"MacArthur Park" is a song which
Jimmy Webb originally wrote and composed as part of an intended
cantata. Webb initially brought the entire cantata to
The Association, but the group rejected it.
Richard Harris was the first to record the song in 1968 and his version peaked at number two on the
Billboard Hot 100 chart. "MacArthur Park" was subsequently
covered by numerous artists, including a hit version in 1969 by country music singer
Waylon Jennings. Among the best-known covers is
Donna Summer's disco arrangement from 1978 which topped the
Billboard Hot 100.