3 Reasons Why: Shel Silverstein and the songs that he wrote
Shel Silverstein, the music, is available on iTunes.
by Walter Price
Shel Silverstein, what do you associate that name with? Perhaps the books Now Here’s My Plan, The Lion Book, or Grab Your Socks? Perhaps you know the name of his popular children’s titles Uncle Shelby’s Zoo or Giraffe and a Half. But what about his music? In particular, his songwriting.
Having a career writing hit songs for the likes of Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show, Loretta Lynn, Judy Collins, Waylon Jennings, and Johnny Cash…Silverstein has been a part of some of the most iconic, if not a bit weird songs in recorded history. Did you know that? Maybe, you’re a music geek.
“Boy Named Sue”, “Cover of Rolling Stone”, and “Put Another Log on the Fire” are all Silverstein classics (hear them below). But his songbook is massive. It would worth your time to get yourself acquainted or reintroduced to the words of one of the most brilliant multifaceted characters pop-culture has ever produced.
Let’s celebrate this phenomenal songwriter with three all-time favorites.
SHEL SILVERSTEIN
Johnny Cash – A Boy Named Sue
Tompall Glaser – Put Another Log On The Fire
Dr.Hook – Cover Of Rolling Stone
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Three songs are barely a sample of the vast variety of Shel’s compositions for others. People are always surprised when I tell them that the same guy who wrote “A Boy Named Sue” was also responsible for “Sylvia’s Mother”, “One’s On the Way” and “The Unicorn”. Not to mention the entire album (“Lullabies, Legends and Lies”) of Silverstein-penned tunes that Bobby Bare put out.