Flamingos | Members, Songs, & Facts | Britannica
    This influence is best exhibited in the remakes of the Ink Spots' hit records “My Prayer” (1956) by the Platters and “If I Didn't Care” (1970) by the Moments.
  33. [33]
    The Platters – My Prayer Samples - Genius
    Songs That Sample My Prayer ; Hajnal2. Venetian Snares (2010) ; Stanco Del Mio Tutto. Uomini di Mare (1997) ; The Flying Saucer. Buchanan & Goodman (1985).Missing: hip- hop
  34. [34]
    Soundtracks - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) - IMDb
    My Prayer. Written by Georges Boulanger and Jimmy Kennedy (as James Kennedy). Performed by The Platters. Courtesy of The Island Def Jam Music Group. Under ...
  35. [35]
    October Sky (1999) - Soundtracks - IMDb
    My Prayer. Written by Georges Boulanger and Jimmy Kennedy. Performed by The Platters. Courtesy of Mercury Records. By arrangement with PolyGram Film & TV Music.
  36. [36]
    Soundtracks - Mischief (1985) - IMDb
    Mischief (1985) - Movies, TV, Celebs, and more ... My Prayer. Written by Georges Boulanger (as George Boulanger), Jimmy Kennedy.
  37. [37]
    "Twin Peaks" Part 8 (TV Episode 2017) - Soundtracks - IMDb
    Twin Peaks · She's Gone Away. Written by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross · My Prayer. Written by Georges Boulanger and Jimmy Kennedy · Threnody for the Victims of ...
  38. [38]
    US Hot 100 Bubbling Under - Top40weekly
    02/08/1964 | 112 | Johnny Tillotson –•– Please Don't Go Away (MGM 13193) ... 03/12/1966 | 106 | Johnny Thunder –•– My Prayer (Diamond 196) 03/12/1966 ...
  39. [39]
    https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/411114/versions
  40. [40]
    The Platters: Bringing Pop Vocal to Rock - LiveAbout
    May 24, 2019 · ... My Prayer," and "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes." The combination of the ... Fame (1998), Grammy Hall of Fame (1999, 2002). Platters songs ...
  41. [41]
    Song artist 135 - The Platters - tsort.info
    ... Grammy Hall of Fame in 2002 (1956), US CashBox 2 of 1956, Your Hit ... Hall of Fame 500. 4, The Platters, My Prayer · 1956, US Billboard 1 - Jul 1956 (23 ...