| "The Last Letter" | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Single byRex Griffin | |
| B-side | "Over the River" |
| Published | December 27, 1939 (1939-12-27) M. M. Cole Publishing Co.[1] |
| Released | June 1937 (1937-06) |
| Recorded | May 13, 1937 (1937-05-13)[2] |
| Studio | New York |
| Genre | Hillbilly |
| Length | 3:03 |
| Label | Decca 5383 |
| Songwriter | Rex Griffin |
"The Last Letter" is a song written by country music singerRex Griffin. Griffin wrote the song in 1937, after he was left by his wife. The song tells through a suicidal letter the feelings of an older man who is left by his young wife. The song, released onDecca Records became a hit for Griffin.
A standard of country music, the tune was covered by diverse acts.Jimmie Davis' 1939 version became a hit, while it was covered by diverse country acts.
In 1937, singer-songwriterRex Griffin wrote "The Last Letter" while he was living inNew Orleans, Louisiana.[3] He was inspired to write the song after he was left by his wife.[4] The lyrics told the story of a suicide letter[5] written by a common man directed to a woman seeking a rich husband and the finer things in life. It described his bitterness, and pain for the end of their romance.[4] The song probably inspiredHank Williams's similar "A Mansion on the Hill."
Griffin recorded "The Last Letter" during a New York session on May 13, 1937.[3] The single, backed with "Over the River" on the flipside was released the same year onDecca Records. Despite that "The Last Letter" turned into a hit, the poor sales of Griffin caused his dismissal by the label in 1939.[6] That year, Griffin wrote and recorded a sequel called "Answer To The Last Letter". The song became later considered a standard ofCountry music.[7] By 1941,The Birmingham News reported it to be "one of the most popular boots and saddle songs played by drugstore cowboys".[8]
Country singerJimmie Davis recorded the song again in 1939, turning it again into a hit.[4] It was covered as well byThe Blue Sky Boys andThe Carter Family.[9]
In 1963,Ernest Tubb recorded a cover version for his Rex Griffin tribute albumJust Call Me Lonesome. The song was recorded atBradley's Barn studio on April 19, 1962, produced byOwen Bradley[10] Tubb, who was influenced by Griffin, had originally learned the song and others by Griffin that he would often perform. Both singers toured together, remaining friend until Griffin's death in 1958.[11] The same year,Willie Nelson recorded the song.Capitol Records released the song as the flipside of the single "Half a Man".[12]
The following year,Jack Greene released his version of the song on the albumErnest Tubb Presents the Texas Troubadours, becoming after its success a solo act.[13] "The Last Letter" was also covered byWaylon Jennings,Merle Haggard andGlen Campbell.[6]
Bob Dylan'sTo Ramona is a nod to Rex Griffin and his song The Last Letter.
