"Wonderful Tonight" is a ballad written by Eric Clapton. It was included on Clapton's 1977 album Slowhand. Clapton wrote the song about Pattie Boyd. The female vocal harmonies on the song are provided by Marcella Detroit (then Marcy Levy) and Yvonne Elliman. Background On 7 September 1976, Clapton wrote "Wonderful Tonight" for Boyd while waiting for her to get ready to attend Paul and Linda McCartney's annual Buddy Holly party. The song is mentioned in her autobiographical book Wonderful Today. Critical reception Billboard described "Wonderful Tonight" as "perhaps Clapton's prettiest and mellowest love ballad in some time." Billboard particularly praised Clapton's guitar playing during the interludes. Cash Box said that "Eric’s singing is superbly understated; the guitar work is simple and evocative" and praised "the gentle beat and organ accompaniment." Record World called it a "light, pretty ballad from the that should also move quickly up the charts" and praised Clapton's singing." Personnel Eric Clapton – lead vocals, guitar Jamie Oldaker – drums, percussion Carl Radle – bass guitar Dick Sims – Fender Rhodes, Hammond organ George Terry – guitar Yvonne Elliman – harmony and backing vocals Marcy Levy – harmony and backing vocals Performance In 1988, Clapton appeared in the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert as a guest guitarist for Dire Straits. The group became his backing musicians for a surprise performance of "Wonderful Tonight" during their set. Charts Weekly charts Year-end charts Certifications Cover versions Damage version British R&B group Damage covered "Wonderful Tonight" and released it as the fifth single from their debut studio album, Forever (1997), in April 1997. The single peaked at number three on the UK Singles Chart, becoming the band's highest-charting single. The song is prominently performed by Richards, with little vocal input from any other members of the band. The music video features the band performing the song in a recording studio with cut scenes of a girl preparing to go on a night out. The B-side, "I'm Ready", launched the career of Craig David, being the first song he had ever written to be released by himself or another artist. Track listings UK CD1 "Wonderful Tonight" "I'm Ready" "Wonderful Tonight" (Ethnic Boyz Mix) UK CD2 "Wonderful Tonight" (acoustic mix) "Just My Imagination" "Love II Love" (acoustic mix) UK cassette single "Wonderful Tonight" "I'm Ready" Charts Weekly charts Year-end charts Certifications Release history David Kersh version "Wonderful Tonight" was covered by