1965 Songs: Too Many Rivers

Tweet

This is a good time to reiterate how much I love this site and appreciate everyone who suffers through my discussions about music. I realize that every time the site has a hiccup. There’s a billboard in town that says, “Don’t delay gratitude.” So there, you’ve been told!! Here’s today’s song that also celebrates something: 60 years of greatness! Too Many Rivers - Brenda Lee This one might give Linda a headache. I could easily see why. It was written by a Country Music Hall of Fame songwriter (Harlan Howard) and recorded by a Country Music Hall of Fame singer (Brenda Lee). But here’s a shock for you, it never made the country charts back in 1965. No, this was exclusively a pop/easy listening hit. Strangely enough, it wasn’t intended to be one. “Too Many Rivers” was actually the “B” side of the 45, with Lee’s cover of the Connie Francis song “No One” originally the “plug” side. That was one of the joys of the days of the old 45 RPM records. There were a lot of “accidental hits” because the DJ played the “wrong side” of the record. This may not be remembered as universally as her big 1960 hit “I’m Sorry” (used on the other countdown), but it’s still a terrific tune and a staple of Brenda Lee’s career. Too Many Rivers Written by Harlan Howard Recorded by Brenda Lee From Too Many Rivers, 1965 We both killed the fruit on the vine: