Softly as I Leave You was written by G. Calabrese, A. de Vita, and Hal Shaper, and first released in the United States by Matt Monroe (Liberty
55449) in 1962. Frank Sinatra recorded a popular version (Reprise 0301) in 1964, reaching #27 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart and #4 on the Easy-
Listening chart. In 1967 Eydie Gormé peaked at #30 on the Easy-Listening chart with her version (Columbia 43971).
Elvis sang Softly as I Leave You in concert on a few occasions. Actually, he recited the words while Sherrill Nielsen sang. The midnight show
at the Las Vegas Hilton on December 13, 1975, was recorded on a private cassette recorded. It is that version that RCA released as a single in
1978. Softly as I Leave You had an 11-week stay on Billboard's country chart, peaking at #6. It did not reach the Hot 100 chart, but it was
listed "Bubbling Under" at #109. Softly as I Leave You was nominated for a Grammy as Best Country Vocal Performance, Male, but lost to Willie
Nelson's Georgia on My Mind.
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