Elvis' single release of this song was recorded live on stage at the
International Hotel in Las Vegas on February 18, 1970. It was originally written
by Baker Knight for Perry Como, however, it was Ray Peterson who ended up
recording it in 1959.
On stage with Elvis were: James Burton (lead guitar), John Wilkinson (rhythm
guitar), Jerry Scheff (bass), Bob Lanning (drums), and Glen D. Hardin (piano).
Hardin wrote the arrangement used. Bobby Morris and his orchestra accompanied
the band. Charlie Hodge, The Sweet Inspirations and The Imperials provided vocal
backup, with soprano vocal by Millie Kirkham added later.
"The Wonder of You" was paired with "Mama Like The Roses" as the B-side and
shipped on April 20, 1970. "The Wonder of You" peaked at #9 in its 12-week run
on the Billboard pop singles chart and peaked at #37 in its 10-week run on the
country chart. It peaked at #1 for 6 weeks in its 20-week run on the British pop
singles chart.
For technical reasons in the 2002 re-mastering for ELV1S 30 #1 HITS an alternate
recording of the song in that same February 1970 engagement was chosen.
Others who recorded the song include The Platters, The Delltones, Duke
Ellington, and The Sandpipers.