Click to listen

May 25

Why today? The Storyteller celebrates his 74th birthday.

About the record: Mercury 72951, recorded July 3, 1969, at the label’s studio in Nashville. Released that month, eventually reaching No. 5 on Billboard‘s country chart. Was the title track of Hall’s second album, Mercury SR-61247, which reached No. 23 on Billboard‘s country album chart.

In these days when the hook’s the thing, hardly anyone is writing great story songs. That’s why it’s great to go back 40 years and sample one of the best’s best. He’s so evocative — when I listen, I can clearly see those fat, slick cattle, that pretty headstone, the lady sleeping in the car. It’s one of my favorite Tom T. songs. And by the way, if you see Barbara Walker, tell her that I said hello.