A Dear John Letter

A Dear John Letter

Infobox Single
Name = A Dear John Letter


Artist = Jean Shepard and Ferlin Husky
from Album =
A-side =
B-side =
Released = July 1953 (U.S.)
Format = 7", 78 rpm
Recorded = 1953
Genre = Country
Length = 2:32
Label = Capitol Records
Writer = Billy Burton, Fuzzy Owen and Lewis Talley
Producer =
Last single =
This single = "A Dear John Letter"
(1953)
Next single = "Forgive Me, John"
(1953)

"A Dear John Letter", or "Dear John" is the name of a popular country music song. It was popularized by Ferlin Husky and Jean Shepard, and was a crossover country-pop hit in 1953.

The song played on the concept of a "Dear John" letter while referencing the United States' involvement in the Korean War. Here, a young woman, whose boyfriend John was stationed in Korea, writes stating that she is breaking off the relationship. To add to the heartbreak: She is marrying John's brother, Don, and wants her photograph back (because — according to the lyrics — Don wants it now).

Chart success

"A Dear John Letter" was performed as duet by the two performers, with Husky speaking his part while Shepard sang hers. "Dear John" was released in 1953 and was a big success. The song topped the "Billboard magazine" country charts and reached No. 4 on the "Billboard" pop charts; in addition, it turned the unknown singers into star performers in the United States.

When "A Dear John Letter" topped the "Billboard" country charts, Shepard — at 19 yearrs, nine months — became the youngest artist to that point to have a No. 1 country single. She kept that record for nearly 20 years, when 14-year-old Tanya Tucker topped the Hot Country Singles chart with "What's Your Mama's Name."

Cover versions and sequels

"Dear John" has been covered by several other performers, including Pat Boone. Following Husky and Shepard, Skeeter Davis, and Bobby Bare recorded the song together in 1965, resulting in a No. 11 country hit for themselves that year. Red Sovine and Ernest Tubb also recorded cover versions of "A Dear John Letter."

Shepard and Husky recording a reply to "Dear John," called, "Forgive Me John", which was another popular country music song.


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