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Once a Day

"Once a Day" is a song written by Bill Anderson and recorded as the debut single by American country artist Connie Smith. It was produced by Bob Ferguson for her self-titled debut album. The song was released in August 1964, topping the Billboard country music chart for eight weeks between late 1964 and early 1965.[1] It was the first debut single by a female artist to reach number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs. This song peaked at number one for the week of November 28, 1964, and it stayed at number one for eight consecutive weeks, a record for a female solo artist for nearly 50 years, until it was surpassed by Taylor Swift's "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" in December 2012.

This article is about the song by Connie Smith. For the song by Mac Miller, see Circles (Mac Miller album).

"Once a Day"

"The Threshold"

August 1, 1964

July 16, 1964

RCA Studio B, Nashville

Country, Nashville sound

2:17

RCA Victor

Bill Anderson

Bob Ferguson

In 2020, "Once a Day" was deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" by the Library of Congress and selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry.[2]

Background and content[edit]

"Once a Day" was written by American country artist, Bill Anderson, especially for Connie Smith.[3] Originally recorded by Smith as a demo, the song was officially recorded at her first session with RCA Victor Records on July 16, 1964 at Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee. Produced by Bob Ferguson, the session was accompanied by Nashville's "A-Team" of musicians, which included members of Anderson's touring band, The Po' Boys.[4] The song itself describes a woman who has not gotten over her previous lover. Although the woman explains that she has limited her grieving to "once a day," it is later found out that she is grieving, "once a day, every day, all day long."


While also singing lead vocals on "Once a Day," Smith was also featured playing the song's guitar accompaniment.[5] The song was re-recorded by Smith in French and was re-titled, "Pas Souvent." That year the song was released as a single to France, and was released seven years later on Smith's compilation, Love Is the Look You're Looking for in 1973.[6] It was re-recorded for a third time for her 1976 studio album, The Song We Fell in Love To on Columbia Records.

Country artist recorded a cover of the song for her 1965 album, Songs from My Heart. [10]

Loretta Lynn

Also in 1965, recorded "Once a Day" for his studio album, Twelve Great Country Hits. [11]

David Houston

In 1966, vocalist, Timi Yuro released her version as single, which peaked at #118 on the Billboard Bubbling Under chart.[12]

R&B

artist, Trini Lopez recorded the song in 1968 for his country album, Welcome to Trini Country.[13]

Chicano

In November 1969, country artist, released an album of country cover versions entitled, Songs That Made Country Girls Famous,[14] which included a version of "Once a Day."

Lynn Anderson

recorded a traditional pop version of the song, which was released on his 1970 album, My Woman, My Woman, My Wife.[15]

Dean Martin

In 1986, Australian band, the Triffids recorded "Once a Day" for their album, In the Pines.[16]

rock

Glen Campbell recorded the song for his 1991 album . [17]

Unconditional Love

artist Mike Ness recorded a version for his 1999 solo album, Under the Influences.[18]

Punk rock

In 2006, included a cover on his Pay The Devil release.[19]

Van Morrison

Los Angeles indie rock band included a cover as the closing song on their 2019 debut album, Therapy Island.[20]

Cheekface

Since the song's release, "Once a Day" has been recorded by over 50 different artists. Such artists as: