That's Life (song)

That's Life (song)
Company type	Song
Industry	Music
Founded	1963
Founder	Dean Kay, Kelly Gordon

That's Life is a well-known composition authored by Dean Kay and Kelly Gordon, initially recorded in 1963 by Marion Montgomery. The song conveys a motivational theme centered on overcoming adversity and maintaining perseverance, with the assurance of eventually being "back on top."

The most famous rendition was performed by Frank Sinatra for his 1966 album titled That's Life. After being inspired by O.C. Smith's interpretation, Sinatra's version climbed to #4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Following Sinatra’s success, numerous distinguished artists covered the track, including Aretha Franklin, Shirley Bassey, James Brown, Van Morrison, Michael Bolton, and Lady Gaga. Sinatra's recording has appeared in several films such as A Bronx Tale (1993), Casper (1995), and Joker (2019) along with its 2024 sequel, as well as in television programs like Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Modern Family. Additionally, a version by Bono was featured on the soundtrack of The Good Thief (2002).

Background

After being discovered by singer Peggy Lee, Marion Montgomery signed with Capitol Records. She recorded "That's Life" in 1963; however, this original release did not achieve chart success.

Frank Sinatra version

Although "That's Life" was first recorded by Marion Montgomery, it attracted Frank Sinatra's interest after he heard a rendition by O.C. Smith in 1965. Sinatra quickly moved to record the song himself, with his daughter Nancy acquiring the publishing rights. He introduced the track on his 1966 television special A Man and His Music – Part II, featuring an arrangement by Nelson Riddle.

The studio session occurred on July 25, 1966, at United Recording in Hollywood. The arrangement and conducting were handled by Ernie Freeman, while production was overseen by Jimmy Bowen. This team had previously collaborated on Sinatra’s Grammy-winning single "Strangers in the Night." Background vocals were contributed by B.J. Baker, Gwen Johnson, and Jackie Ward, accompanied by a 40-piece orchestra that included members of the renowned Wrecking Crew. The second take captured by Sinatra delivered the bold attitude Bowen desired, embodying a raw intensity that defined the track’s character.

Bowen aimed to replicate the brass-heavy sound of "That's Life" throughout the entire album, departing from Sinatra’s usual style to craft a unified listening experience. This direction followed Bowen’s critique regarding the lack of cohesion between "Strangers in the Night" and other tracks on its album.

The single enjoyed notable commercial achievements, reaching number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 and holding the top position on the Adult Contemporary chart for three weeks spanning December 1966 to January 1967. In Canada, it peaked at number three. Since its release, the song has been widely utilized across various media platforms, including films like A Bronx Tale, video games such as Tony Hawk's Underground 2, and TV shows including Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

Vocalists

Frank Sinatra – lead vocals
Betty Allan – backing vocals
Betty Jean Baker – backing vocals
Gwenn Johnson – backing vocals
Jackie Ward – backing vocals

Musical Directors

Ernie Freeman – arranger and conductor
Donnie Lanier – conductor

Strings

Norman Botnick – viola
Ray Brown – string bass
Joseph DiFiore – viola
Joseph DiTullio – cello
Armand Kaproff – cello
Alex Neiman – viola
Kurt Reher – cello
Frederick Seykora – cello
Abraham Weiss – viola

Horns

Louis Blackburn – trombone
Buddy Collette – saxophone, woodwinds
Bill Green – saxophone, woodwinds
Dick Hyde – trombone
Plas Johnson – saxophone, woodwinds
Cappy Lewis – trumpet
Lew McCreary – trombone
Oliver Mitchell – trumpet
Willie Schwartz – saxophone, woodwinds
Anthony Terran – trumpet

Rhythm Section

Hal Blaine – drums
Eddie Brackett Jr. – percussion
Lawrence Knechtel – Fender bass
Michael Melvoin – organ
Bill Miller – piano
Ray Pohlman – electric guitar

1960s to 1970s

Although O.C. Smith’s rendition achieved localized popularity in Detroit and Los Angeles, it only attracted nationwide recognition after Sinatra’s version topped the charts and led to broader distribution. Following Sinatra’s hit, "That's Life" was interpreted by prominent performers such as Aretha Franklin, who included it on her album Aretha Arrives, along with versions by The Temptations, Shirley Bassey, and James Brown. Brown featured the song on his 1968 release Live at the Apollo, Volume II, with a later studio recording appearing on the soundtrack of the 1999 film EDtv. Additionally, in 1969, The Peddlers issued their own single version.

1980s to Present

In 1986, former Van Halen lead singer David Lee Roth produced a rendition and accompanying video for his solo album Eat 'Em and Smile. In 2016, Deana Martin recorded the track for her album Swing Street.

The song has been included in various soundtracks over the years, including a 2002 interpretation by Bono, composed by Elliot Goldenthal for the movie The Good Thief. It was also covered in the television series Smash by performers Katharine McPhee and Megan Hilty, as well as performed by Vik Sahay on the show Preacher.

In 2024, Lady Gaga delivered a performance of "That's Life" in the film Joker: Folie à Deux and issued her version on the companion album Harlequin.

Chart Performance

Frank Sinatra rendition

Chart (1966–67)	Highest position
Canada RPM Top Singles	3
US Billboard Hot 100	4
US Billboard Easy Listening (Adult Contemporary)	1
US Billboard R&B	25
UK Singles Chart (OCC)	44

David Lee Roth rendition

Chart (1986)	Highest position
US Billboard Hot 100	85

Van Morrison featuring Georgie Fame rendition

Chart (1996)	Highest position
UK Singles Chart	92

References

Some updates provided by Dean Kay, songwriter of "That's Life" and participant in the recording session. deankay.com

Additional reading