Fan Fare, What's New, Pussycat?
Here’s where you’ll find TJ photos and stories that don’t fit into any other categories. It is, as its name says, just for fans — and, hopefully, for fun.
We Should Note…We Are Feeling Very, Very Dumb….
Friday, February 22nd, 2008…because we reported that Curly Putman, who wrote Green, Green Grass of Home died at the age of 77.
He did not, as was pointed out to us in a very nice note from his son, Troy.
Putman, is a prolific songwriter, member of the Nashville Songwriters Foundation, and had a slew of hits and awards. His songs include He Stopped Loving Her Today, and My Elusive Dreams. Tom performs the first in his show now and recorded the latter early in his career.
He wrote Green, Green Grass in 1965 and Tom’s version was released in 1967. The song sold an estimated 10 to 12 million copies. Since then it’s been recorded by 600+ singers and in every language imaginable.
Born in Alabama, Putman, lives in Tennessee. A news report this week about Putnam being honored by the Alabama legislature said, “Putman recalled that getting someone to record the song was difficult because the subject of the song dies and people considered it morbid. Even Jones was reluctant at first. But, as Jones noted in a letter he sent for the event, it became his ’signature song.’
“Putman said he was surprised the song became an international hit because he thought it was a ‘down home-type song’ that wouldn’t have broad appeal. He said it remains his favorite song ‘because of the popularity all over the world.’”
It’s always amused us that this song, written about the US south, has been adopted as a third anthem (the second being Delilah) by the people of Wales. Guess Sir Tom has quite a bit o’ influence in the land of his birth.
We must note that He Stopped Loving Her Today, as sung by both “Jones boys” (as Tom says) is one of the most moving, beautiful songs around. A surprise twist, but a simple, lovely story.
You can hear Tom talk about the song on the BBC Wales website (the source of this photo of “some Welsh grass”), along with more than 20 other TJ interview clips.
We wish Curly Putman, a long life of good health, love and good music.
February 22nd, 2008 at 2:45 pm
If you listen to the part where Tom is speaking: “…… there’s a guard and there is a sad old padre….”you can hear the backing singers singing “there’s a garden and a sad old padre!” I believe that Tom wanted to record it again when he heard it but for some reason….perhaps the expense of booking another recording session…it wasn’t possible so that’s the way it stayed.
February 22nd, 2008 at 4:29 pm
The song is unlike any of TJ’s other hits because it conveys a softer, more subtle interpretation than the powerhouse vocals we are used to hearing from Sir Tom. That’s why the song is so unique and one of my favorite Tom ballads. Curly Putnam was a true talent.
February 23rd, 2008 at 12:24 am
This link has a tidbit or two about Tom, and also mentioned Tom had sent a note for the event for Curly. I never knew Tom was reluctant to record this song. I thought it interesting what Curly said about country music today compared to the earlier days of country music. Am glad to hear Tom is singing another of his songs in his current concerts….a shame I can’t be there to hear him.