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Curly Putman

Claude "Curly" Putman Jr. (November 20, 1930 – October 30, 2016) was an American songwriter renowned for penning timeless hits that shaped the genre, including the global standard "", which sold over 12 million copies and has been recorded more than 400 times. Born on Putman Mountain in Princeton, , northeast of Huntsville, Putman grew up in a rural setting that influenced his evocative songwriting style. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he learned to play and initially pursued performing, charting in the top 30 in 1960 with his own recording of "The Prison Song" and releasing a pair of albums. Transitioning to songwriting full-time, he signed with Tree Publishing in the 1960s, where he collaborated frequently with on narrative-driven ballads exploring themes of love, loss, and regret. Among his most celebrated works are "My Elusive Dreams" (1967, a hit for David Houston and ), "D-I-V-O-R-C-E" (1968, topping the charts for Wynette), "Dumb Blonde" (1967, Dolly Parton's debut single), "Blood Red and Goin' Down" (1972, a No. 1 for ), and "It's a Cheating Situation" (1979, a duet No. 1 for and that earned the Song of the Year). His masterpiece "He Stopped Loving Her Today" (1980, recorded by ) won the Song of the Year award in both 1980 and 1981, cementing its status as one of country's greatest songs. Before dedicating himself to music, Putman worked as a shoe salesman, a humble beginning that contrasted with his later prolific output. Putman's contributions earned him induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1976 and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in 1993, along with 36 awards recognizing the airplay of his songs. He died on October 30, 2016, at age 85 in , from congestive and following a lengthy illness. In his hometown of Princeton, a ball field was named in his honor, reflecting his enduring legacy as a cornerstone of modern .

Early Life

Birth and Upbringing

Claude "Curly" Putman Jr. was born on November 20, 1930, in , a small rural community in Jackson County northeast of . He grew up on Putman Mountain, an area named for the Putman family, providing a sense of deep-rooted stability in the Paint Rock Valley region. Putman was the son of Claude Putman Sr., a sawmill worker, and Myrtle Roden Putman, a homemaker, in a modest household shaped by the hardships of rural Southern life during the and beyond. This environment, marked by agricultural labor and close-knit community ties, instilled in him an appreciation for themes of perseverance and home that would later inform his authentic voice. He attended Paint Rock Valley High School, where he excelled in as a 6'4" forward, helping his team reach the finals of the State , and received encouragement from teacher Mary Sue Toney, who recognized his potential early on. Putman's introduction to music occurred during his high school years, when he learned to play the and joined a local for his first performances, fostering a passion for the genre amid the vibrant local music scenes of northern . These formative experiences in a stable yet challenging rural setting laid the groundwork for his eventual transition to as a path toward greater independence.

Military Service

Claude "Curly" Putman Jr. enlisted in the United States Navy shortly after briefly attending Southern Union State Community College in , following his rural upbringing on Putman Mountain in . He served a total of four years during the era, aboard the , where he completed two tours in . Putman's naval service took him far beyond the confines of his roots, as the USS Valley Forge sailed to for combat operations and to during his deployments. These travels introduced him to international cultures and environments, providing a stark contrast to the sawmill life of his family and the isolation of rural northern . While specific duties aboard the carrier are not extensively documented, his time in the Navy immersed him in a structured, global military context amid the ongoing . Following his honorable discharge, Putman returned to and took on roles that reflected the discipline gained from military life, including coaching and teaching at Paint Rock Valley High School. He later worked at a record store in Huntsville owned by local musician Slim Lay, where he also played , marking an early foray into music. These post-service positions involved some relocation within before he moved to Nashville in 1964, seeking opportunities in the burgeoning scene. The regimented nature of naval service and the narratives encountered during his travels are credited with honing Putman's observational skills, which later informed the vivid storytelling in his song lyrics.

Career

Industry Entry and Early Work

After serving in the U.S. Navy during the , Claude "Curly" Putman Jr. pursued a variety of jobs in , including coaching , teaching, and working in record stores and as a salesman, while honing his skills as a steel guitarist and songwriter in local bands. These experiences, drawn from his rural upbringing on Putman Mountain, provided initial inspiration for his song themes reflecting working-class struggles and transient life. In the late and early , Putman attempted songwriting more seriously, achieving minor success with publications such as "I Think I Know," which reached the top 10 on the country charts when recorded by Marion Worth in 1960, "Sleep Baby Sleep," which hit number 20 on the country charts for Connie Hall in 1961, and "Little Black Book," reaching number 10 for in 1962. Putman's entry into the professional music industry accelerated during a 1963 visit to Nashville for the annual Association convention, where introduced him to Buddy Killen, co-founder and president of Tree Publishing Company. Impressed by Putman's talent, Killen invited him to relocate to Nashville and join Tree International as a , a role involving pitching songs to artists and producers; Putman accepted and moved permanently in January 1964, starting at a of $100 per week. At Tree, he also reviewed demo tapes from aspiring writers, earning a reputation as a "song doctor" for refining lyrics and melodies, though many of his early contributions remained uncredited as he focused on building connections within Nashville's tight-knit songwriting community. These early successes, along with demo recordings he produced to showcase material, helped establish his presence among industry figures like Killen and other Tree staff writers, laying the groundwork for his immersion in Nashville's scene before achieving widespread recognition.

Songwriting Breakthroughs

Curly Putman's songwriting career gained significant momentum in the mid-1960s after he joined Publishing in Nashville in 1964, where he honed his craft as a staff songwriter and began pitching songs to major artists. His first major breakthrough came with "," which he wrote in 1964 inspired by his childhood memories. Porter Wagoner's recording of the song, released in 1965, quickly climbed the charts, peaking at No. 4 on the Hot Country Singles chart and marking Putman's entry into the upper echelons of Nashville songwriting. The poignant narrative of a condemned man dreaming of home resonated widely, establishing Putman as a storyteller capable of blending emotional depth with commercial appeal. Building on this success, Putman co-wrote "My Elusive Dreams" in 1966 with producer , drawing from his own experiences of transient jobs and relocations in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The duet version by David Houston and , released that year, propelled the song to No. 1 on the Hot Country Singles chart in September 1967, where it held the top position for three weeks and became Wynette's first chart-topping hit. This success solidified Putman's reputation for crafting relatable tales of struggle and aspiration, contributing to over a million records sold in its initial run and highlighting his growing influence in the duet-driven country scene. In 1968, Putman collaborated with on "," a clever and heartbreaking portrayal of marital dissolution spelled out to shield a from the word's . Tammy Wynette's recording of the song reached No. 1 on the Hot Country Singles chart on June 29, 1968, topping the chart for three weeks and crossing over to No. 63 on the Hot 100. The track's innovative structure and emotional punch exemplified Putman's versatility, further cementing his status as a Nashville essential during the decade. Throughout the , these hits propelled Putman to become a cornerstone of , with his songs collectively amassing multiple chart-toppers and millions in sales, transforming Tree Publishing into a powerhouse for hits. By the end of the decade, Putman's output had earned him widespread recognition among artists and publishers, positioning him as one of the era's most bankable songwriters.

Recording Efforts

Curly Putman began his recording career in the late 1950s, signing with the small label and releasing his debut single, "The Prison Song," in 1960. The track, one of his own compositions, achieved modest success by peaking at number 23 on the chart, marking his highest-charting effort as a performer. This early release showcased Putman's raw, emotive vocal delivery rooted in traditional storytelling, though it did not propel him to stardom as an artist. By the mid-1960s, Putman shifted his focus toward songwriting in Nashville, but he continued limited recording efforts after signing with in 1967. His debut album with the label, Lonesome Country of Curly Putman, included self-recordings of his compositions such as "," highlighting his straightforward, heartfelt style influenced by balladry. That year, he released the single "," co-written with , which reached number 41 on the chart, while another single, "Hummin' A Heartache," followed with even more subdued performance. These efforts underscored Putman's challenges as a performer—his talents lay more in crafting and melodies than in presence or vocal prowess, leading to only modest commercial results overall. Putman's 1969 ABC album, Curly Putman's World of Country Music, featured additional self-recorded originals but similarly received limited attention. By the early 1970s, a brief stint with yielded no significant hits, prompting him to fully transition away from performing to prioritize his thriving songwriting career at Tree Publishing. This pivot allowed Putman to channel his creative energy into hits for other artists, where his work found far greater acclaim and impact.

Notable Songs

Major Hits as Songwriter

One of Curly Putman's most enduring contributions to came in 1980 with "," co-written with and recorded by on his album I Am What I Am. The song topped the Hot Country Singles chart for one week and earned widespread acclaim as one of the genre's greatest recordings, winning the (CMA) Song of the Year award in both 1980 and 1981, as well as a Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance. Its themes of profound loss and finality in love resonated deeply, cementing its status as a timeless classic frequently cited in rankings of essential country songs. In 1967, Putman wrote "Dumb Blonde," which became Dolly Parton's debut single, reaching No. 24 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and launching her recording career.) In the , Putman continued building on his earlier successes with hits that explored raw emotion and narrative depth, such as "Blood Red and Goin' Down," recorded by in 1973. This dark tale of familial tragedy reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, showcasing Putman's ability to craft vivid, storytelling-driven compositions that captured the complexities of human struggle. Another notable entry was "It Don't Feel Like Sinnin' to Me," co-written with Michael Kosser and performed by in 1978, which climbed to No. 2 on the country charts and highlighted Putman's evolving exploration of moral ambiguity in relationships. In 1979, Putman co-wrote "It's a Cheating Situation" with Braddock, recorded as a duet by Moe Bandy and Janie Fricke, which topped the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and won the Academy of Country Music Song of the Year award. Putman's 1980s output further demonstrated his versatility, particularly through a series of chart-topping songs for T.G. Sheppard, including "Do You Wanna Go to Heaven" (co-written with Bucky Jones) and "I'll Be Coming Back for More" (co-written with Sterling Whipple), both of which hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1980. These tracks shifted toward themes of redemption and hope, contrasting earlier heartbreak narratives while maintaining Putman's signature emotional authenticity; "Do You Wanna Go to Heaven" in particular addressed spiritual reflection amid life's temptations. Over his career, Putman penned songs that achieved more than a dozen No. 1 positions on the country charts, with his 1970s and 1980s work underscoring a progression from visceral pain to themes of healing and perseverance.

Key Collaborations

Curly Putman formed a significant long-term songwriting partnership with Bobby Braddock after both joined Tree Publishing Company in Nashville in the mid-1960s, where Putman initially helped promote Braddock's early compositions. Their collaboration produced several landmark country hits, including the 1968 Tammy Wynette single "D-I-V-O-R-C-E," which became Braddock's first No. 1 and showcased their ability to blend melancholy themes with an upbeat melody to evoke emotional depth. Another pivotal co-write was "He Stopped Loving Her Today" for George Jones in 1980; the duo finalized the song swiftly, completing it and entering the studio for a demo in a single session the day after producer Billy Sherrill's approval, countering myths of a prolonged creation process. Putman's partnerships extended to tailoring songs for prominent artists, enhancing their repertoires with material that aligned with their styles and career needs. He penned "" specifically for , whose 1965 recording propelled it to No. 4 on the country charts and established it as a staple. Similarly, Putman co-wrote "" with producer for the 1967 duet by David Houston and , capturing themes of restless wandering that resonated with Wynette's emerging persona as a of relational strife; the track topped the country charts and marked Wynette's first major duet success. His work with Wynette continued through "," a custom piece reflecting her personal experiences with divorce, which not only solidified her stardom but also earned Wynette a 1968 Grammy nomination for Best Country Vocal Performance, Female. At Tree Publishing, Putman contributed to in-house demo sessions, screening new material and collaborating with Nashville's elite "A-Team" session musicians—such as guitarist Grady Martin and steel guitarist —to refine songs for artist pitches. These interactions honed his craft amid the collaborative energy of , where he often worked alongside Braddock and other writers in the company's demo band to produce polished recordings that attracted top talent. Such partnerships amplified Putman's output, leading to co-write credits on tracks that garnered critical acclaim, including the Grammy nomination for Wynette's "," and underscored his role in bridging songwriting creativity with studio execution.

Awards and Recognition

Hall of Fame Inductions

Curly Putman was inducted into the on October 10, 1976, during a ceremony held at the Sheraton South in . This event marked the induction of six BMI-affiliated songwriters, including Putman alongside Carl Belew, , , (posthumously), and , with Bob Jennings serving as master of ceremonies. The honor recognized Putman's hit-making prowess, highlighted by earlier successes such as "Green, Green Grass of Home," which had achieved widespread popularity through recordings by in 1965 and in 1966. The 1976 induction came at the height of Putman's career momentum, following a string of chart-topping compositions in the late and early that solidified his reputation in country music. Peers like , who would later record Putman's co-written "He Stopped Loving Her Today" in 1980, benefited from his narrative-driven songcraft; the event emphasized the collective impact of the inductees on the genre. Living honorees, including Putman, received a symbolic "Manny" award—a carved hand holding a pen—to commemorate their contributions. In 1993, Putman was elected to the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, honoring his roots in Princeton, , where he was born in 1930. The induction occurred during a ceremony at the Von Braun Civic Center in Huntsville, alongside fellow Alabamians , , , and the band . This recognition underscored Putman's enduring ties to his home state and his role in elevating Alabama's presence in country music through timeless songs that captured universal themes of love and loss.

Songwriting Awards

Curly Putman's songwriting achievements were prominently recognized through competitive awards from major industry organizations, particularly for his collaborations that produced timeless country hits. His co-written song "It's a Cheating Situation" (1979) won the (ACM) Song of the Year award. His co-written song "" with garnered the (CMA) Song of the Year award in both 1980 and 1981, a rare back-to-back honor that underscored the song's exceptional storytelling and emotional depth. The same composition also won the ACM Song of the Year in 1980, further affirming its critical and commercial dominance. In addition to these wins, "" earned Putman and Braddock a nomination for Best Country Song at the in 1980. Putman's broader catalog received extensive validation through (BMI), where he accumulated 36 awards over his career for outstanding and performance of his songs, including Million Performance awards for hits like "" and "." These recognitions, often tied to specific songs' radio success and chart longevity, elevated Putman's standing among Nashville's elite songwriters, demonstrating his consistent ability to craft narratives that resonated deeply with audiences and performers alike.

Legacy and Influence

Impact on Country Music

Curly Putman's songwriting profoundly shaped the narrative-driven style of , particularly through his emphasis on emotional depth in exploring themes of and . His compositions often wove intricate, heartfelt stories that captured the raw vulnerabilities of human relationships, as seen in songs like "," which tells a poignant tale of longing and regret, and "," a masterful depiction of enduring heartbreak. Putman himself noted that much of his work centered on "found and lost ," reflecting the genre's traditional emotional core while infusing it with vivid, relatable that resonated deeply with listeners. Putman's contributions extended to the evolution of Nashville's countrypolitan sound, where his hits bridged traditional elements with pop accessibility, helping to broaden the genre's appeal in the late and . Collaborations with producer on tracks such as "D.I.V.O.R.C.E." and "" exemplified this fusion, incorporating lush orchestration and sophisticated arrangements that softened 's rough edges without diluting its narrative authenticity. These songs not only topped charts but also crossed over to pop audiences, solidifying Putman's role in refining the polished, urban-influenced aesthetic that defined countrypolitan. As a fixture in Nashville's Music Row ecosystem, Putman collaborated with writers such as , co-writer of "He Stopped Loving Her Today," and , influencing a generation through shared work at Tree Publishing Company, where he honed his craft after moving to Nashville in 1964. His presence fostered a collaborative culture that emphasized storytelling integrity amid commercial pressures. Putman's enduring statistical legacy underscores his impact, with his songs covered hundreds of times across genres and accumulating millions of radio airplays. For instance, "" has been recorded hundreds of times and boasts more than 2 million BMI-tracked performances, while "" has been covered by numerous artists from to . These metrics, alongside 36 awards, affirm his songs' pervasive influence on and recordings.

Broader Cultural Reach

Putman's song "," originally a hit, achieved significant crossover success through ' 1966 cover, which topped the for seven weeks and became one of the decade's biggest pop smashes. The track's dramatic style resonated widely, selling over one million copies in the UK alone and marking Jones' second number-one single there. This version's popularity inspired Elvis Presley's 1975 recording, featured on his album , which further amplified the song's appeal in mainstream pop and rock audiences. Beyond the charts, Putman's work influenced rock icons, notably serving as the backdrop for Paul McCartney's 1974 single "Junior's Farm" by Wings. McCartney, while staying at Putman's Lebanon, Tennessee farm during a creative retreat, drew inspiration from the rural surroundings and Putman's full name, Claude "Curly" Putman Jr., to pen the upbeat track about escaping to a simple farm life. The song, released as a single, peaked at No. 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100, blending country roots with rock energy and highlighting Putman's indirect role in pop-rock songwriting. Putman's compositions extended internationally, with "Green, Green Grass of Home" becoming a staple in through Jones' version, which dominated airwaves in countries like and alongside its triumph, contributing to global sales exceeding several million units for non-country adaptations. In , the song gained traction via localized covers and media exposure, though specific sales figures for those regions remain less documented compared to European markets. His songs also permeated film and television, broadening their cultural footprint outside Nashville. "D-I-V-O-R-C-E," co-written with Bobby Braddock, appeared in the 1970 drama Five Easy Pieces, performed by Tammy Wynette, underscoring themes of marital strife in a cinematic context. The same track featured in Ang Lee's 2005 film Brokeback Mountain, again via Wynette's rendition, tying into narratives of emotional turmoil and reaching arthouse audiences. Additionally, "Green, Green Grass of Home" (Porter Wagoner version) soundtracked scenes in Alexander Payne's 2013 road movie Nebraska, evoking themes of homecoming and regret, while Bobby Bare's cover played in the 2017 Netflix series Stranger Things (Season 2, Episode 5), introducing the song to younger, genre-diverse viewers.

Death

Final Years

In the 2000s, Putman largely stepped back from full-time songwriting, occasionally participating in Nashville music events and interviews that highlighted his enduring contributions to country music. He released his final album, Write 'em Sad – Sing 'em Lonesome, on August 31, 2010, an 11-track collection featuring his own renditions of signature compositions like "Green, Green Grass of Home" and "D-I-V-O-R-C-E," produced with guest appearances from artists including Dolly Parton. Putman suffered from congestive and in the years leading up to his death, while residing in , near Nashville with his wife, Bernice, and son, Troy. In a 2016 interview, he reflected on his career with , stating, "Everything I write is pretty sad... I believe that touches of all ages," emphasizing the deep emotional resonance of his work and his gratitude for its lasting influence on performers like and .

Circumstances of Death

Claude "Curly" Putman Jr. died on October 30, 2016, at the age of 85, at his home in . The cause of death was congestive heart failure and , as confirmed by his son, Troy Putman. Putman had been dealing with complications from these conditions following a lengthy illness. His family described his passing as peaceful. Funeral services were held on November 2, 2016, with visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at College Hills Church of Christ in Lebanon, followed by a service at 3:30 p.m. at the same location. Arrangements were handled by Partlow Funeral Chapel in Lebanon. He was buried at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Lebanon, Tennessee.

Discography

Studio Albums

Curly Putman's recording career as a performer was relatively brief, spanning three studio albums released over four decades, which showcased his gravelly voice interpreting both his own compositions and covers in the traditional . These projects highlighted his songwriting prowess through self-penned tracks while reflecting the evolving of their eras, though commercial success as an artist eluded him despite his hits as a writer. Produced primarily in Nashville studios, the albums featured collaborations with notable industry figures and emphasized heartfelt, lonesome themes central to his oeuvre. His debut album, Lonesome Country of Curly Putman, was released in October 1967 by ABC-Paramount Records (ABCS-618) and produced by Buddy Killen at Columbia Recording Studio in Nashville during sessions in March and August of that year. The record captured Putman's raw, emotive delivery on 10 tracks, including self-penned standouts like "Green, Green Grass of Home" and "My Elusive Dreams," alongside covers such as "Untouchable You" and "What I'd Give to Be the Wind." No guest artists were credited, but the production emphasized steel guitar and fiddle to underscore the album's melancholic, rural country vibe, earning praise for Putman's authentic storytelling as a performer. Despite featuring material that would become massive hits for others, the album achieved modest visibility without notable chart success. In 1969, Putman followed with Curly Putman's World of Country Music on ABC-Paramount (ABCS-686), produced by and recorded in November 1968 at the same Nashville studio. This 10-track effort explored broader themes of and everyday life, with titles evoking places and universal experiences like " Sun," "Talking to the Grass," and the self-written "," which highlighted his knack for poignant, relatable narratives. The album's title suggested an ambition to position on a global stage, incorporating upbeat and reflective songs without featured guests, backed by tight session musicians on pedal steel and . It received positive critical nods for its quality but, like its predecessor, saw limited sales and no significant chart performance, underscoring Putman's stronger reputation as a talent. Putman's final studio album, Write 'em Sad – Sing 'em Lonesome, emerged in via Engelhardt Music Group as a self-produced effort alongside Adam Engelhardt, recorded fresh in Nashville at the age of 79. This 11-track collection revisited his catalog with new interpretations, including self-penned classics like and blended with originals such as "Radio Lover" and "Footprints." Guest appearances added star power, featuring on "Made for Loving You," on "Only Oklahoma Away," and Sarah Johns on supported by , , and harmonious backing vocals to evoke balladry. Billed as a late-career statement, it included new reflecting on his songwriting legacy and was lauded for its emotional depth and faithful nod to traditional sounds, though it remained a niche release without commercial charts.

Charting Singles

Curly Putman achieved modest success as a recording in the , with three s charting on the charts. His debut , "The Prison Song," released in 1960 on Cherokee Records, marked his highest-charting effort, peaking at No. 23 on the Hot Country Singles chart and remaining on the chart for 23 weeks. In 1967, Putman released "My Elusive Dreams," a song he co-wrote with , which peaked at No. 41 on the country chart. Later that year, his single "Set Me Free" entered the country chart, reaching No. 67. The 1967 releases appeared on Putman's album Lonesome Country (1967).

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