Has any other song been so closely associated with its original artist as Louis Armstrong and “What A Wonderful World”? Written in 1968 as cultural distresses were center stage (assassinations, war, civil rights clashes), the song struck an optimistic chord, looking forward to better days ahead. “What A Wonderful World” was originally offered to Tony Bennett, who turned it down, with “Satchmo” subsequently recording it.

Interestingly, “What A Wonderful World” wouldn’t have its day in the sun for many years in the U.S., as Armstrong’s label, ABC Records, didn’t care for the song and refused to promote it. Over in the UK, however, where the trumpet-player/singer was signed to HMV Records, “What A Wonderful World” reached #1 and became the year’s best-selling single. That success proved just how much its hopeful message resonated once it was heard.

Growing in popularity over the years, Armstrong’s original recording was featured in 1987’s Good Morning, Vietnam. Re-released as a single to capitalize on its inclusion in the Robin Williams film, “What A Wonderful World” reached #32 in April 1988. In 1999, recognizing the song’s cultural importance and continuing popularity, Armstrong’s recording was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. (Unfortunately, Satchmo wasn’t around to witness any of this. He died at 69 in 1971.)

This week, FX biker drama Sons Of Anarchy kicked off its fourth season, premiering a new cover of “What A Wonderful World” in the episode’s closing (violent) montage. Alison Mosshart of The Kills and The Dead Weather handles vocals, backed by The Forest Rangers, a band led by Sons of Anarchy music supervisor Bob Thiele, whose father actually co-wrote “What A Wonderful World” (as George Douglas).

Reigning in her rocker side, Mosshart delivers a straight-ahead take on “What A Wonderful World.” Still, she can’t help but imbue it with a certain wounded, weary feeling that I find quietly affecting. Over four decades later, “What A Wonderful World,” and Mosshart’s take in particular, is a salve to the troubling times in which we find ourselves once again. Hear here:

Purchase Alison Mosshart & The Forest Rangers – “What A Wonderful World” via iTunes.