I have listened to Glen Campbell's version of "Take These Chains from My heart" a few times but never quite appreciated just how well he recorded it, until today. A slower tempo than the Hank Williams version. So much heart and soul from Glen, lifts this song into another category, much the same way Jim Reeves was so famous for in every song he ever recorded. Listening today to Glen's version, I can only imagine how well Jim would have added his magic and make it a hit for many Generations to enjoy.
This song was written in 1952 and recorded by Hank Williams at his final recording session on September 23, 1952. Really odd in a way, because I always thought Hank wrote this song. It was written be Fred Rose and Hy Heath.
A quick search on YouTube, you will find Glen's version. Have a listen, see if you agree that the song is a treasure, and remember back to Jim Reeves and how this song would sound, with Jim's ability to 'own' any song he ever recorded.
Thank you for reading. Hope some may agree.. Best of the summer season to all !!
Re: A song From Long Ago
Posted by Mike Slater on May 18, 2025, 10:21 pm, in reply to "A song From Long Ago"
Yes, this is a great song and 3 great artists have recorded their own classic versions- Hank Williams, Rau Charles and Glen Csmpbell. I also agree that this tune would have been perfect for Jim. Who knows which classic songs from the past 6 decades Jim would have chosen to take into thr studio and record his own definitive version. Unfortunately,, we will never know. But quite often, I hear a song that I believe the one and only Jim Reeves could have made his own. This is one of those songs...
Just listened to this song on YouTube. It is positively sung in the style of Jim Reeves.
I agree, Jim would have made it his own, and possibly might have become a classic.
Good find.
Re: A song From Long Ago
Posted by Gary Bryson on May 24, 2025, 9:27 am, in reply to "A song From Long Ago"
I like Glen's version of this great old song. Glen was a remarkable talent. Good singer. Amazing guitar player. A popular session musician even though he did not read music.
"Take These Chains" would have been a great song for Jim. I think Jim would have set the standard for singing it. Of course it would have been a bit unfair since Jim's voice was better than that of anyone else.
on May 17, 2025, 7:33 pm