Between the Lines: "Lovely Day," Arranged by Robert T. Gibson

GRAMMY® winner Bill Withers recorded this optimistic song in 1977, which has become a beloved and respected favorite. Robert T. Gibson’s groovin’ arrangement stays true to the R&B style of the original while employing some gospel techniques designed to show off SATB singers.

Houston native Robert T. Gibson is a conductor, educator, and clinician who desires to develop future music educators for the next generation. He has held middle school, high school, and collegiate positions and has served as guest clinician in Texas, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Kansas, Tennessee, and New York. Robert currently resides in Springfield, MO where he is the director of choirs at Reed Academy And adjunct professor at Missouri State University. Gibson received a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of North Texas and a Masters of Music at Missouri State University.

What inspired you to arrange piece?

As I was preparing for a concert in 2018 with my group the Multicultural Ensemble, I was looking for a piece of music that would be a great concert opener—a song that would fill the audience with joy and make them smile. While riding in the car, the intro of “Lovely Day” filled me with joy. As simple as this song was, I felt that it was profound in so many ways. That was the start of working on this arrangement. After various performances, I am so thankful to have it out for the world to perform. I hope it brings as much joy as it did when I first heard it.

What are some teaching or performance suggestions?

From a technical side, this piece can be tricky if the rhythms and lyrics are not properly executed. It is suggested to start by chanting the verses slowly with the accurate rhythm. Once the rhythms are locked in, it will be easier to add the notes and pitches. Also, if soloists are chosen to ad lib at the ending, sing from your heart. Think about what this song means to you and sing from that place.

This piece can work with piano and drums only; however, more instrumentation such as a bass guitar, additional keyboard, and even various percussion, will help give this arrangement the life it needs.

From a non-technical side, my biggest advice would be to allow this piece to fill each singer’s heart and mind. As cliche as this sounds, I believe that the message behind the music should cause singers to sing and express themselves as they feel. I would also highly recommend having conversations about how this piece makes each singer feel and how this message can affect others.

Message to Singers of "Lovely Day"

I truly believe that the lyrics to this song express love and joy in such a unique way. Whether one may share this message with a loved one, family member, or friend, this song reminds us that all we need is each other to make it through tough times. This song makes me think of my beautiful wife and daughter. Although the world is chaotic, just one look at them gives me the courage I need to know that today will be wonderful and “lovely.”