Bruce Hornsby delivers a stunning and emotionally rich performance of “The Way It Is” with the BBC Concert Orchestra for BBC Radio 2’s Piano Room. The performance took place on Monday, January 29, 2024, at Maida Vale Studios in London as part of BBC Radio 2’s Piano Room Month. This orchestral-infused rendition highlights the song’s enduring power and relevance, as Hornsby revisits his 1986 classic with new depth and nuance.
Originally released in July 1986, the song was written by Bruce Hornsby and appeared on his debut album The Way It Is. The lyrics reflect on social issues such as economic inequality and racial division — themes drawn from Hornsby’s own observations growing up in Virginia. With its signature piano riff and heartfelt message, the song became a global hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and later sampled by numerous artists, further cementing its legacy.
In this BBC performance, Hornsby’s voice and piano are complemented by the lush sound of the BBC Concert Orchestra, creating an expansive, emotionally charged version that brings fresh resonance to a timeless song.
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