Teach Me Tonight – 1953
“Teach Me Tonight” is a popular song that has become a pop standard. The music was written by Gene De Paul, the lyrics by Sammy Cahn. The song was published in 1953.
Cahn wrote a new verse for Frank Sinatra’s 1984 recording on L.A. Is My Lady, referencing Sinatra’s many love affairs.
The song was recorded several times in 1954 and 1955. The version by Janet Brace was apparently first, making the Billboard chart on 10/23/54 and eventually reaching No. 23. The biggest hit version of the song was recorded by The DeCastro Sisters, charting at number two in 1955.
In 2006, American Idol contestant Elliott Yamin performed the song as part of “songs of the 50s” night during the show’s fifth season; his rendition was well received by the judges, with Simon Cowell stating that it was “fantastic”.
Recorded versions
Lee Aaron (2000) from the album Slick Chick
Ann-Margret (1961)
Paul Anka
Billie Anthony
Cris Barber (2005)
Count Basie
The Bobbettes (1961)
Janet Brace (1954)
Jaki Byard
Ann Hampton Callaway
Natalie Cole
Nat King Cole
Sammy Davis Jr. (1965)
Blossom Dearie (Once Upon a Summertime) (1958)
The DeCastro Sisters (1954: US No.2; 1959: US No.76)
Neil Diamond
Ella Fitzgerald
Aretha Franklin (2014)
The Four Freshmen
Red Garland (1958)
Erroll Garner (Concert by the Sea) (1956)
Marvin Gaye
Earl Grant (1960)
Helen Grayco (1954)
Buddy Greco
Major Harris
Wanda Jackson (2011)
Etta James
Al Jarreau (1981: US No.70)
Chaka Khan
Diana Krall
Patti LaBelle
Cheryl Ladd (1979)
Cleo Laine (1988)
Brenda Lee (1960)
Peggy Lee
Mike Love
George Maharis (1962: US No.25)
Barry Manilow
Jimmy McGriff
The McGuire Sisters
Bette Midler (2014)
Susan Miller
Ronnie Milsap
Liza Minnelli
Anne Murray (1993)
Freda Payne
Oscar Peterson
Eva Pilarová (1962)
Tito Puente
Boots Randolph
James Ray
Diane Renay and Bob Crewe
Tommy Sands (1957)
Diane Schuur (1985)
She & Him (2014)
Frank Sinatra (L.A. Is My Lady) (1984)
Phoebe Snow (1976)
Sonny & Cher
Jo Stafford (1954: US No.15)
Toni Tennille
Sarah Vaughan (1978)
Dinah Washington (1954) Grammy Hall of Fame Award 1999
Mary Wells
Kim Weston
Joe Williams
Nancy Wilson (1960)
Amy Winehouse
George Winston
Stevie Wonder
Elliott Yamin (2006