And When I Die

First released by Peter, Paul & Mary (1966).
Also recorded by Laura Nyro (demo 1966 |1967).
Hit version by Blood, Sweat & Tears (US #2/NZ #1 1969).

From the wiki: “‘And When I Die’ was written by Laura Nyro and first recorded by Peter, Paul and Mary in 1966 after listening to Nyro’s rough demo. The song was one of the first written by Nyro, when she was 17 years old. She then sold the song to Peter, Paul and Mary for $5000, who then recorded the song for their sixth studio album The Peter, Paul and Mary Album.

“Nyro would later produce a studio recording of ‘And When I Die’ for her own 1967 debut album More Than a New Discovery. However, the song is probably best known for the recording by Blood, Sweat & Tears. Their 1969 single release reached #2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

“The Blood, Sweat & Tears version exists in an album version (featuring two instrumental interludes: a player piano, and horns accompanied by a clipped clopping sound), and the single version which omits the two interludes as well as two pauses.”

Laura Nyro, “And When I Die” demo + 1995 interview (1966):

Laura Nyro, “And When I Die” album version (1967):

Blood, Sweat & Tears, “And When I Die” album version (1969):

Blood, Sweat & Tears, “And When I Die” single version (1969):