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"Lost April" is a popular song written by Emil Newman^[1] and Herbert W. Spencer,^{[citation needed]} with lyrics by Eddie DeLange^{[citation needed]} or Edgar Leslie.^[1] It is a romantic, melancholy piece that represents lost love, nostalgia, and missed opportunities. Written for the film The Bishop's Wife (1947),^[1] starring Cary Grant and Loretta Young,^[2] it signifies Mrs. Hamilton's emotionally distant marriage and sentimental yearning. On the soundtrack, it appears as "Mrs. Hamilton & Lost April".^[3]

Singer Nat King Cole liked this movie theme,^[2] and "Lost April" became the first of many of his songs tied to films. He planned the studio recording in November 1947 and, upon request, recorded a take with his jazz trio on November 29. He then added a string section, as he and talent manager Carlos Gastel had done in "The Christmas Song" (1945–1946).^[4] On December 20 in New York City, he recorded Pete Rugolo's big-band-and-strings arrangement, strategically timing it before the film's wide release and the American Federation of Musicians' 1948 strike.^[5][a] Music industry leader James "Jim" B. Conkling predicted it would be a hit and said Capitol Records would release it with "Nature Boy" on the B-side.^[2] But after its March 1948 release on Capitol 78 rpm disc 15054, "Nature Boy" proved to be among the biggest hits of 1948.^[7] In August, Cole said he preferred "Lost April" but praised creative risk-taking, crediting "Nature Boy"'s success to its novelty.^[8]

Frankie Carle and his orchestra recorded it in 1948, with vocals by Gregg Lawrence.

Cole recorded the song again in 1961,^[9] with the George Shearing Quintet, for the album Nat King Cole Sings/George Shearing Plays, released in 1962.^[10]

It has been covered by many other artists, including Bev Kelly [de], John Pizzarelli, Francie Zucco, and April Varner.^{[citation needed]} Tweet sampled Cole's recording in "Turn da Lights Off" (2005).^[11]

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