Introduction
The Song’s History
“Green, Green Grass of Home” was written by Claude “Curly” Putman Jr. in 1964. The song tells the poignant story of a man longing to return home, only for listeners to discover in the final verse that he is actually awaiting execution and dreaming of being back in his hometown. The bittersweet twist has made it one of the most moving country ballads of the era.
Before Tom Jones, the song had already been recorded by several artists, including Johnny Darrell, Porter Wagoner, and Jerry Lee Lewis. However, it was Tom Jones’s 1966 version that turned the song into an international hit. His recording reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart and sold over a million copies, cementing it as one of his signature songs.
Tom Jones and the Song
For Tom Jones, “Green, Green Grass of Home” marked a significant shift in his career. Before this, he was mainly known for powerful pop-rock hits like It’s Not Unusual and What’s New Pussycat?. This song showcased a more tender, emotional side of his voice, connecting him deeply with audiences worldwide. It remains one of his most requested live numbers and a staple in his repertoire.
The 2010 Early Show Performance
By 2010, Tom Jones was already a music legend with over four decades in the business. His performance of “Green, Green Grass of Home” on CBS’s The Early Show highlighted not only the song’s timeless emotional pull but also Jones’s enduring vocal power. Even with age, his deep baritone carried the same mix of strength and vulnerability that had made the ballad famous in the first place.
This performance demonstrated how the song had become more than just a hit record—it had evolved into a personal anthem for Jones, reflecting his ability to connect with universal themes of memory, longing, and mortality.
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