Sing a Sad Song

"Strangers" is a song written by Wynn Stewart. It was recorded notably by Merle Haggard in 1963, who's version became his first major hit. It was later recorded by Stewart himself. In 1976, Stewart's own version became a major hit as well.

"Sing a Sad Song"
Single by Merle Haggard
from the album Strangers
B-side"You Don't Even Try"
ReleasedNovember 1963 (1963-11)
Recorded1963
StudioCapitol Recording Studio
Genre
Length2:35
LabelCapitol
Songwriter(s)Wynn Stewart
Producer(s)
Merle Haggard singles chronology
"Sing a Sad Song"
(1963)		 "Sam Hill"
(1964)

Merle Haggard version

"Sing a Sad Song" was recorded by Merle Haggard in 1963 for Capitol Records. Haggard cut his version alongside producer Ken Nelson at the Capitol Recording Studio. Haggard had recently signed with the Capitol label and would later record his debut album in the same session as this single.[2]

"Sing a Sad Song" was released as a single on Capitol Records in November 1963. It was Haggard's debt single release for the label and became successful.[3] The single spent three weeks on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, peaking at number 19 in January 1964.[4] The song became Haggard's first major hit as a music artist.[3] It was released on his debut studio album called Strangers. Also included on the album would be his first number one hit, "(My Friends Are Gonna Be) Strangers."[2]

Track listings
7" vinyl single[5]
  • "Sing a Sad Song" – 2:25
  • "You Don't Even Try" – 2:15

Chart performance
Chart (1963–1964) Peak
position
US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[6] 19

Wynn Stewart version
"Sing a Sad Song"
Single by Wynn Stewart
from the album After the Storm
B-side"It's Such a Pretty World Today"
ReleasedOctober 1976 (1976-10)
RecordedNovember 4, 1975
StudioRCA Victor Studio
Genre
Length3:04
LabelPlayboy
Songwriter(s)Wynn Stewart
Producer(s)Eddie Kilroy
Wynn Stewart singles chronology
"After the Storm"
(1976)		 "Sing a Sad Song"
(1976)		 "Eyes as Big as Dallas"
(1978)

"Sing a Sad Song" was notably recorded later by its writer, Wynn Stewart. He had first recorded a version that appeared on his 1965 debut studio album The Songs of Wynn Stewart. The album was issued on Capitol Records, but the song was not issued as a single.[8] However, in 1975, Stewart signed a recording contract with Playboy Records where he re-cut the track along with several other former recordings. Stewart re-recorded the song on November 4, 1975 at the RCA Victor Studio, located in Nashville, Tennessee. The session was produced by Eddie Kilroy.[9]

"Sing a Sad Song" was released as a single on Playboy Records in October 1976. It was Stewart's fourth single release with the label.[3] The single spent 11 weeks on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, peaking at number 11 in January 1977.[10] In Canada, the song became a top 40 hit single. It peaked at number 32 on the RPM Country Songs chart that same year.[11] "Sing a Sad Song" was Stewart's final major hit of his career. He would later die in 1985.[3]

Track listings
7" vinyl single[12]

Chart performance
Chart (1976–1977) Peak
position
Canada Country Songs (RPM)[11] 32
US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[13] 19
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References
  1. Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Strangers: Merle Haggard: Songs, Reviews, Credits". Allmusic. Retrieved 10 August 2020.
  2. Haggard, Merle (September 1965). "Strangers (Album Information and Liner Notes)". Capitol Records.
  3. Whitburn, Joel (2008). Hot Country Songs 1944 to 2008. Record Research, Inc. ISBN 978-0-89820-177-2.
  4. ""Sing a Sad Song" chart history". Billboard. Retrieved 10 August 2020.
  5. "Merle Haggard -- "Sing a Sad Song" (1963, Vinyl)". Discogs. Retrieved 10 August 2020.
  6. "Merle Haggard Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 10 August, 2020.
  7. Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "After the Storm: Wynn Stewart: Songs, Reviews, Credits". Allmusic. Retrieved 10 August 2020.
  8. "The Songs of Wynn Stewart: Wynn Stewart: Songs, Reviews, Credits". Allmusic. Retrieved 10 August 2020.
  9. Stewart, Wynn (October 1976). "After the Storm (Album Information and Liner Notes)". Playboy Records.
  10. ""Sing a Sad Song" chart history". Billboard. Retrieved 10 August 2020.
  11. "Search results for "Wynn Stewart" (Country Singles)". RPM. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
  12. "Wynn Stewart -- "Sing a Sad Song" (1976, Vinyl)". Discogs. Retrieved 10 August 2020.
  13. "Wynn Stewart Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 10 August, 2020.
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