Standing Tall (song)

Last updated
"Standing Tall"
Song by Tammy Wynette
from the album Womanhood
ReleasedJuly 1978 (1978-07)
RecordedApril 1978 (1978-04)
Genre Countrypolitan [1]
Length3:03
Label Epic
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Billy Sherrill

"Standing Tall" is a song co-written by Larry Butler and Ben Peters. It was originally recorded by American country music artist Tammy Wynette on her 1978 album Womanhood . One of its most notable version is a version recorded by Billie Jo Spears shortly afterward. It was first cut for Spears's 1978 album and was re-recorded and released as a single in 1980. Spears's second version reached the top 20 of the American country chart and the top ten of the Canadian country chart. "Standing Tall" would later be re-recorded by several artists, notably Lorrie Morgan, who released her version as a single in 1995.

Contents

Tammy Wynette version

Tammy Wynette was considered one of country music's most successful artists during the sixties and seventies. She had a string of number one and top ten singles that continued into the early eighties decade. [2] Among her late seventies studio albums was 1978's Womanhood . Of its ten songs was the Larry Butler and Ben Peters composition "Standing Tall". [1] Wynette recorded the song in April 1978, which was three months prior to the recording by Billie Jo Spears. Wynette's version of "Standing Tall" was produced by Billy Sherrill. The song appeared as an album track on Womanhood when the disc was released in July 1978. [3]

Billie Jo Spears version

"Standing Tall"
Billie Jo Spears--Standing Tall.jpg
Single by Billie Jo Spears
from the album Standing Tall
B-side "Freedom Song"
ReleasedFebruary 1980 (1980-02)
RecordedAugust 1978 (1978-08)(Album version)
July 1979 (1979-07)(Single version)
Studio Jack Clement Recording Studio
Genre Country [4]
Label United Artists
Songwriter(s)
  • Larry Butler
  • Ben Peters
Producer(s) Larry Butler
Billie Jo Spears singles chronology
"Rainy Days and Stormy Nights"
(1979)		"Standing Tall"
(1980)		"Natural Attraction"
(1980)

Background, content recording

Billie Jo Spears was at the height of his career recording for United Artists Records in the seventies and early eighties. She topped the country charts with 1975's "Blanket on the Ground" and had three additional top ten singles. A series of songs reached the country top 20 during this period as well. [5] Among her chart singles was 1980's "Standing Tall". [6] The song was co-written by Ben Peters and Larry Butler. In a 1980 interview, Butler explained that he spent more time as a record producer than a songwriter. However, he found the time to pen "Standing Tall". [7]

Spears had been known for recording songs that had themes about female survivors and women asserting themselves. "Standing Tall" described a woman who chooses to walk away from a failed relationship. [8] She first recorded the track in August 1978 for her studio album that year titled Love Ain't Gonna Wait for Us . [9] When it was decided the song would be released as a single, it was re-recorded one year later in July 1979. Specifically, it was cut at the Jack Clement Recording Studio in Nashville, Tennessee. The session was also produced by Larry Butler. [10]

Release, chart performance and critical reception

The re-recorded version of "Standing Tall" was released in February 1980 by United Artists Records. It was backed on the B-side by the track "Freedom Song". It was distributed as a seven-inch vinyl disc. [10] The single entered America's Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in February 1980. It spent a total of 13 weeks on the chart and the reached the top 20, peaking at number 15 in April 1980. It was among Spears's final top 20 singles in her career. [6] On Canada's RPM Country Tracks chart, the song reached the top ten, climbing to number nine. It was Spears's final top ten single (and final charting single) in Canada. [6] [11]

It served as the title track for Spears's 1980 album of the same name. [12] "Standing Tall" was given a positive review by Record World magazine, who named it the "Country Song of the Week" in February 1980. "Spears has picked a choice tune here and given it a light touch. The sound is easy and soothing to create a pleasant, understated mood," critics said. [4]

Track listing

7" vinyl single [10]

Charts

Weekly chart performance for "Standing Tall"
Chart (1980)Peak
position
Canada Country Tracks ( RPM ) [11] 9
US Hot Country Songs ( Billboard ) [13] 15

Other versions

"Standing Tall" has been recorded by other artists in the country genre. In 1978, it was cut by Charlie Rich for his studio LP The Fool Strikes Again. [14] Australian country performer Reg Lindsay cut "Standing Tall" and titled his 1979 album after the track. [15] In 1991, it was recorded by Brenda Lee for her eponymous album released on Warner Bros. Records. [16]

Lorrie Morgan version

"Standing Tall"
Single by Lorrie Morgan
from the album Reflections: Greatest Hits
ReleasedSeptember 1995 (1995-09)
Genre Country [17]
Length3:03
Label BNA
Songwriter(s)
  • Larry Butler
  • Ben Peters
Producer(s) James Stroud
Lorrie Morgan singles chronology
"Back in Your Arms Again"
(1995)		"Standing Tall"
(1995)		"Sleigh Ride"
(1995)

"Standing Tall" was notably recorded by Lorrie Morgan for her 1995 compilation album Reflections: Greatest Hits . [18] Morgan had been among country music's most commercially-successful recording artists during the 1990s. A string of her singles reached the country chart top ten, including three number one singles. [19] Morgan had been a fan of classic country music and knew many of Spears's songs that displayed assertive female characters. This inspired Morgan to record "Standing Tall" as one of the new songs featured on the compilation. Morgan herself described the song as an "anthem for women" in an interview with the Chicago Tribune . [20] The track was produced by James Stroud. [18]

Lorrie Morgan's version of "Standing Tall" was released in September 1995 as a single via BNA Records. It was distributed as both a compact disc and a cassette in its single version. [18] The song debuted at number 73 on the American Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in December 1995. At the time of its release, Billboard magazine received a series of phone calls from people who recognized the song but could not recall who first recorded it prior to Morgan. [21] In total, it spent 17 weeks on the chart, peaking at number 32 in March 1996. [6] It reached a similar position on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart, rising to number 38. [22]

Track listing

CD single; Cassette single (repeats three times) [10]

  • "Standing Tall" – 3:01
  • "Standing Tall" – 3:01
  • "Standing Tall" – 3:01

Charts

Weekly chart performance for "Standing Tall"
Chart (1995–1996)Peak
position
Canada Country Tracks ( RPM ) [22] 38
US Hot Country Songs ( Billboard ) [23] 32

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Billie Jo Spears</span> American country music singer (1938–2011)

Billie Jo Spears was an American country music singer. She was known for a series of singles whose characters often represented women in assertive positions. Among these recordings was a song about sexual harassment, and a song about rekindling sexual desire ".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lorrie Morgan</span> American musician (born 1959)

Loretta Lynn Morgan is an American country music singer and actress. She is the daughter of George Morgan, widow of Keith Whitley, and ex-wife of Jon Randall and Sammy Kershaw, all of whom are also country music singers. Morgan has been active as a singer since the age of 13, and charted her first single in 1979. She achieved her greatest success between 1988 and 1999, recording for RCA Records and the defunct BNA Records. Her first two RCA albums and her BNA album Watch Me are all certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The 1995 compilation Reflections: Greatest Hits is her best-selling album with a double-platinum certification; War Paint, Greater Need, and Shakin' Things Up, also on BNA, are certified gold.

Larry Butler was a country music producer/songwriter. From the mid-1970s through the 1980s, he worked with Kenny Rogers. Many of his albums with Rogers went either gold or platinum and accumulated many millions of sales around the world. These albums include Kenny Rogers (1976), The Gambler (1978), Gideon (1980) and I Prefer The Moonlight (1987). Rogers and Butler maintained a friendship outside of show business. Butler also produced Rogers' 1993 album If Only My Heart Had A Voice. He also participated in Rogers 2006 retrospective DVD The Journey.

<i>Reflections: Greatest Hits</i> 1995 compilation album by Lorrie Morgan

Reflections: Greatest Hits is the first compilation album by American country music artist Lorrie Morgan. It was released on Morgan's birthday in 1995 as a special, limited production; deluxe edition. It featured three previously unreleased tracks, an enclosed biography of Lorrie Morgan, ornate packaging and the allure of collectability.

<i>To Get to You: Greatest Hits Collection</i> 2000 greatest hits album by Lorrie Morgan

To Get to You: Greatest Hits Collection is the second greatest hits compilation album by American country music artist Lorrie Morgan. It was released by BNA Records in February 2000. There were four new songs on this album - "Whoop-De-Do", "To Get to You", "If I Cry", and a live cover of the Sarah McLachlan song, "Angel". The only song released as a single was "To Get to You", which peaked at #63 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. The album peaked at #21 on the Top Country Albums chart.

"Womanhood" is a song written by Bobby Braddock, and recorded by American country music artist Tammy Wynette. In Braddock's 2015 memoir, A Life on Nashville's Music Row, he described it as "a song about a girl having a tearful talk with God about losing her virginity." Braddock initially discarded the song after writing it but was convinced by his fiancée to play it for his music publisher.

<i>Billie Jo</i> 1975 studio album by Billie Jo Spears

Billie Jo is a studio album by American country artist, Billie Jo Spears. It was released in October 1975 via United Artists Records and contained ten tracks. A mixture of new recordings and cover tunes were featured on the disc. Among them were the singles, "Stay Away from the Apple Tree" and "Silver Wings and Golden Rings". Both singles reached the top 20 of the North American country charts in 1975. The album itself reached the top 50 of the American country albums chart. It was the eighth studio album of Spears's career and her second with the United Artists label.

<i>Stand by Your Man</i> (album) 1969 studio album by Tammy Wynette

Stand by Your Man is a studio album by American country artist Tammy Wynette. It was released in January 1969 via Epic Records and contained 11 tracks. It was the fifth studio album of Wynette's career and was named for its title track. The title track became Wynette's signature song and most successful single of her career.

"Your Good Girl's Gonna Go Bad" is a song written by Billy Sherrill and Glenn Sutton, and recorded by American country music artist Tammy Wynette. It was released in February 1967 as the first single and title track from the album Your Good Girl's Gonna Go Bad.

"I'd Like to See Jesus " is a song written by Robert Seay and Dorval Lynn Smith that was originally recorded by American country artist Tammy Wynette. It was released as a single in 1978, reaching top 40 chart positions in both the United States and Canada. It was the first single off Wynette's 1978 album, Womanhood.

"I Stayed Long Enough" is a song written and originally recorded by American country artist, Tammy Wynette. It first appeared as an album track on Wynette's 1969 album, Stand by Your Man. It was then recorded and released as a single by American country artist, Billie Jo Spears. Her version reached the top 40 of the American country chart in 1970.

<i>Miss Sincerity</i> 1969 studio album by Billie Jo Spears

Miss Sincerity is a studio album by American country artist, Billie Jo Spears. It was released in November 1969 via Capitol Records and contained ten tracks. The disc featured several covers of popular songs of the era, along with several songs about social issues. Among the latter was the track "Stepchild", which was the only single included. Miss Sincerity was Spears's second to make the American country albums chart and was reviewed favorably by critics.

<i>Country Girl</i> (1970 Billie Jo Spears album) 1970 studio album by Billie Jo Spears

Country Girl is a studio album by American country artist, Billie Jo Spears. It was released on Capitol Records in August 1970 and contained ten tracks. It was the fifth studio album of Spears's career and featured original material along with cover tunes. Among its new recordings was the top 20 country single, "Marty Gray". The album received positive reviews from critics following its release.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I'm Not Easy</span> 1977 single by Billie Jo Spears

"I'm Not Easy" is a song first recorded by American country artist Billie Jo Spears. Written by David Chamberlain and Jim Vest, it was released as a single in 1977 and became top 20 charting country single in the United States. The song also served as the title track to Spears's 1976 studio album.

<i>Im Not Easy</i> (album) 1976 studio album by Billie Jo Spears

I'm Not Easy is a studio album by American country artist Billie Jo Spears. It was released in November 1976 via United Artists Records and contained 11 tracks. The disc featured many ballads, along with some uptempo tracks. Of its tracks, two singles were spawned: "Never Did Like Whiskey" and the title track. Both reached top 20 positions on the American country charts between 1976 and 1977. The disc itself charted on the American country albums chart and received mainly positive reviews from music publications.

<i>The Voice of Billie Jo Spears</i> 1968 studio album by Billie Jo Spears

The Voice of Billie Jo Spears is a studio album by American country artist Billie Jo Spears. It was released in November 1968 via Capitol Records and contained 11 tracks. The disc mixed both new recordings with original material and featured her first charting single: "He's Got More Love on His Little Finger". It was the debut studio album of Spears's career and received positive reviews from critics.

<i>Love Aint Gonna Wait for Us</i> (album) 1978 studio album by Billie Jo Spears

Love Ain't Gonna Wait for Us is a studio album by American country artist Billie Jo Spears. It was released in October 1978 via United Artists Records and contained ten tracks. The disc featured mostly new recordings, along with several cover tunes. It featured a country pop production, overseen by Larry Butler. Two singles were spawned from the album: the title track and a cover of "Yesterday". It received a positive reception from Cashbox magazine.

"Natural Attraction" is a song originally recorded by American country artist Billie Jo Spears. It was composed by Dennis Linde and Alan Rush. Released as a single via United Artists Records, it reached the top 40 of the American country chart in 1980. It was the second single spawned from Spears's 1980 album Standing Tall.

<i>Standing Tall</i> (Billie Jo Spears album) 1980 studio album by Billie Jo Spears

Standing Tall is a studio album by American country artist Billie Jo Spears. It was released in February 1980 via United Artists Records and contained ten tracks. The collection contained cover songs along with new material. Of its new recordings were two singles: the title track and "Natural Attraction". The title tune was a top 20 single on the American country chart and a top ten single on the Canadian country chart. The album reached the top 70 of the American country albums chart and received positive reviews from critics.

<i>Only the Hits</i> 1981 studio album by Billie Jo Spears

Only the Hits is a studio album by American country artist Billie Jo Spears. It was released in February 1981 on Liberty Records and contained ten tracks. The project was a collection of cover tunes, which mixed both country and pop songs. Of its tracks were two singles: "Your Good Girl's Gonna Go Bad" and "What the World Needs Now Is Love". Spears's version of "Your Good Girl's Gonna Go Bad" reached the top 20 of the American country songs chart. Billboard magazine gave the album an unfavorable review following its release.

References

  1. 1 2 "Womanhood: Tammy Wynette: Songs, reviews, credits". AllMusic . Retrieved 12 March 2023.
  2. ↑ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Tammy Wynette Biography". AllMusic . Retrieved 6 July 2022.
  3. ↑ Wynette, Tammy (July 1978). " Womanhood (Album Information)". Epic Records . 35442.
  4. 1 2 "Country Single Picks" (PDF). Record World . February 16, 1980. p. 72. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
  5. ↑ Huey, Steve. "Billie Jo Spears Biography". AllMusic . Retrieved 28 January 2023.
  6. 1 2 3 4 Whitburn, Joel (2004). The Billboard Book Of Top 40 Country Hits: 1944-2006, Second edition. Record Research. p. various.
  7. ↑ "Dialogue: Larry Butler" (PDF). Record World . June 14, 1980. p. 24. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
  8. ↑ Bufwack, Mary A.; Oermann, Robert K. (2003). Finding Her Voice: The History of Women in Country Music. Nashville, Tennessee: Vanderbilt University Press. pp. 356–357. ISBN   978-0826514325.
  9. ↑ Spears, Billie Jo (October 1978). "Love Ain't Gonna Wait for Us (Disc Information)". United Artists Records . UA-LA921-H (LP); UA-CA921-H (Cassette).
  10. 1 2 3 4 Spears, Billie Jo (February 1980). ""Standing Tall"/"Freedom Song" (Single Information)". United Artists Records . UA-X1336-Y.
  11. 1 2 "Search results for "Billie Jo Spears"". RPM . Archived from the original on 12 October 2012. Retrieved 24 January 2010.
  12. ↑ Spears, Billie Jo (February 1980). "Standing Tall (Album Information)". Liberty Records . LT-1018.
  13. ↑ "Billie Jo Spears Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved March 12, 2022.
  14. ↑ Rich, Charlie (1978). "The Fool Strikes Again (Album Information)". United Artists Records . UA-LA925-H.
  15. ↑ Lindsay, Reg (1979). "Standing Tall (Album Information)". Brook Records. MLF-329.
  16. ↑ Lee, Brenda (March 1991). "Brenda Lee (Album Information)". Warner Bros. Records . 9-26439-2.
  17. ↑ ""Standing Tall" by Lorrie Morgan: Track Info". AllMusic . Retrieved 12 March 2023.
  18. 1 2 3 Morgan, Lorrie (September 1995). ""Standing Tall" (CD Single)". BNA Records . BDJ64354-2 (Promo Version); 64354-4 (Cassette Single Version).
  19. ↑ Brennan, Sandra. "Lorrie Morgan Biography". AllMusic . Retrieved October 29, 2022.
  20. ↑ Hurst, Jack (June 18, 1995). "FILM FANTASIES". Chicago Tribune . Retrieved 25 February 2023.
  21. ↑ Jessen, Wade (December 23, 1995). "Country Corner". Billboard . p. 48. Retrieved 25 February 2023.
  22. 1 2 "Lorrie Morgan - Country Tracks". RPM. Retrieved May 15, 2019.
  23. ↑ "Lorrie Morgan Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved March 12, 2022.
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.