My Son (song)

Last updated
"My Son"
Jan Howard--My Son.jpg
Single by Jan Howard
from the album Jan Howard
B-side "The Tip of My Fingers"
ReleasedNovember 1968 (1968-11)
RecordedOctober 4, 1968
Studio Bradley's Barn, Mount Juliet, Tennessee
Genre
[1]
Length2:46
Label Decca
Songwriter(s) Jan Howard
Producer(s) Owen Bradley
Jan Howard singles chronology
"I Still Believe in Love"
(1968)		"My Son"
(1968)		"When We Tried"
(1969)

"My Son" is a song written and recorded by American country music singer Jan Howard. It is among several songs recorded by country artists during this period that related to the Vietnam War. The song is based on a letter Howard wrote to her son, Jimmy, who was drafted into the war. After writing the letter, she was inspired by family and friends to put it to music. Recording the song in a single take, it was released as a single in 1968.

Contents

Howard sent the song to her son in 1968 after its release. Before he could write back, he was killed in battle. At the same time, "My Son" became a major hit on the country charts in the United States. The recording later appeared on Howard's 1969 self-titled studio album. Since its release, "My Son" has been considered among Howard's signature songs. In later years, the song also has also been featured in documentaries that discuss the Vietnam War.

Background

In 1968, Howard's oldest son, Jimmy, was drafted and soon serving in the Vietnam War. [2] In her autobiography Howard said that she frequently wrote letters to her son to keep him updated on things happening at home. At some points, she was writing to him as much as two to three times per week. In one particular letter Howard described a feeling of "no control" over what she was composing. [3]

She remembered feeling that the letter was important and she shared it with other son, Carter. "Mom, you need to put that to music," he said to Howard. [4] After spending more time thinking about it, she showed it to Bill Anderson, Howard's duet partner while recording for Decca Records. Anderson encouraged Howard to record it. [3] Anderson and several session musicians helped create a musical background for the letter. With their assistance, a demo of the song was recorded in a studio. With Anderson's encouragement, Howard presented the demo to her producer, Owen Bradley. [5]

Recording

After hearing the track, Bradley replied, "Jan, you've got to record this...it's your masterpiece." [5] Bradley arranged for its official recording session to take place. However, upon going into the studio, Howard had trouble singing it. "I tried to put it down on tape, but I couldn't get through it without crying," she said in 2003. [1] Bradley noticed that Howard was becoming emotional while recording and offered a proposition. "Tell you what, if you can get through it once, we'll take it, okay?" [6] Howard agreed and she was able to sing the song one time in the studio. [4] The official recording session took place on October 4, 1968 at Bradley's Barn, a studio located in Mount Juliet, Tennessee and owned by Bradley himself. Three additional tracks were cut in the same session, which later appeared on Howard's 1969 studio album. [7] After she left the recording studio, Howard acquired a seven-inch tape with the song on it. She then sent the tape her son Jimmy in Vietnam. [6]

Release and reception

In November 1968, the song (now titled "My Son") was released as a single by Decca Records. It was issued on a 7" vinyl record format featuring Howard's cover of Bill Anderson's, "The Tip of My Fingers", on the B-side. [8] In early 1969, the song became a major hit on the country charts in the United States. In the United States, "My Son" peaked at number 15 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, becoming her fourth major hit on the Decca label. [9] In Canada, "My Son" peaked at number 28 on the RPM Country Singles chart. It was Howard's final single as a solo artist to chart in Canada. [10] The song was featured on Howard's seventh studio record, which was released in 1969. The album itself reached a peak of 25 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. [11]

Two weeks after the song's release to radio, Jimmy was killed in battle. [12] After "My Son" became a hit, she received over 5,000 letters from veterans and their families. [2] Since his death and the song's release, Howard has only been able to perform it on rare occasions. "And I still get so many requests for it, but I can't do that. I do it once in a great while only for a special thing like Veterans'[ sic ] Day", Howard said in 2015. [4] Howard also has said that she is pleased with how "My Son" has been an inspiration for other military members and their families. [12] [4]

Legacy

Since its release, "My Son" has received acclaim and attention from music journalists and historians. In their 2003 book, Finding Their Voice: The History of Women in Country Music, Mary A. Bufwack and Robert K. Oermann called the song "a moving recitation". [1] Kevin John Coyne of Country Universe called it "her most personal song" in 2018. [12] Lee Andresen recounted the story of "My Son" in his book Battle Notes: Music of the Vietnam War. [13] Ken Burns also brought attention to the song in two of his documentaries; 2017's The Vietnam War and 2019's Country Music . In the latter, Burns described the song as "a mother's prayer for the safe return of her child." [2] Burns interviewed Howard for his Vietnam War documentary, during which she told a story about antiwar protestors asking her to join them in response to Jimmy's death. Howard replied, "...go ahead and demonstrate. Have at it. . . . But I tell you what, if you ever ring my doorbell again, I'll blow your damned head off with a .357 Magnum." [14]

Track listings

7" vinyl single [8]

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (1968–1969)Peak
position
Canada Country Singles ( RPM ) [10] 28
US Hot Country Songs ( Billboard ) [15] 15

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Patsy Cline</span> American country music singer (1932–1963)

Patsy Cline was an American singer. She is considered one of the most influential vocalists of the 20th century and was one of the first country music artists to cross over into pop music. Cline had several major hits during her eight-year recording career, including two number-one hits on the Billboard Hot Country and Western Sides chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lynn Anderson</span> American country music singer (1947–2015)

Lynn René Anderson was an American country singer and television personality. Her crossover signature recording, "Rose Garden," was a number one hit internationally. She also charted five number one and 18 top-ten singles on the Billboard country songs chart. Anderson is regarded as one of country music's most significant performers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeannie Seely</span> American singer-songwriter (born 1940)

Marilyn Jeanne Seely is an American country music singer, songwriter, and record producer. She also has several acting credits and published a book. Seely found success with the Grammy Award-winning hit "Don't Touch Me" (1966). The song reached the No.2 position on the Billboard country songs chart and is her highest-charting single as a solo artist. Her soul-inspired vocal delivery was praised by music professionals, who gave her the nickname of "Miss Country Soul". Seely is also known for her membership and presence on the Grand Ole Opry, having appeared more times on the program than any other performer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jan Howard</span> American country music singer (1929–2020)

Jan Howard was an American author, as well as a country music singer and songwriter. As a singer, she placed 30 singles on the Billboard country songs chart, was a Grand Ole Opry member and was nominated for several major awards. As a writer, she wrote poems and published an autobiography. She was married to country songwriter Harlan Howard.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeanne Pruett</span> American singer-songwriter

Jeanne Pruett is an American country music singer and songwriter. She also has credits as a published author. Pruett had several major hits as a music artist, but became best-known for 1973's "Satin Sheets". The song topped the country music charts and helped her secure a membership in the Grand Ole Opry cast.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Don't Touch Me</span> 1966 single by Jeannie Seely

"Don't Touch Me" is a song written by Hank Cochran. It was originally written for and recorded by American country artist Jeannie Seely. The song was released as a single on Monument Records in March 1966 and became a major Billboard country hit. "Don't Touch Me" became Seely's signature song and her biggest hit as a solo artist. It would later appear on her debut studio album and be re-recorded by Seely in later years.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jan Howard discography</span>

The discography of American country artist Jan Howard contains 17 studio albums, seven compilation albums, 51 singles, one box set, two other charted songs and 12 additional album appearances. Originally a demo singer, she signed a recording contract with Challenge Records in 1958. In 1960, Howard collaborated with Wynn Stewart on the single "Wrong Company". The same year, she had her first major hit with "The One You Slip Around With". The single reached number 13 on the Billboard Hot C&W Sides chart.

<i>Jan Howard Sings Evil on Your Mind</i> 1966 studio album by Jan Howard

Jan Howard Sings Evil on Your Mind is a studio album by American country artist, Jan Howard. It was released in July 1966 via Decca Records and contained 12 tracks. It was the second studio album of Howard's music career and her first with the Decca label. The disc combined new recordings with cover tunes. Among its songs was the title track, which was one of the four singles included on the album. It became top five single on the American country chart in 1966 while the album itself reached the top ten of the American country albums chart around the same time.

<i>Bad Seed</i> (Jan Howard album) 1966 studio album by Jan Howard

Bad Seed is a studio album by American country music artist Jan Howard. It was released in November 1966 via Decca Records and featured 12 tracks. The third studio album of her recording career, Bad Seed was named for its title track, which reached the top ten of the country charts in 1966. The disc was met with a favorable review from Cashbox following its release.

<i>This Is Jan Howard Country</i> 1967 studio album by Jan Howard

This Is Jan Howard Country is a studio album by American country music artist Jan Howard. The album was released in October 1967 on Decca Records and was the fourth studio album of her career. The disc featured two singles by Howard that reached the top 40 of the Billboard country songs chart. It was also among Howard's highest-charting studio albums, reaching the top ten of the Billboard country albums chart.

<i>Count Your Blessings, Woman</i> (album) 1968 studio album by Jan Howard

Count Your Blessings, Woman is a studio album by American country music artist, Jan Howard. It was released in June 1968 on Decca Records and contained 11 tracks. Most of the disc featured covers of popular songs of the era. The album's title track was spawned as a single, becoming a top 20 song on the Billboard country chart in 1968. Additionally, the album would reach peak positions on the American country albums chart. It was reviewed positively by Billboard magazine.

<i>For Loving You</i> (album) 1968 studio album by Bill Anderson and Jan Howard

For Loving You is a studio album released by the American country music artists Bill Anderson and Jan Howard in February 1968 on Decca Records. The album was their first collaborative album, setting the trend for a series of studio albums over the next few years. The album's title track, "For Loving You", was the lead single and became a number 1 hit on the Billboard country songs chart.

<i>Jan Howard</i> (1969 album) 1969 studio album by Jan Howard

Jan Howard is the seventh studio album released by American country music artist Jan Howard. The album was released in June 1969 on Decca Records and was produced by Owen Bradley. The album spawned three singles, including the major hit "My Son". The album would also reach peak positions on the Billboard country chart upon its release.

<i>For God and Country</i> (Jan Howard album) 1970 studio album by Jan Howard

For God and Country is the eighth studio album by American country music artist Jan Howard. The album was released in January 1970 on Decca Records and was produced by Owen Bradley. Although the album did not feature any singles, it was Howard's first record of patriotic music. It was recorded as a tribute to the United States Armed Forces fighting in the Vietnam War and was also a tribute to Howard's two sons who were in the military.

<i>If Its All the Same to You</i> (album) 1970 studio album by Bill Anderson and Jan Howard

If It's All the Same to You is a studio album by American country music artists Bill Anderson and Jan Howard. The album was released on Decca Records in March 1970 and was produced by Owen Bradley. It was the pair's second collaborative album after several years of performing together on tour and on television. The album's title track became a major hit on the Billboard country chart, reaching the top 10. Additionally, the album itself would reach peak positions on the Billboard country albums chart.

<i>Bright Lights and Country Music</i> 1965 studio album by Bill Anderson and the Po Boys

Bright Lights and Country Music is a studio album by Bill Anderson and the Po' Boys. It was released in November 1965 on Decca Records and was produced by Owen Bradley. It was Anderson's first studio album to include dual credit with his band, The Po' Boys. It was his fourth studio album overall. The album included one single release, the title track. This song became a major hit on the Billboard country charts. The album itself also reached charting positions on Billboard shortly after its release.

<i>Happy State of Mind</i> (album) 1968 studio album by Bill Anderson

Happy State of Mind is a studio album by American country singer-songwriter Bill Anderson. It was released in September 1968 on Decca Records and was produced by Owen Bradley. Anderson's tenth studio recording, it was also his second studio album released in 1968. Among the songs included on the release was the title track, which became a major hit in both the United States and Canada.

<i>My Life/But You Know I Love You</i> 1969 studio album by Bill Anderson

My Life/But You Know I Love You is a studio album by American country singer-songwriter Bill Anderson. It was released in June 1969 on Decca Records and was produced by Owen Bradley. It was Anderson's eleventh studio album to be issued during his musical career. The album's title was derived from its two singles of the same names. Both singles became major hits on the Billboard country chart.

<i>Love Is a Sometimes Thing</i> 1970 studio album by Bill Anderson

Love Is a Sometimes Thing is a studio album by American country singer-songwriter Bill Anderson. It was released in June 1970 on Decca Records and was produced by Owen Bradley. It was Anderson's fourteenth studio album since signing with the Decca label in 1958. Its only single, the title track, would become a major hit on the Billboard country chart in 1970. The album itself would also reach peak positions on the country albums chart following its release.

<i>Love Me Forever</i> (album) 1963 studio album by Wanda Jackson

Love Me Forever is a studio album by American recording artist Wanda Jackson. It was released in May 1963 via Capitol Records and contained 12 tracks. It was Jackson's fifth studio album of her career and the second to included orchestrated production. Love Me Forever was a collection of country and pop music standards composed by other artists. The album received positive reviews from critics following its release.

References

Footnotes

  1. 1 2 3 Oermann, Robert K. & Bufwack, Mary A. 2003, p. 229.
  2. 1 2 3 Burns, Ken. "Country Music: Jan Howard Biography". PBS . Retrieved 26 March 2020.
  3. 1 2 Howard, Jan 1987, p. 344.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Mecir, Peter. "Jan Howard: I'll Never Lose The Butterflies". Country Zone. Retrieved 26 March 2020.
  5. 1 2 Howard, Jan 1987, p. 348.
  6. 1 2 Howard, Jan 1987, p. 349.
  7. ↑ Howard, Jan (1969). "Jan Howard liner notes (Vinyl insert)". Decca Records .
  8. 1 2 "Jan Howard - "My Son"/"The Tip of My Fingers" (1968, Vinyl)". Discogs . 1968. Retrieved 26 March 2020.
  9. ↑ Whitburn, Joel (2004). The Billboard Book Of Top 40 Country Hits: 1944-2006, Second edition. Record Research.
  10. 1 2 "Search results for "Jan Howard" under Country Singles". RPM . Archived from the original on 19 February 2013. Retrieved 17 January 2013.
  11. ↑ "Jan Howard chart history". Billboard . Retrieved 26 January 2020.
  12. 1 2 3 Coyne, Kevin J. (8 May 2008). "100 Greatest Women of Country Music -- Jan Howard (#58)". Country Universe. Retrieved 17 January 2013.
  13. ↑ Andresen, Lee (2003). Battle Notes: Music of the Vietnam War. Savage Press. pp. 125–26.
  14. ↑ Dawidziak, David (17 September 2017). "'The Vietnam War' is a mesmerizing masterpiece from Ken Burns (review)". Cleveland.org. Retrieved 26 March 2020.
  15. ↑ "Jan Howard Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved March 25, 2020.

Books

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.