Collections › Draft Songs
Draft Songs
603 songs · chronological within each section · A–Z by artist
Annotations and notes by Justin A. Brummer
Entries are numbered (#1, #2 …) for reference on this page; the numbers shift when entries are added or split.
Women Strike for Peace, "End the Draft!", c. 1960–1970, Daniel Wolf Collection of Protest Posters.1
A collection of Vietnam War songs referencing draft-related issues
This forms part of the larger Vietnam War Song Project, an interpretive examination of over 6,500 Vietnam War songs identified, revealing how the war's significance is represented through music. The project also collects spoken-word recordings about the conflict. This unique collection of voices advances scholarship by providing insights into people’s views about the war over time as represented in music, looking at diverse communities and vibrant music scenes. It is crucial in developing our knowledge of the war and the humanities, through the use of a digital research platform.Note: The VWSP has identified, to date, 600+ songs about the draft, conscription and draft resistance.
YouTube Playlist: Vietnam - Draft
Citation: Justin A. Brummer, Vietnam War Song Project (VWSP) — Draft Songs, vietnamwarsongproject.com/list/draft-songs, accessed 12 November 2026
Introduction
Beyond Draft, the songs in this collection most often also deal with: Anti-War, Soldier's Perspective, Patriotic, Draft Card Burning.
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Note: Songs in this sections deal with the US draft: anti, pro, or in-between. Songs may fall into multiple groups e.g. a conscientious objector may be a pacifist, or that could be used as a legal deferment.
With a large number of baby boomers reaching the eligible age for military service during the Vietnam War era, the draft become a major protest issue, which is reflected in songs. According to the Veteran's Administration, of the 9.2 million who served 1964-1975, about 3.5 million went to Vietnam, and the draft raised 2,215,000 of those.
The US started to build their modern draft system in the mid-1920s which culminated in the 1940 Selective Training and Service Act (STSA). This was updated in 1950 to deal with the needs of the Korean War, with the Universal Military Training and Service Act. This lowered the conscription age from 19 to 18, and increased active duty service from 21 to 24 months. The Military Selective Service Act of 1967 under President Johnson expanded the conscription to the ages of 18 to 35. In 1969, Nixon amended the Military Selective Service Act of 1967, introducing a random draft 'lottery'.1 Nixon pledged to end the draft in the 1968 presidential campaign. By 1970 Nixon had reduced the number of US troops from 550,000 to 260,000, and casualties fell from 16,000 in 1968 to only 600 in 1972. By the 1973 the draft had ended. Also note that in 1964 the Australian Government also re-introduced conscription (from World War Two) to send troops to Vietnam in support of their US ally.
Sources
Time Period & Criteria
- Pre-Gulf of Tonkin: 1960-1964
While many of these early songs may have been intending to refer to US troops in Germany, or Korea, or representing general Cold War fears, they were released in the run-up to the "Vietnam era" and the Gulf of Tonkin incident (1964), which led to a major escalation of US involvement in the conflict, and thus included in this list, as cultural perspectives. The criteria is the same as for the war years - the songs included mention Vietnam, or the lyrics deal with war-related themes, such as the draft, napalm, prisoners of war, demonstrations, references to soldiers and veterans, war & peace, and expressions of patriotism. - War Years: 1964-1975
Released during the key war years, the songs included mention Vietnam, or the lyrics deal with war-related themes, such as the draft, napalm, prisoners of war, demonstrations, references to soldiers and veterans, war & peace, and expressions of patriotism. While the war goes back to the 1954 Geneva conference, following the Gulf of Tonkin incident (1964), the US significantly expanded its presence in the region and its defence of South Vietnam, and thus using this date as the beginning of the core war years. These run to the collapse of South Vietnam (30 April 1975), in two periods: (a) 1964-1972, the years of major US combat involvement, up to the peace agreement; (b) 1973-1975, from the Paris Peace Accords (27 January 1973), which brought US troops and prisoners of war home, to the collapse of South Vietnam. - Post-War: 1976-present
Themes especially found in the post-Vietnam War era are lyrics about post-traumatic stress disorder, prisoners of war and the missing in action, the plight and treatment of veterans, and agent orange. This starts from the Paris Peace Accords (27 January 1973). Note the collapse of South Vietnam (29 April 1975). It's then split by decade: 70s, 80s, 90, 2000s.
Themes
- Draft Patriotic:
Support for the govt., pride to fight and serve in the military, loyalty to the country. May define their position as anti-protest / draft card burning etc. - Draft Duty:
Importance of fulfilling their duty and being law-abiding citizens. - Draft Reluctance:
Lack of eagerness to go to war – any war in general – rather than politically for or against. - Draft Dodging:
Evade the draft through legal deferment (e.g. medical, education etc.) or running from authorities (e.g. from the US to Canada etc.). - Draft Resistance:
Strong opposition to the war, calling for draft card burning, refusing to register at the board, legal action against the government etc. - Draft Inequality:
Inequality in draft system e.g. race (also classified under Civil Rights), social-economic, age discrepancy (Voting Rights – old enough to fight, but not to vote or buy alcohol etc.). - Draft Card Burning:
Specific mention of draft card burning – whether anti, pro, or ambivalent. Often took place at the early anti-war demonstrations. - Amnesty:
The issue of pardoning Vietnam War draft dodgers and deserters. Many for and against amnesty. 16 September 1974 – Gerald Ford conditional amnesty for draft dodgers (must hold public sector job for 2 years). 21 January 1974 – Jimmy Carter unconditional amnesty for draft dodgers (excluding deserters and convicted civilian protesters).
Note: This list also includes songs related to the Australian draft during the Vietnam War
Sources
Highlights
By 1966 and 1967, as troop numbers increased, artists expressed their reluctance to fight. In the Pennsylvania garage rock song "Hey! Uncle Sam" (1966), The Combenashuns reminded the youth audience that "a cold is not the only thing you can catch from a draft". Phil Ochs' folk classic "Draft Dodger Rag" (1965) listed ways for people to avoid going to Vietnam: "I got a ruptured spleen… I always carry a purse… my poor old invalid aunt… I'm goin' to school…and I'm addicted to a thousand drugs". In one of the standout novelty tracks, Chicago garage group Seeds of Euphoria, fed up with the war by 1967, advised LBJ: "Let’s Send Batman to Viet Nam".
Draft inequality was a major theme. The Midnight Sons in "Draft Time Blues" (1966) wrote to a Congressman to help end the draft, who responded "I like you son, but you are too young to vote". Gary Laster emphasised in "A Drafted Minor" (1969) the absurd legal discrepancies affecting those drafted: draft age 18, voting and drinking age 21. The protest movement helped drive the move for lowering the voting age to 18 in 1971 through the 26th Amendment. Billy Watkins' soul record "We Need You to Register to Vote" (1972) called on young protesters to influence policy through the ballot. Creedence Clearwater Revival noted inequality between the rich and poor in the blues rock tune "Fortunate Son" (1969), inspired by President Eisenhower’s grandson, David, who avoided the draft by joining the reserves.
The line between the "hawks" and "doves" was clearly demarcated in songs relating to the draft. While Steppenwolf praised the "courage" of the "Draft Resister" (1969), Smiley Smith released the single "I Wish I Had a Draft Card". Merle Haggard noted that "we don't burn our draft cards down on Main Street" on the song "Okie From Muskogee" (1969), which was originally composed in jest, but became one of the most popular conservative, patriotic songs defending Middle America and attacking the counter-culture. Draft card burning was common, despite being prohibited by LBJ in August 1965, the subject of "Don’t Burn It" by Texas garage group The Barons (1966).
On 11 November 1967, Michigan DJ Victor Lundberg’s viciously divisive "An Open Letter to My Teenage Son" hit the Billboard Hot 100, selling over 250,000 singles in two days. He declared to his son that "if you decide to burn your draft card then burn your birth certificate", because then "I have no son". Thirteen days later, the newly formed group Every Father's Teenage Son released "A Letter to Dad" responding with moral opposition to the draft. By December, eight answer records appeared, displaying that both sides viewed music as a powerful tool of communication.
1960-1964
In the 1964 presidential election 2/3rds of Americans said that they paid little or no attention to Vietnam.1 However, the Vietnam conflict had started to rise in the news agenda. The US had over 15,000 personnel in South Vietnam - mainly military experts, for training and support. Furthermore, on 7 August 1964, the US Congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, following a naval clash between North Vietnam and US forces, which permitted President Lyndon B. Johnson (1963-1969) to send conventional forces to Vietnam.2 Thus, Vietnam started to become a focal point in the news and with topical singers.
- 8 November 1960: John F. Kennedy defeats Richard Nixon in US presidential election
- 20 December 1960: National Liberation Front (NFL) or the Viet Cong is established
- 2 November 1962: South Vietnamese leader Diem executed in coup
- 22 November 1963: Lyndon Baines Johnson becomes US president following Kennedy assassination
- 2-4 August 1964: North Vietnam attacks US ships in Gulf of Tonkin
- 7 August 1964: Gulf of Tonkin Resolution passed by US Congress, permitting intervention
- 3 November 1964: Johnson re-elected US president
1961
#1 Wilbert Harrison Drafted 1961 · Single · Drafted / My Heart Is Yours · Fury [New York] # 1055 · USA
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Wilbert Harrison, blues and R&B artist, born on 5 January 1929 in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, he died on 26 October 1994 in Spencer, North Carolina, USA. Released in 1961, the song "Drafted" (Fury Records # 1055) was just before the main period of the Vietnam War - no specific war is mentioned, however it is a good piece of contemporary blues representing the possibility of being drafted at the time. Reluctantly, the narrator informs his partner that "I got to meet that recruitin'… Notes
Fury Records 1055, matrix F 2009, 45 R.P.M., "Preview Copy"; "Drafted" (W. Harrison), 2:25, Fast Music - Wilberton Music; "Sehorn & Robinson Production".… #2 The Valadiers Greetings (This Is Uncle Sam) 1961 · Single · Greetings (This Is Uncle Sam) / Take a Chance · Miracle # MIR-6 · USA
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The Valadiers formed in 1959 in Detroit, and signed to one of Berry Gordy's many Motown Records subsidiaries, one of the first white bands to do so. The original line-up of the four-piece vocal group consisted of Jerry Light, Stuart Avig, Martin Coleman, and Art Glasser. The group released the doo-wop song "Greeting (This Is Uncle Sam)" (Miracle Records # MI-6) which dealt with general conscription / the draft during the Vietnam War period - although it could have been referencing… Notes
Miracle Records MIR-6 (ZTSC 84119, H 849), 45 RPM, black label with stars; "Greetings (This Is Uncle Sam)" (P. Bennett), 2:33, Jobete, BMI; produced by… #3 The Elgins Uncle Sam's Man 1961 · Single · Uncle Sam's Man / Casey Cop · Flip # 45-353 · USA
#4 Lightnin' Hopkins War Is Starting Again 1961 · Single · Got Me a Louisiana Woman / War Is Starting Again · Ivory # 91272 · USA
Credited on the record as Lightning Hopkins and His Guitar.
Annotation
Lightnin' Hopkins, born Sam Hopkins on 15 March 1912, in Centreville, Texas, recorded extensively from the 1940s-1970s, typically playing blues in the style that came out of his native Texas, like Blind Lemon Jefferson (acoustic / electric Texas blues). Often singing about topical events, such as the Korean War and Great Depression, in the mid-late 1960s he turned his attention to Vietnam. He died in Houston Texas on 30 January 1982.1 He released several Vietnam War-related songs (see…Notes
Ivory Records 91272B, 45 R.P.M.; "War Is Starting Again" (Hopkins - Semiens), 2:45, Allee Music Publ., BMI; "Lightning Hopkins and His Guitar". Label…1962
#5 The Four Preps The Big Draft 1962 · Single · The Big Draft / Suzy Cocroach · Capitol # 4716 · USA
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Possibly the earliest reference to the Vietnam War in the lyrics of a song on this list so far. The track "The Big Draft" (Capitol Records # 4716) was a medley recorded in December 1961 at North Hollywood High School. It is a comedy piece, calling on the government to draft competing musicians, in order to eliminate the artistic competition. The insensitive approach may be due to it being written many years before the US had a serious troop commitment to Vietnam. Support for South…Notes
Capitol 4716 (45-36902), orange and yellow swirl label, "Mfd. by Capitol Records, Inc., U.S.A."; "The Big Draft" (BMI), 4:49, a medley listing "I'll Never… #6 The Goldcoast Singers Please Mr. Kennedy 1962 · Album · Here They Are! · World Pacific # WP-1806 · USA
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The Goldcoast Singers took a satirical approach to the draft, expressing their reluctance to head out to war in the song "Please Mr. Kennedy" (World Pacific Records # WP-1806). The duo met in 1959 while at college in Fresno, California, and formed the group soon after while studying in Monterey, probably around 1960-1961. George Cromarty, seen on the left of the album cover, and Ed Rush, seen on the right, were occasionally joined by the female vocalist Melinda Stevens. While in San… #7 Big Joe Williams Army Man Blues 1962 · Album · Blues For 9 Strings · Prestige Bluesville # BVLP-1056 · USA
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Big Joe Williams (1903-1982), delta blues guitar player, born Joseph Lee Williams, in Crawford Mississippi, used a nine-string acoustic guitar, giving his delta style an interesting, unique sound. He released the song "Army Man Blues" (Bluesville Records # BV 1056) in the early 60s, pre-Gulf of Tonkin period, about receiving the draft call, noting "when you get twenty-one boy you know you're in the government's hands". The song actually references Europe, "I got a big gun way in the…Notes
Track B4 'Army Man Blues'. Personnel: Big Joe Williams (guitar, vocals), Willie Dixon (bass), Larry Johnson (harmonica). Producer Kenneth S. Goldstein;… #8 Luke Miles War Time Blues 1962 · Single · Long Gone / War Time Blues · Smash # S-1755 · USA
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Luke Miles, musician in the Electric Texas Blues genre, thought to be a protégé of Lightnin' Hopkins, having moved to Houston, Texas in the 1950s. He was born on 8 May 1925 in Lachute, Louisiana, USA, and died on 22 November 1987 in Los Angeles, California, USA. The song "War Time Blues" (Smash Records # S-1755), recorded on 5 February 1962 in Los Angeles, featuring Sonny Terry on harmonica, and Brownie McGhee on acoustic guitar, dealt with the draft in the build-up to escalation in…Notes
Credited on Discogs as Luke "Long Gone" Miles, Smash Records S-1755, 7" 45 RPM. Discogs release 8863693 is a promo pressing "Long Gone" (2:57) / "War Time… #9 Memphis Willie B. Uncle Sam Blues 1962 · Album · Hard Working Man Blues · Prestige Bluesville # BVLP 1048 · USA
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Acoustic Blues artist, born on 4 November 1911 in Shelby County, Tennessee, USA, he died on 5 October 1993 in Memphis, Tennessee. He released the early Vietnam War-era draft song, "Uncle Sam Blues" (Bluesville Records #1048), in which the narrator explained to his daughter that "Uncle Sam's havin' trouble overseas" . He continues that "the doctor done okayed me...I got to check with my local board" . Released in 1962, it was probably a little early to be specifically about Vietnam, but… #10 Teddy Reynolds and The Twisters I Thought the War Was Over 1962 · Album · The Twist · Crown # CLP 5245 · USA
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Teddy Reynolds, Blues artists, especially known for playing the piano, born on 12 July 1931 in Houston, Texas, USA, and died on 1 October 1998 in Houston, Texas, USA. He grew up in Houston's 'Third Ward', played piano in bootleg houses and joined the house band at the Third Ward nightclub Shady's Playhouse, playing with Electric Texas Blues artists Johnny Copeland, Albert Collins and other Texas artists, such as Joe Medwick and Amos Milburn. He recorded in the 50s and 60s, especially…Notes
Track B5 'I Thought The War Was Over'. Mono LP, black label with multi-color Crown logo (Crown Records, Bihari brothers). A stereo issue exists as Crown…1963
#11 Pete Seeger The Willing Conscript 1963 · Album · Broadside Ballads Volume 2 · Folkways # FW05302 · USA
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Released in 1963 (Folkways Records # FW05302), on this album Seeger played songs that first appeared in Broadside Magazine. Produced by Sis Cunningham, the booklet said that "this banjo picker can tell you...there has been a flood of new songs written in the USA during the last year...from this record I hope you get an idea of the wide ranging talents of the songwriters". This included the well-known conscription / draft song "The Willing Conscript" composed by Tom Paxton. The lyrics… #12 The Sherwoods Uncle Sam 1963 · Single · Three Love Letters Ago / Uncle Sam · V-Tone # V-506 · USA
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The song "Uncle Sam" (V-Tone Records # V-506) by the soulful girl group The Sherwoods, out of Philadelphia, was a draft and soldier boy themed song, probably released around 1965-67. Narrated from the perspective of a soldier's sweetheart, she recalled that her "boyfriend got a letter" . So she sung out "Uncle Sam, please don't take my boyfriend away" . Eventually she accepted that he will have to go fight, and thus she asked Uncle Sam to "bring him back to my arms some day" . Composed…Notes
V-Tone Records V-506-B, orange label; "Uncle Sam" (Harry Moffitt) (Copyright No. Eu780417), Tore Music & Caldwell Music, BMI, time 2:09; Bill Massey arr.,… #13 Snooky Pryor Uncle Sam Don't Take My Man 1963 · Single · Uncle Sam Don't Take My Man / Boogie Twist · J.O.B. # 1126 · USA
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Snooky Pryor, born James Edward Pryor on 15 September 1921 in Lambert, Mississippi, USA. He died on 18 October 2006 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, USA. Known for his harmonic playing, he was part of the Chicago Blues scene. He served in the US army during World War Two. The song "Uncle Sam Don't Take My Man" (J.O.B. Records # 1126), released on Chicago, Illinois record label notes "every time I pick up a paper, I can read something about the war" . It looked at the domestic perspective, "… #14 J. D. Short Fighting for Dear Old Uncle Sam 1963 · Compilation · Blues From The Mississippi Delta · Folkways # FA 2467 · USA
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LP, split between two artists rather than a collaboration, features the song "Fighting for Dear Old Uncle Sam" (Folkways Records # FA 2467) by Delta Blues artist J.D. Short, born on 26 February 1902 in Port Gibson, Mississippi, USA, and died on 21 October 1962 in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. He played guitar and the harmonica. He moved to St. Louis in the mid-20s, and recorded music in the 30s. Serving in World War Two, like many of his contemporaries, he disappeared for a couple…Notes
On the various-artists compilation; track A5. Split LP credited Son House & J. D. Short; side A (A1-A5) by J. D. Short, side B by Son House (from Library…1964
#15 Mitchell Trio The Draft Dodger Rag 1964 · Album · The Slightly Irreverent Mitchell Trio · Mercury # MG 20944 · USA
Notes
Mercury Hi-Fidelity MG 20944, front cover titled "The Slightly Irreverent Mitchell Trio" with three colour photographs of the members, captioned Chad, Joe… #16 Little Buster & Henrietta Buchanan He's Gone 1964 · Looking for a Home · Sequel # NEM CD 76 · USA
Notes
"He's Gone" (Little Buster and Henrietta Buchanan) Recorded 1964, unreleased. Appeared on this compilation: "The Complete "Little Buster" Jubilee And…
#17 Nathan McKinney Weep No More 1964 · Single · Oh How I Love You / Weep No More · Rayco # R-526 · USA
Credited on the record as Nathan McKinney and Valleyites.
Annotation
Nathan McKinney recorded the doo-wop track "Weep No More" , composed by the blues man Len Johnson. The song, released on the Los Angeles based label Rayco Records (R-526), founded by Floyd Ray, contained themes of the Vietnam War. It is narrated from the soldier's perspective, who tells us that "Uncle Sam is calling for me" , and that he is resigned to leaving those he loves: "So I guess I'll have to go" . Covers song: Six Pak - "Weep No More" .Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Ray-Co R-526 (RC-426), vocal, 45 RPM, black label with silver saxophone and guitar logo; "Weep No More" (Len Johnson), 2:48, Bira Music, BMI; produced by… #18 Joyce & Linda New I'm the Girl 1964 · Single · I'm the Girl / Lines of Heartbreak · Split # 527 · USA
Notes
"I'm the Girl"Country music.
Domestic perspective - sweetheart left behind.
Notes
Split Records 527, pressed by Sound of Nashville (SoN 11512); B-side "Lines of Heartbreak" by Joyce New.Label: "I'm the Girl" (Joyce New), Hard Times…
1965
- 2 March: US Rolling Thunder bombing campaign of North Vietnam kicks-off
- 8 March: Escalation of US combat troops in Vietnam
- 17 April: 20,000 attend anti-war demonstration in Washington D.C.
- 28 April: Australian PM Menzies send battalion to South Vietnam
- 4 May: LBJ requests additional $700m for the war
- 5 May: Berkeley students burn draft cards at city's draft board
- 27 May: New Zealand PM Holyoake announces sending first troops to S. Vietnam
- 28 July: LBJ commits additional 50,000 troop to Vietnam
- 31 August: LBJ criminalizes destruction of draft card
- 27 November: March on Washington for Peace in Vietnam demonstration
- 28 November: Philippines announces sending troops to S. Vietnam
- 24 December: LBJ halts bombing campaign
- 31 December: US personnel in S. Vietnam total 184k+, up from 23k+ from a year earlier.
1965
#19 Barry McGuire Eve Of Destruction 1965 · Single · Eve of Destruction / What Exactly's the Matter With Me · Dunhill # 45-D-4009 · USA
Annotation
The song "Eve of Destruction" (Dunhill Records # 45-D-4009), written by P.F. Sloan is a very topical, early protest song, looking at both the Civil Rights movement and war. It was one of the most commercially successful Vietnam songs, reaching #1 in the US Billboard Hot 100 on 25 September 1965 after six weeks in the charts.1. The song was covered by many other artists, and is often referenced in articles and books discussing Vietnam & Cold War cultural song history. On 14 August…Notes
UK pressing RCA Victor RCA 1469 (matrix 70800), "New Orthophonic" High Fidelity, ℗ 1965, "USA No.: D-4009", Dick James M. Ltd., N.C.B., "Produced by… #20 Country Joe & The Fish I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-to-Die-Rag 1965 · EP · Rag Baby Talking Issue No. 1 · Rag Baby # RAG 1001 · USA
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Country Joe & The Fish formed in 1965, in Berkeley, California, and featured Country Joe McDonald, Barry Melton, David Cohen, Chicken Hirsh, and Bruce Barthol. McDonald and Bill Belmont founded the label Rag Baby which issued a magazines / pamphlets containing an EP.1 The track "I Feel Like I'm Fixin' to Die Rag" (Rag Baby Records # 1001) is one of the most well known and key of the Vietnam protest songs. Joe McDonald wrote the song in the summer of 1965 in just 30 minutes, after…Notes
The original recording. Side A of the split 7" EP Rag Baby Talking Issue No. 1 (Rag Baby RAG 1001, 33 rpm, limited edition, October 1965), with Peter Krug… #21 Phil Ochs Draft Dodger Rag 1965 · Album · I Ain't Marching Anymore · Elektra # EKS 7287 · USA
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The song "Draft Dodger Rag" (Elektra Records # EKS 7287), a satirical anti-war song that became an anthem of the peace movement in the 1960s, reached a more mainstream audience than other contemporary folk anti-war tracks, and several artists covered the song (although it made little commercial impact). Before the release of this 1965 album, Ochs performed the song at the 1964 Newport Folk Festival (23-26 July) - the live recording featured on the LP Newport Folk Festival 1964:… #22 Phil Ochs Days of Decision 1965 · Album · I Ain't Marching Anymore · Elektra # EKS 7287 · USA
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As suggested from the title of this song, "Days of Decision" , on the album I Ain't Marching Anymore (Elektra Records # EKS 7287) appears to be an answer or closely related theme to McGuire's "Eve of Destruction": "lookin' for an answer they're never gonna find... these are the days of decision" - a call to protest against the "far-reaching rockets" . It also contained a Civil Rights message: "warnings of fire... from the three bodies buried in the Mississippi mud" - a reference to the…Annotation: see “Draft Dodger Rag” above (same release).
#23 Denis Gibbons National Service Blues (Draft Dodger Blues) 1965 · Single · National Service Blues (Draft Dodger Blues) / Oleanna · W&G # WG-S-2594 · Australia
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Folk musician Denis Gibbons, born 1932 in Port Elliot, South Australia. He released the song "National Service Blues (Draft Dodger Blues)" (W & G Records # WG-S-2594), a cover of the Phil Ochs novelty about avoiding the draft. According to Warren Fahey, Australian folklore collector and cultural historian, Gibbons was a "life-long conservative voter", who in 1999 "claimed to have no recollection of ever having recorded the song". Fahey suggested the protest songs may have had… #24 Tom Paxton Lyndon Johnson Told The Nation 1965 · Album · Ain't That News · Elektra # EKL 298 · USA
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The song"Lyndon Johnson Told the Nation" (Elektra Records # EKL 298), one of the key tracks of the anti-war movement, provides an important representation of the "credibility gap"- that the US executive / president mislead the public about the growing US military commitment to the region, and the nature and impact of US intervention. On 4 August 1964, President Johnson gave a speech on the Gulf of Tonkin Incident, in which he told the American public that the US must take action… #25 Tom Paxton The Willing Conscript 1965 · Album · Ain't That News · Elektra # EKL 298 · USA
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The song "Willing Conscript" (Elektra Records # EKL-298) took a satirical approach to the draft, with sharp lyrics about a draftee off to war, who needed to learn how to kill: "I'll need instruction, sergeant, for I've never killed before" . As written immediately above, the lyrics and notation of the song first appeared in the June 1963 addition of Broadside # 28. Initially, Pete Seeger covered the track for Broadside, then Paxton performed the song at the Newport Folk Festival in… #26 Michael Nesmith The New Recruit 1965 · Single · The New Recruit / A Journey With Michael Blessing · Colpix # CP-787 · USA
Credited on the record as Michael Blessing.
Annotation
Michael Blessing - otherwise known as Michael Nesmith from the group The Monkees, born on 30 December 1942 in Houston, Texas, USA, and currently based in California - performed as a solo artist on this 1965 single. The track "The New Recruit" (Colpix Records # CP-787) was a cover of the Tom Paxton satirical song "The Willing Conscript" about a draftee off to war, who wanted to learn how to kill in order to fulfill his duty. Produced by Bob Krasnow and Sam Ashe.Annotation by Justin A.…
Notes
Song is a cover of Tom Paxton's Willing Conscript. Colpix Records CP-787 (10314), "A division of Columbia Pictures Corporation", New York; "The New… #27 Jan Berry The Universal Coward 1965 · Single · The Universal Coward / I Can't Wait to Love You · Liberty # 55845 · USA
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The song "Universal Coward" (Liberty Records # 55845), a patriotic track, can be seen as an answer to Buffy Sainte-Marie's "Universal Soldier" - both the same tune, but with lyrics representing opposite views. The narrator attacked the peace movement, draft card burning, and defended the role of the US in holding back communism and the USSR. The lyrics sought to define a participant of the anti-war movement, as "twisted...a pacifist, an extremist, a communist or just a yank, a… #28 Jerry Reed Fightin' for the U.S.A. 1965 · Single · Fightin' for the U.S.A. / Navy Blues · RCA Victor # 47-8730 · USA
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Country singer Jerry Reed (1937-2008) released the patriotic Vietnam song "Fightin' for the U.S.A." (RCA Victor # 47-8730). The b-side, "Navy Blues" , presumably related to the Vietnam conflict in light of the a-side, was an instrumental number, with acoustic guitar finger-picking and an up-tempo drum beat. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, his career mainly centred around Nashville, Tennessee, and this track had a country-rock sound. Billboard said on its release, in December 1965, that it's "…Notes
RCA Victor 47-8730, white "Not for Sale" promotional label; producer Chet Atkins; Lowery Music Co. Inc., BMI. "Fightin' for the U.S.A." (Jerry R.… #29 Jerry Reed Navy Blues 1965 · Single · Fightin' for the U.S.A. / Navy Blues · RCA Victor # 47-8730 · USA
Annotation: see “Fightin' for the U.S.A.” above (same release).
#30 Billy Carr What's Come Over This World? 1965 · Single · What's Come Over This World? / (Wait Till You See) My Gidget · Colpix # CP-791 · USA
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The song "What's Come Over This World" (Colpix Records # CP-791) written by Howard Greenfield and Jack Keller took a patriotic stance. It particular criticised the anti-war movement. The song noted draft card burning, calling them "an army of cowards" and that "while the country is in danger they just carry a sign" . It also made references to previous wars that the US fought in - Korea and World War II - and suggested that the protesters who did not do their duty in Vietnam were… Notes
Colpix CP-791 (10363); "What's Come Over This World?" (Greenfield-Keller), 2:45, Screen Gems-Columbia Music BMI; Billy Carr; "Arr. & Prod. by Greenfield &… #31 Jayhawkers Dawn of Instruction 1965 · Single · Dawn of Instruction / Searchin' · Deltron # 21 · USA
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Less well-known and successful than the above, the Michigan garage rock song "Dawn of Instruction" (Deltron # 21) also provided an answer to McGuire's "Eve of Destruction". Starting with the sound-effect of a bomb dropping, the narrator criticised McGuire for being negative and spreading fear, as he claimed that the US was "getting better" . The narrator went on to criticise those that avoided the draft: "you're the kind...to sit around moaning while better men are fighting" - hence… Notes
Deltron 21 (1227-45-0467-A), vocal, 45 RPM, yellow label with a lightning-bolt triangle logo; "Dawn of Instruction", Trusdale-BMI, time 3:41; Jayhawkers.… #32 Happy Fats Birthday Thank You Tommy, From Viet Nam 1965 · Single · Birthday Thank You Tommy, From Viet Nam / Dear Mr. Secretary · Reb Rebel # 513 · USA
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Born Leroy LeBlanc on 30 January 1915, in Louisiana, Happy Fats belonged to the Cajun community - descendants of 17th-century French colonists.12 He released a series of controversial political records in the 1960s, including "Veteran's Plea / Dear Mr. President" - the A-side of which dealt with Vietnam, while the B-side featured a racist monologue arguing against desegregation. In 1972 he released a single supporting George Wallace's campaign for the presidency - "Vote Wallace in 72".… Notes
Reb Rebel No. 513, side 1, label with two Confederate flags, P.O. Box 769, Crowley, La.; "Birthday Thank You Tommy, From Viet Nam" (L. Le Blanc-J. West —… #33 Eddie Bond Back to Viet Nam 1965 · Single · Back to Viet Nam / I Just Found Out · Millionaire # MC-108 · USA
Credited on the record as Eddie Bond and the Stompers.
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Eddie Bond and the Stompers’ song "Back to Viet Nam" (Millionaire Record Co. # MC-108) took the perspective of a soldier addressing his wife. The soldier had previous served his country in Korea, thinking that "our fighting days were done" . However, the government called him to serve again, in Vietnam, and he will do his patriotic duty: "My country needs me, so I’m on my way" . The soldier says goodbye to his wife and kids, and asks that his wife pray every night for the war to end,…Notes
Millionaire Record Co., Memphis, Tennessee, MC-108 (SK4M-0935), yellow label with the slogan "That Million Dollar Memphis Sound"; "Back to Viet Nam" (Jim… #34 Richard Kaye Here Comes Uncle Sam 1965 · Single · Here Comes Uncle Sam / Where's My Little Sister · ABC-Paramount # 10728 · USA
Credited on the record as Richie Kaye.
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The song"Here Comes Uncle Sam" (ABC-Paramount # 10728), written, produced, and performed by Richie Kaye, and released in Hollywood, California, USA, was a garage rock song looking at the draft. It leaned towards the anti-war category. The song is narrated in the first person, from a man who has finished school, and is therefore eligible to fight in Vietnam: "I'm through with school, now I'm 1-A" - a reference to the military classification for selecting who is available for military… Notes
ABC-Paramount 10728 (45-12798), white promotional label marked "Promotional Copy — Not for Sale"; "Here Comes Uncle Sam" (Richie Kaye), 3:15, Greenleaf… #35 The Boss Five Please Mr. President 1965 · Single · Please Mr. President / You Cheat Too Much · Impact # 1003 · USA
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A garage rock band based in Detroit, Michigan, The Boss Five released the song "Please Mr. President" (Impact Records # 1003), in which the narrator opposed the draft so that he could "see the world" and "know a woman's love" . So he pleaded with the president, and questioned why he needed to "sacrifice" himself. Yet, he also sought to establish his loyalty to the country: "I want to do my part" . Furthermore, he pointed out that "it's not that I'm afraid" . This track displayed draft…Notes
Impact Records 1003, white "Disc Jockey" / "Not for Sale" label; "Please Mr. President" (P. Jerome-D. Goodman), 2:15, Gomba Music Inc. BMI, matrix… #36 Gary Shearston Twenty Summers 1965 · Album · Australian Broadside · CBS # BP-233186 · Australia
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Contemporary folk artist Gary Shearston, born 9 January 1939 in Inverell, NSW, Australia. He died 1 July 2013, Tenterfield, NSW, Australia. This album, recorded in 1965 in Sydney, Australia, and produced by Sven E. Libaek (CBS # BP-233186), contained two anti-war songs related to the Vietnam War.. According to the album notes, written by Edgar Walter (1965), the first song "Twenty Summers" was composed by Mona Brand: "Twenty Summers: Mona Brand's words were written as a comment on the… #37 Gary Shearston Conscription Ramp 1965 · Album · Australian Broadside · CBS # BP-233186 · Australia
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The second song "The Conscription Romp" dealt with the Australian draft. The album notes said: "Conscription Romp: This is Shearston's own comment on conscription. The words owe something to an Irish song, The Recruiting Sergeant...The tune owes a great deal to one of the fairly numerous Australian versions of an English folk song, The Derby Ram. Marriage brings exemption from conscription. So it is quite likely that a lot of nineteen-year-old Australians will be winking at ladies…Notes
Also issued in the UK on the four-track EP Australian Broadside (CBS EP 6062, 1965; Sydney Town / Son of Mine / Roar of the Crowd / Conscription Ramp),… #38 The Norfolk Singers Nasho Service 1965 · Single · Nasho Service / Bonnie Jess · CBS # BA-221156 · Australia
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Based in Sydney, Australia, The Norfolk Singers featured Terry Rouhan (vocals), Dave McNamee (guitar), and Brian Stitt (banjo). They released a couple of rare singles, including one of the earliest Vietnam War draft songs, the satirical track "Nasho Service" (CBS # BA-221156), one of the first Australian songs recorded to specifically mention 'Vietnam': "they say it's hot in Vietnam... with Viet Cong..." . The term "Nasho" was a colloquialism for "National Service". The song referenced… Notes
One of the earliest Australian draft songs; "Nasho" = National Service. Produced by Sven Libaek; April Music; matrix MX145551. CBS BA-221156, 45, matrix… #39 The Moonshiners Draft Dodger Rag 1965 · Single · Draft Dodger Rag / Morning Dew · Village Gate # VLG 104 · USA
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Village Gate Records VLG 104, red "Promotional Copy" label, matrix 6337, "Distributed by Bell Records Inc. 1776 Broadway, N.Y.C."; "Draft Dodger Rag"… #40 Centurys So the Prophets Say 1965 · Single · So the Prophets Say / 83 · Renco # R-115 · USA
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The song "So the Prophets Say" (Renco # R-115) warned against propaganda and blindly following what people say, with references to the pros and antis in the Vietnam debate that took place on the home front in the US: "they tell you to make a big sound about getting out of Vietnam" . This single can also be seen as a response to Barry McGuire's "Eve of Destruction", who like the The Patriots, referred to McGuire as the "Prophet" : "beware of what the prophets say" . The lyrics also warned… #41 Bob Withers Sweet Tillies Corn 1965 · Single · Sweet Tillies Corn / Guitar Pickin' Man · Nugget # NR-242 · USA
Notes
"Sweet Tillies Corn" Notes
Nugget NR-242 (SoN 24031), rainbow "Good as Gold" label, © Nugget Records 1964 on the label rim; "Sweet Tillies Corn" (B. Withers), Lonzo & Oscar Music,… #42 B.J. Thomas & The Triumphs Vietnam 1965 · Single · Keep It Up / Vietnam · Joed # TR-119 · USA
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B.J. Thomas, born 7 August 1942 in Hugo, Oklahoma, USA, and died on 29 May 2021 in Arlington, Texas, USA, spent most of his career in Texas. Usually known as a country pop artist, he released the garage rock song "Vietnam" (Joed Records # TR-119), a rare single released in Big Spring, Texas. It presented mixed political opinions regarding the war, taking an anti-communist position, but resentment towards the draft, noting he’s off "to fight for my country in a war that shouldn't be… Notes
Joed TR 119 (45-119-2), "A Zenith Production"; "Vietnam" (Mark Charron), time 1:56, Hornet Music (BMI); A & R Ray Rush; credited "B. J. Thomas & The… #43 Beverly Shaffer Where Will You Be Boy 1965 · Single · Even the Score / Where Will You Be Boy? · One-derful # 4838 · USA
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In the song "Where Will You Be Boy?" (One-derful # 4838) a woman is wondering whether her boyfriend will be called-up in the near future: "will you be gone 12 months from now, will you...be my little soldier boy" . She is also wondering whether the relationship will last during his service: "I'm hoping our love is strong enough" . Beverly Shaffer, born on the West Side of Chicago in 1947, recorded this track at the young age of 18. She won a talent contest in 1965, run by The Chicago…Notes
One-derful! 4838, matrix 3146; "Where Will You Be Boy?" (Jones, Shaffer, Rice, Nestor), 2:30, Vapac Music BMI; Beverly Shaffer; "Arr. & Cond. by Larry… #44 Russ Damon Who's Right, Who's Wrong (Where Does the Blame Belong) 1965 · Single · Who's Right, Who's Wrong (Where Does the Blame Belong) / (I'll Give You) Tender Lovin' Care · Musicor # MU 1133 · USA
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Musicor Records MU 1133 (ZTSP 106319), white promotion copy marked "Not for Sale"; "Who's Right, Who's Wrong (Where Does the Blame Belong)" (R. Damon),… #45 Buzz and Joey The Willing Conscript 1965 · Single · The Willing Conscript / Bullgine Run · Sara # J-65112 · USA
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Red Sara label J-65112, Side 1, SK5M-6165; "The Willing Conscript" (Paxton), 2:36, Copyright Control. [From the record sleeve and labels] #46 Dabney Ford Draft Dodger Rag 1965 · Single · Long Tall Texan / Draft Dodger Rag · Accent # AC 1196 · USA
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- Rockabilly cover of Phil Ochs novelty- Accent AC 1196 (red and black label), 45 RPM, "Vocal with Orchestra"; "Draft Dodger Rag" (Phil Ochs), Appleseed…
#47 Jerry Dayton Who's Wrong 1965 · Single · Who's Wrong / Loving You · Ascot # AS 2200 · USA
#48 Phil Ochs Draft Dodger Rag 1965 · Live · Newport Folk Festival 1964: Evening Concerts, Vol. 1 · Vanguard # VRS-9184 · USA
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Vanguard VRS-9184, "Newport Folk Festival, 1964 Evening Concerts, Vol. 1", side B track 3, 2:15; live at the Newport Folk Festival, 1964. [From Discogs] #49 J.B. Lenoir Vietnam 1965 · Album · Alabama Blues · CBS # 62593 · USA
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Despite J.B. Lenoir's laid back acoustic blues style, during his 1960s period he wrote and played many angry political songs about racism and war - a pioneer of the protest movement. Born in Monticello, Mississippi in 1929, he worked with Elmore James in New Orleans, before moving to Chicago in the late 1940s, playing with Muddy Waters and becoming a notable figure in the Chicago blues scene. He died a couple years after the recording of this album, in 1967, at the age of 38. Lenoir…
1966
- 11 February: Johnson announces 200,000 troop increase
- 19 March: South Korea sends another 20,000 troops
- 1 September: French President de Gaulle denounces the war
- 31 December: US military personal in Vietnam reaches 385,300
1966
#50 The Beach Bums The Ballad of the Yellow Beret 1966 · Single · Florida Time / The Ballad of the Yellow Beret · Are You Kidding Me? # H-1010 · USA
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The Beach Bums, a garage rock band, from Detroit, Michigan - actually a collaboration between Bob Seger and Doug Brown & the Omens - released this novelty single based on Barry Sadler's The Ballad of the Green Berets (see the military section). The song "The Ballad of the Yellow Beret" mainly addressed draft dodgers. In fact, the writing credit on the record goes to a "D. Dodger", while the record label was mockingly called Are You Kidding Me? Records (H-1010). So, was this a hawkish… Notes
Are You Kidding Me? Records, Detroit, Michigan, H-1010, yellow label; "The Ballad of the Yellow Beret" (D. Dodger), Gear Pub. Co., ASCAP, time 2:30. A… #51 The Midnight Sons Draft Time Blues 1966 · Single · Draft Time Blues / I'm Telling You · KG # 100 · USA
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The garage rock band the Midnight Sons, who also went under the name The Jackasses, was as short lived band from Vancouver, Washington (US) - 1963-1967. Their bass player, Dan Lowther, served in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot. In the track "Draft Time Blues" (KG Records # KG 100) a young man worried about being drafted to Vietnam. He tried to enroll in school to avoid the draft, but having failed he appealed to his Congressman who ignored him because he was "too young to vote" . The…Notes
KG Records KG 100, matrix MS 22; "Draft Time Blues" (Midnight Sons), 2:25, Lamplighter, B.M.I.; vocal C. Effinger and T. Anderson; produced by Jeff… #52 The Combenashuns Hey! Uncle Sam 1966 · Single · What'cha Gonna Do? / Hey Uncle Sam · Leo # 3801 · USA
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The garage rock band The Combinations, later renamed The Combenashuns due to copyright issues, originated in 1964, in Easton, Pennsylvania. They released the draft song "Hey Uncle Sam" (Leo Records # 3801), in which a man said that "I'm going overseas to Vietnam" . The man worried about telling his mum, missing life at home, as well as his car. Note: the lyric "Mr. Reedman" referenced a car dealership in Pennsylvania. The writing credits went to Sammy Losagio (the drummer) and Chuck… Notes
Leo Records 3802, green label, "Dedicated to Making You Remember the Song", Deleo Enterprises, Inc., manufactured in U.S.A.; "Hey! Uncle Sam" (Losagio,… #53 The Barons Don't Burn It 1966 · Single · Don't Burn It / I Hope I Please You · Brownfield # BF-1035 · USA
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Garage rock band the Barons, from Fort Worth, Texas, dealt with the issue of draft card burning, as suggested in the title of the song "Don't Burn It" (Brownfield Records # BF-1035). Burning draft cards often took place at the early anti-war demonstrations. President Johnson (LBJ) subsequently prohibited the destruction of draft cards in an amendment to the Universal Military Training and Service Act in August 1965. The arrest of David O’Brien in 1966 for burning his draft card led to… #54 The Prophets Fightin' For Sam 1966 · Single · Fightin' for Sam / Misty · Stonel # SL-10001 · USA
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The Prophets, from Fredericksburg, Virginia, released the track "Fightin' for Sam" (Stonel Records # SL-1001) in which the narrator complained that he could not talk to his wife or son for "just one night" and that he missed those carefree days before the army called him up. However, it contained patriotic sentiments / or a sense of duty. The narrator said that he was fighting for Uncle Sam because he "got to free this land" :Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Stonel Records SL-10001-A, "D J Copy"; "Fightin' for Sam" (Leon Fraizer), Keterina Music, BMI, 2:40; produced by Billy Arnold and Joel Bragg. "Division of… #55 The Fugs Doin' All Right 1966 · Album · The Fugs · ESP-Disk # 1028 · USA
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This album, which included "Kill for Peace" discussed above, also featured the song "Doin' All Right" (ESP-Disk' # 1028) which made a crass reference to the Vietnam war, refusing to fight, and instead, to stay at home: "I'm not ever gonna go to Vietnam, I prefer to stay right here and screw your mom" .Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
#56 Pete Seeger The Draft Dodger Rag 1966 · Single · The Draft Dodger Rag / Guantanamera · Columbia # 4-43699 · USA
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On this single Pete Seeger covered the song "Draft Dodger Rag" (Columbia Records # 4-43699), composed by Phil Ochs, using a banjo. It featured on the album Dangerous Songs!? (CBS # 62751). In the song, Ochs listed every conceivable excuse available for somebody to avoid the draft. But firstly, it started with a young man expressing his hate of communism: "I knew better dead than red" , and thus his patriotism:But when the draftee gets to the draftboard, the excuses started to pour out…
Notes
Columbia 4-43699, red label, 45 RPM, matrix JZSP 114551; "The Draft Dodger Rag" (P. Ochs), 2:08; accompanied by Fred Hellerman on vocal and guitar;… #57 Pete Seeger King Henry 1966 · Album · Dangerous Songs!? · CBS # 62751 · USA
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Less well-known anti-war / protest from Seeger, the song "King Henry" on Dangerous Songs!? (CBS # 62751). It featured in Broadside Magazine # 58 under the title "I Mind My Own Business" , p. 4. Seeger noted: "the quote in the 5th verse is from an actual letter from a US 'adviser' to his wife, a week before he was killed in Viet Nam". It's dated 1965, and to the tune of "Old Ballad Melody".It looked at the perspective of a soldier drafted to war and killed in action (K.I.A.): "drafted…
Notes
Also known as "I Mind My Own Business", Broadside Magazine # 58 #58 Johnny Freedom Ain't I Right 1966 · Single · Ain't I Right / My Own Native Land · Sims # 296 · USA
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Marty Robbins, one of the most politically conservative and patriotic country songwriters, composed the song "Ain't I Right" , which attacked both communism and the anti-war movement as being un-American. His label Columbia Records refused to release his recording as they feared a backlash. So a member of Robbins band, Bobby Sykes, released the song under the name Johnny Freedom, on the independent Phoenix, Arizona based label Sims Records.1 The narrator told the story of some people… Notes
Sims Records 296, produced by Robbins Records; both sides written by Marty Robbins, Mojave Music, Inc., BMI. 296A "Ain't I Right", time 3:12; 296B "My Own… #59 Pat Boone Wish You Were Here, Buddy 1966 · Single · Wish You Were Here, Buddy / Love for You · Dot # 16933 · USA
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The song "Wish You Were Here, Buddy" (Dot Records # 16933), used sarcasm to express his loyalty to the US soldier, support for government policies, and disgust with the protest movement. Narrated in the first person, from the perspective of a soldier in Vietnam, who wrote to his "buddy" back home - the lyrics switched between describing the situation in the war zone, to the soldier noting the activities in the US. So the soldier heard that his friend had been "leading those campus… Notes
Black Dot "Ultra High Fidelity" label 45-16933 (MB-21546); "Wish You Were Here, Buddy" (P. Boone), time 1:58, Spoone Music Corp., ASCAP; produced by Nick… #60 Keith Everett Conscientious Objector 1966 · Single · Don't You Know / Conscientious Objector · TMP-Ting # TMP-118 · USA
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Keith Everett (aka Keith Gravenhorst), released in 1966 the song "Conscientious Objector" (TMP-Ting Records # TMP-118), which attacked those who refused to go to war for religious or moral reasons, saying that "you might as well be defectors" , and that the US might end up like "Vietnam is today" - thus propagating the domino theory. As the title suggested, it referred to those who refused the draft call under the military classification of either 1-AO (Conscientious Objector available…Notes
TMP-Ting Records TMP-118 B (2151), red label, TMP-Ting Records, 22 E. Huron, Chicago, Ill.; "Conscientious Objector" (K. Gravenhorst), 2:30, Toddmark… #61 Sue Simpson Soldier in Viet Nam 1966 · Single · Soldier in Viet Nam / The Great Tornado · Blake # 2-216 · USA
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The track "Soldier in Viet Nam" took a pro-government position - released by an obscure country artist called Sue Simpson, recorded on the Memphis label Blake Records (# 2-216), owned by John Cook. It is narrated from the perspective a Vietnam soldier's sister, showing the impact of the war on families: "things get pretty lonely without a big brother" . She hoped that her nineteen year old brother would "be home in time for Christmas" . But the narrator also sought to justify her… Notes
Blake Records 2-216-A, brown and yellow label; "Soldier in Viet Nam" (S. Simpson), John Cook Music, BMI, time 3:03; Blake Records, 3291 Park Ave.,… #62 Loretta Lynn Dear Uncle Sam 1966 · Single · Dear Uncle Sam / Hurtin' for Certain · Decca # 31893 · USA
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Loretta Lynn (born Loretta Webb, in 1936, Kentucky), one of the most successful country singer-songwriters, released the track "Dear Uncle Sam" (Decca Records # 31893) about a man drafted to war. Released on the album I Like 'Em Country (Decca # DL 74744), Lynn also released a Vietnam related Christmas song in 1966, called "Christmas Without Daddy". Narrated from the perspective of the soldier's sweetheart, she told Uncle Sam that "you don't need him like I do" , and thus showing a… Notes
Decca 31893 (116,761), rainbow-stripe label; "Dear Uncle Sam" (Loretta Lynn), (2:14), Sure-Fire Music Co., Inc. (BMI); vocal with chorus and instrumental… #63 Millie Credit Jim in Viet Nam 1966 · Single · Jim in Viet Nam / Little Bitty Clock · Walker # SI-117 · USA
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In the song "Jim in Viet Nam" (Walker Records # SI-117), the obscure country singer Millie Credit narrated the track from the perspective of a soldier's sweetheart. She told the full story of their experience - how they were in love and planned a future together. But then a "message came from Uncle Sam" , drafting him to Indochina. She prayed that he would return and that there "would be peace in Vietnam" . However, she received a telegram informing her that "Jimmy is dead" . At the end… Notes
Walker Records SI-117-A (SoN 30522), yellow label; "Jim in Viet Nam" (Millie Credit), Mitten Music, BMI, time 2:35; produced by Stanley P.; "© 1966 Sound… #64 Steve Bledsoe Send a Christmas Card to Joe 1966 · Single · Send a Christmas Card to Joe / Lead on Mr. President · KāHill # K-1051 · USA
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US country singer Steve Bledsoe released a dozen or so records from the 1950s up to the 70s.12 He also went under the name Steve Bledsoe and the Blue Jays. Released in 1966 on an Arlington, Illinois based label, the song "Send a Christmas Card to Joe" (KāHill # K-1051) sought to raise the spirits of the troops fighting in Vietnam by encouraging people in the US to send them a Christmas card. The single featured Don Barnett on guitar.The song "Lead on Mr. President" took a patriotic… Notes
Grey-and-red KāHill label, K-1051, 45 rpm, "KāHill Recording Co., 301 E. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights, Ill." Side 1 (SK4M-6130): "Send a Christmas… #65 Steve Bledsoe Lead on Mr. President (We're With You) 1966 · Single · Send a Christmas Card to Joe / Lead on Mr. President · KāHill # K-1051 · USA
Annotation: see “Send a Christmas Card to Joe” above (same release).
#66 Larry La Pole A Place Called Viet Nam 1966 · Single · A Place Called Viet Nam / Golden Diesel · West Wind # SS-6123 · USA
Credited on the record as Larry La Pole and the Polecats.
Annotation
The track "A Place Called Viet Nam" (West Wind # SS-6123) by Larry La Pole & the Polecats - a country/rock outfit, who recorded this single on a Minneapolis, Minnesota record label. Larry La Pole wrote many songs for the surf rock band The Trashmen, such as King of Surf. This song told the story of a boy on the eve of his departure to Vietnam, at a bandstand. He asked a member of the band (the narrator of the story) to play a country tune before he left for war. The departing soldier… Notes
West Wind Records, P.O. Box 5555, Lake St. Station, Mpls., Minn. 55408, SS-6123-01A, 45 RPM, light-blue label; "A Place Called Viet Nam" (La Pole), 3:35,… #67 Troy Norris My Call to Vietnam 1966 · Single · My Call to Vietnam / Earth Quake in Alaska · Belmar # BM-904 · USA
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In the country song "My Call to Vietnam" (Belmar Record Corp. # 698B-2461), recorded in Memphis, Tennessee, the narrator headed out to Vietnam, saying goodbye to his loved ones. While the title of the song might suggest a patriotic calling, the lyrics expressed disappointment / reluctance about going to Vietnam, which may indicate that the narrator had been drafted. On his way to Vietnam the soldier wrote a letter back home, remembering the good times and displaying sadness at his… Notes
Belmar Record Corp., Memphis, Tenn., 1618 Union Ave.; BM-904, with 698B-2461 and T4KM-2461 printed under the artist; "My Call to Vietnam" (Troy Norris),… #68 Bob Withers What the - - - (Is a Going On in Washington) 1966 · Single · What the... (Is a Going On in Washington) / She'll Chume Back · Nugget # NR 247 · USA
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The country song "What the..." (Is a Going on in Washington)" (Nugget Records # NR 247) by Bob Withers is narrated from the position of a soldier in the war zone: "here I sit in Vietnam". Leaning towards the anti-war side, the soldier pondered: "why I was sent half around this world to die". The song noted former friendly relations with Vietnam: "All these people were our friends not long ago, they fought Hitler, Mussolini, and Tōjō" - presumably a reference to the Vietnamese - a… Notes
Nugget NR-247 (SoN 27831), Plug Side; "'What the - - -' (Is a Going On in Washington)" (B. Withers), 2:38, Lonzo & Oscar Music—BMI; Bob Withers; "A Jack… #69 Robert Pete Williams This Is a Mean Old World to Me 1966 · Album · Louisiana Blues · Takoma # B 1011 · USA
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Country Blues artist Robert Pete Williams, born on 14 March 1914 in Zachary, Louisiana, USA, and died on 31 December 1980 in Rosedale, Louisiana, USA. The song "This Is a Mean Old World to Me" (Takoma Records # B 1011) contains the devastating line "I'm sorry the day I was born" because of the tough times he faced. This included receiving the draft call: "I got my questionnaire, lord, I'm in the army now" - questionnaire is the term often used to refer to the draft in blues songs. The…Notes
Track B3 'This Is A Mean Old World To Me'. Mono LP. Robert Pete Williams: guitar, vocals, Written-By (release level). A&R John Fahey and Big Sunflower;… #70 The Monitors Greetings (This Is Uncle Sam) 1966 · Single · Greetings (This Is Uncle Sam) / Number One in Your Heart · V.I.P. # 25032 · USA
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The Detroit soul song "Greetings (This Is Uncle Sam)" (V.I.P. Records # 25032 - a sub-label of Berry Gordy's Motown Records). This was a cover of the The Valadiers's 1961 Motown single Greeting (This Is Uncle Sam) (Miracle Records # MI-6), released before the major American presence in Vietnam, and thus probably not directly about that conflict. However, by 1966, when the Monitors released the song, the war and draft was in full-swing - jumping from 3,000 in December 1961 to 239,400…Notes
V.I.P. 25032 (AC-IL-181301); "Greetings (This Is Uncle Sam)" (Brianbert, The Valadiers, R. Dunbar), 2:57, © 1961 Jobete (BMI); produced by Stevenson &… #71 King Soloman Please Mr President 1966 · Single · Please Mr. President / Mr. Bad Luck · Kent # K 45x446 · USA
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The track "Please Mr. President" (Kent Records # K 45x446) by the blues man King Soloman, apparently based on the West Coast, recording with the Los Angeles label Kent (this is a different artist than the well-known soul singer Solomon Burke, ending with a "mon" rather than "man", also sometimes referred to as "King Solomon"). Released in 1966 with Lyndon B. Johnson in the White House, the narrator of the song bitterly complained to the president about being sent to Vietnam. He loved… Notes
Kent K 45x446 (K 446-1), "Ultra High Fidelity", Hi-Fi, grey label; "Please Mr. President" (Collins), 2:55, BMI, Modern Music Pub. Co.; artist credited as… #72 The Players He'll Be Back 1966 · Single · He'll Be Back / I Wanna Be Free · Minit # 32001 · USA
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The song "He'll Be Back" (Minit # 32001) looked at the arrival of the draft papers and its impact on those left behind. It was recorded by the Chicago soul group The Players, founded in 1966, featuring Herbert Butler, Collis Gordon, and John Thomas - the latter two composed this song. In late 1966 they were joined by the Chicago soul vocalist Joe Brackenridge of the group The Pace Setters, who released a similar Vietnam War song called My Ship Is Coming in Tomorrow, below. The… Notes
Minit 32001 (MN-848), "A product of Liberty Records", black label; "He'll Be Back" (C. Gordon-J. Thomas), 2:37, Stanc Music BMI; producer Cal Carter;… #73 William Bell Soldiers Good-Bye 1966 · Single · Never Like This Before / Soldiers Good-Bye · Stax # 45-199 · USA
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Similar to the track above, the narrator of the song "Soldier's Goodbye" (Stax Records # 45-199) has just been drafted to fight in Vietnam - "I've been called to war...I've got to go fight...in a foreign land" . He reassures his girlfriend that he will return and cries out "please, please wait for me" . Recorded by William Bell, the southern soul singer from Memphis, Tennessee, it was written by Bell and Steve Cropper (guitarist with the Booker T. & The M.G.'s), on the famous soul…Notes
Stax 45-199, matrix STX-10699, light-blue label, "Vocal"; "Soldiers Good-Bye" (Cropper–Bell), 2:47, Pub. East, BMI. "Distributed by Atlantic Record Sales,… #74 Dorothy Norwood The Soldier From Viet Nam 1966 · Album · The Soldier From Viet Nam · Savoy # 14157 · USA
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The gospel song "The Soldier From Viet Nam" (Savoy Records # 14157) is one of the earliest tracks that referenced the M.I.A. / P.O.W. issue during the Vietnam era - most of them appeared from 1968 onwards. Performed by Dorothy Norwood, born in Atlanta, Georgia, she later moved to Chicago and performed with Mahalia Jackson, Albertina Walker, and the gospel group The Caravans. The recording sounds like it came from within a church, with the congregants clapping and singing along with… #75 The Ram Ram Go-Go Biz. Man Vietnam Cries U.S.A. 1966 · Single · Vietnam Cries U.S.A. / It's Nice to Be Home · Halagala # HG 30 · UK
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A British ska anti-war song from 1966 called "Vietnam Cries U.S.A." (Halagala # HG 30) which pleaded with President Johnson to stop the war: "we don't want no war in this world Mr. Johnson...stop bombing Vietnam" . Released on the rare, obscure British reggae label Halagala, formed by Terry Nelson in the 1960s - born in Guyana, he moved to London and wrote this song.12 Like J.B. Lenoir above, he particularly drew attention to the mistreatment of African-Americans: "you must set the… Notes
Halagala HG 30 AE, yellow and green label, 45 R.P.M., (P) 1966, "Copy-R.C."; "Vietnam Cries U.S.A." (Nel Fraser), credited to The Ram Ram Go-Go Biz. Man.… #76 Gary Shearston The Lost Soldier 1966 · Album · Sings His Songs · CBS # BP-233320 · Australia
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Contemporary folk artist Gary Shearston, born 9 January 1939 in Inverell, NSW, Australia. He died 1 July 2013, Tenterfield, NSW, Australia. He released the 1965 album Australian Broadside, which contained two Vietnam War songs: "Twenty Summers" and "The Conscription Romp". On this album was the song "The Lost Soldier" (CBS # BP-233320). The album notes by Sven Libaek (1966) said that the song was "written from a newspaper report of the death of an Australian soldier in Vietnam. The… #77 Willow Mackey Ballad of William White 1966 · Unreleased · Unreleased · Not On Label · New Zealand
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Contemporary folk artist Willow Macky, born 25 June 1921 in New Zealand. She died 10 December 2006. She wrote the song "Ballad of William White" (1966), which was unrecorded, but featured in the "The Vietnam Songbook", published by Irwin Silber and Barbara Dane in 1969, who both also started the record label Paredon Records, which released many Vietnam War songs from around the world. This song told the true story of Sydney-based school teacher William "Bill" White, who defied the… Notes
Unrecorded, lyrics featured in "The Vietnam Songbook" #78 Susan Wheeler A Christmas Prayer 1966 · Single · A Christmas Prayer / Carols for Christmas · Country Corner # 45-804 · USA
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The song "A Christmas Prayer" (Country Corner Records # 45-804) referenced the Vietnam War. Like the well-known Becky Lamb (discussed above), a young Susan Wheeler sung this track - although Wheeler is older, 12 at the time of recording. The Cincinnati Enquirer reported on 7 October 1967, a year after this record, that: "Susan recorded two songs on Country Corner label, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," and "A Child's Request." So far, this record has been played on WCLU, WZIP and…Notes
Country Corner Records 45-804, side 1, matrix 1335-45-804-A, black label with silver print; "A Christmas Prayer" (Wayne-Barnett), 3:02, Jimmie Skinner… #79 Jerry Barnes Day for Decision 1966 · Single · Day for Decision / America the Beautiful · Americana # 1001 · USA
#80 Johnny Sea Day for Decision 1966 · Single · Day for Decision / Mary Rocks Him to Sleep · Warner Bros. # 5820 · USA
Annotation
Another popular patriotic response to McGuire's "Eve of Destruction", the song "Day for Decision" (Warner Bros. Records # 5820) broke into the Billboard singles chart on 4 June 1966, bubbling under the Hot 100 at # 133.12 After four weeks, on 2 July 1966, the single peaked at # 35 in the Billboard Hot 100.3 In the same edition, Billboard printed a letter from a record company owner, praising the single, saying: "we believe the recoding industry owes a vote of thanks to Warner Bros.…Notes
Warner Bros. 5820 (J15141), orange label with a ring of black triangles; "Day for Decision" (Allen N. Peltier), Moss Rose Pub., BMI, 5:33; Johnny Sea,… #81 Buddy Starcher Day of Decision 1966 · Single · Day of Decision / A Taxpayer's Letter · Decca # 31975 · USA
Annotation
On this record Buddy Starcher covered the track "Day of Decision" (Decca Records # 31975), originally released by Johnny Sea (Day of Decision) - an answer record to Barry McGuire's Eve of Destruction. Decca promoted the single heavily, taking a full-page advert in Billboard on 28 May 1966, seeking to build on the success of his charting single "History Repeats Itself".1 But unlike the Johnny Sea version, this single failed to chart.Versions
Notes
Decca 31975 (117,429), rainbow-stripe black label, "M'f'r'd by Decca Records Inc. New York, U.S.A."; "Day of Decision" (Allen N. Peltier), Moss Rose… #82 Allan Sherman Dodgin' the Draft (Ballin' the Jack) 1966 · Live · Allan Sherman Live! (Hoping You Are the Same) · Warner Bros. # WS 1649 · USA
Notes
Dodgin' the DraftNotes
The pictured disc is the Warner Bros. promotional 7-inch PRO 237 (9161), white label marked "Promotion — Not for Sale", "From the Warner Bros. Album W/WS… #83 Colleen Lovett Freckle-Faced Soldier 1966 · Single · Freckle-Faced Soldier / Go-Go Girl · Dot # 16832 · USA
Credited on the record as Colleen Lovett with Teddy Phillips' Orch..
Notes
Freckle-Faced Soldier (Lovett, Colleen) Psychedelic folk. Soldier boy song. California, USA.
Young man, 18 off to war. Writes letter home from Vietnam.
Pr…
Notes
US issue: Dot 45-16832 (MB-20641), "Ultra High Fidelity" black Dot label dated 2-66; "Freckle-Faced Soldier" (C. Lovett–T. Phillips), Wood River Music… #84 Tommy Dee Goodbye High School (Hello Vietnam) 1966 · Single · How's Your Momma 'em / Goodbye High School (Hello Vietnam) · Sims # 308 · USA
Annotation
The song "Goodbye High School (Hello Vietnam)" "Goodbye high school, hello Vietnam
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Sims Records 308B, "D. J. Copy"; "Goodbye High School" (Tommy Dee), 2:36, Hotpoint Music Inc., BMI; vocal by Tommy Dee. [From the record sleeve and labels] #85 Johnny Cymbal Jessica 1966 · Single · Jessica / Good Morning Blues · Columbia # 4-43842 · USA
Notes
Jessica (Cymbal, Johnny) (Columbia Records # 4-43842). Produced and arranged by Don Costa.Traditional pop. Born in UK. Career based in Nashville. Many…
#86 Hershel Gober Proud American 1966 · Single · I Need You So / Proud American · ABC-Paramount # 45-10810 · USA
Credited on the record as 1st Lt. Hershel Gober.
Annotation
Shortly after the above, Gober signed a recording contract with ABC-Paramount. The back of the record introduced Gober, describing him as a "singing, songwriting GI in Vietnam...serving as advisor to Vietnamese militia forces in the Delta...The songs were written by Lt. Gober and taped in Saigon" - thus, this fitted into the "In Country" category. It also said that having been initially stationed in Germany, Gober requested a transfer to Vietnam, arriving there in 1965.1 On this… Notes
ABC-Paramount 45-10810, white label marked "Promotion Copy – Not for Sale"; "I Need You So" (1st Lt. Hershel Gober), Pamco Music, BMI, 2:59, side AMP… #87 Terry Randall S.O.S. 1966 · Single · S.O.S. / Tell Her · Valiant # V-756 · USA
Notes
- Garage rock, protest, demonstration- Also known as Randy Benjamin
#88 Judy Lynn Transistor Tape Recorder 1966 · Single · Transistor Tape Recorder / That Was in the Deal · Musicor # MU-1183 · USA
Credited on the record as Judy Lynn with Benny Barnes.
Notes
Transistor Tape Recorder (Lynn, Judy) Country, home front / soldier's perspective
Christmas reference
Transistor tape recorder for Christmas present
Now…
Notes
Musicor MU 1183 (ZTSP-122079), white promotion copy ("Promotion Copy", "Not for Sale"); "Transistor Tape Recorder" (M. Kliewer - J. Lynn), Glad Music Co.,… #89 The Masters Apprentices Wars or Hands of Time 1966 · Single · Undecided / Wars or Hands of Time · Astor # A-7071 · Australia
Annotation
The well-known song "Wars or Hands of Time" (Astor # A-7071), by The Masters Apprentices, a psychedelic rock band, formed in 1965 in Adelaide. With a strong reverberating guitar and hard drumming, this song grew in popularity in Australia, reaching # 4 in the Australian charts, after 14 weeks in the top 40. Inspiration for the song came partly from the experience of the lead vocalist and guitarist Jim Keays, who had been selected in the Australian conscription for the Citizen's… Notes
B side of Astor A-7071; Apollo Music. Astor A-7071 (B), "Unbreakable", 45; "Wars or Hands of Time" (Michael Joseph Bower), (2.50), Apollo Music; vocal The… #90 Jacqueline Sharpe When I Was a Young Thing 1966 · Album · No More War · Cutty Wren # CWR 101 · USA
Annotation
Born Jacqueline Steiner (11 September 1924) in New York, USA, she was an American folk singer and social activist who played an active part in the 1950s and 1960s folk scene, collaborating with Pete Seeger on the 1954 album Hootenanny Tonight! (under her married name Jackie Berman). In 1966 she released the anti-Vietnam War album "No More War" (Cutty Wren Records # CWR 101).1 She died on 25 January 2019.2The title track "No More War" centred around a speech given by Pope Paul VI to…
#91 Chuck Hamann My Uncle Sam 1966 · Single · Union Dues / My Uncle Sam · Lawson # 331 · USA
Notes
Lawson Records 331, turquoise label; "My Uncle Sam" (Chuck Hamann), 1:45, MW 804; flip side "Union Dues" (Chuck Hamann), 2:27, MW 803; both Lawnaka Music… #92 Rodd Keith Johnny's Gotta Go 1966 · Single · You're a Goddess - Queen of Angels / Johnny's Gotta Go · Preview # 1284 · USA
Notes
- "Johnny's Gotta Go"- Label: Preview Records # 1284
- Songwriter: Darrell Zeisler
- Traditional pop song poem
- Draft
- Hollywood, California
- Preview…
#93 Rodd Keith Confusion 1966 · Single · Big Wave / Confusion · Preview # 1012 · USA
Credited on the record as Rodd Keith and the Raindrops.
Notes
- "Confusion"- Label: Preview Records #1012
- Songwriter: Robert Belair
- Song Poem
- Draft, 18 years classed 1A - should I go or resist
- "fighting in a…
#94 Unknown Artist Onward Conscript Soldiers 1966 · Unreleased · Unreleased · Not On Label · Australia
Notes
Anonymous, to the tune of "Onward Christian Soldiers"; read out in Federal Parliament on 21 April 1966 and printed in the book Conscription Yes or No.… #95 Li'l Wally Chłopców zaciągają do Vietnam (Vietnam Polka) 1966 · Album · Poland Tour: Polskie śpiewanie i granie · Jay Jay # JLPS 5101 · USA
Credited on the record as Li'l Wally and The Harmony Boys.
Notes
Jay Jay JLPS 5101 (stereo; mono JJLP-1101, 1966), "Poland Tour: Polskie śpiewanie i granie", side B track 1, "Chłopców Zaciągają Do Vietnam (Vietnam… #96 Jimmy Roosa and the Raindrops Big Wave 1966 · Single · Big Wave / Confusion · Preview # 1012 · USA
Credited on the record as Jimmy Roosa And The Raindrops.
Notes
Song PoemDraft
Notes
Preview Records 1012 (song-poem label, Hollywood, California); B-side "Confusion" by Rodd Keith and the Raindrops (Eddie Hodge, R. Keith); published by… #97 Kenny Solms The Great Society Affair 1966 · Album · Our Wedding Album or the Great Society Affair · Jamie # JLPM 3028 · USA
Notes
LBJ comedy Track B5 - reference to Vietnam protesters, the draft [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM]1967
- 13 February: US resumes bombing campaign of the North
- 22 February: Beginning of largest US offensive - Operation Junction City
- 8 March: Congress authorises $4.5 billion for the war
- 4 April: Martin Luther King anti-war speech
- 15 April: Mass anti-war demonstrations in New York ad other cities, attended by King
- 30 June: US troop levels reach 448,800
- 21 October: March on the Pentagon
- 31 December: 485,600 US troops in Vietnam
1967
#98 Arlo Guthrie Alice's Restaurant Massacree 1967 · Album · Alice's Restaurant · Reprise # RSLP 6267 · USA
Annotation
"Alice's Restaurant Massacree" (Reprise Records # RS-6267) is an 18 minute first person satirical monologue which is opposed to the Vietnam War draft. The monologue has two parts: The first part is centred around Thanksgiving, November 25, 1965, when Guthrie was arrested for dumping litter. The second half sees Guthrie being called up for the draft, and the bureaucratic roller-coaster ride at the New York City induction center on Whitehall Street. At the end of the monologue, Guthrie… #99 Victor Lundberg An Open Letter To My Teenage Son 1967 · Single · An Open Letter to My Teenage Son / My Buddy Carl · Liberty # 55996 · USA
Annotation
Victor Lundberg, an American businessman and radio newscaster in Michigan, took a conservative position on the cultural changes of the 1960s and youth culture - attacking drugs, secularism, sex, and immorality, along with his co-writer Robert R. Thompson. The song "An Open Letter to My Teenage Son" (Liberty Records # 55996) focused on Vietnam, taking the form of a letter. The song also featured on the 1967 album "An Open Letter" (Liberty Records # LST-7547). Lundberg declared his… Notes
Liberty 55996, black label with rainbow band, Liberty Records, Inc., Los Angeles, California; "An Open Letter to My Teenage Son" (Robert R. Thompson),… #100 Every Father's Teenage Son A Letter to Dad 1967 · Single · A Letter to Dad / Josephine's Song · Buddah # BDA-25 · USA
Annotation
On 11 November 1967 the surprise hit song"An Open Letter to My Teenage Son" (Liberty Records # 55996) entered into the Billboard charts, selling over 1 million records in six weeks. Narrated by Victor Lundberg, a conservative American, the record heavily criticised draft dodgers and the counter-culture. Most memorable of all, Lundberg had told his son that if he burned his draft card, then he might as well burn his birth certificate, because from that moment onwards "I have no son" .…Notes
Buddah Records BDA-25 (BUD 5047), multicoloured psychedelic label, "Promotional Copy – Not for Sale"; "A Letter to Dad" (Bill Dean & Ron Marshall), time… #101 Brandon Wade Letter From a Teenage Son 1967 · Single · Letter From a Teenage Son / Letter From a Teenage Son · Philips # 40503 · USA
Annotation
Next up as a response to Lundberg came the song "Letter From a Teenage Son" (Philips # 40503), which on 16 December 1967 bubbled under the Billboard 100, at # 120. The magazine reported on the track on 9 December 1967: "Backed by 21 members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra playing Ravel's "Pavaanne", here is a cleverly thought out answer to Victor Lundberg's smash. Holds much interest, programming and sales appeal. The narration is well done and the thoughts conveyed add another…Notes
Philips 40503 (1-40705), white-label "Promotional Copy – Not for Sale", mono version, "An Empire Production"; "Letter From a Teenage Son" (M. Sweeney),… #102 Marceline An Open Letter to My Dad 1967 · Single · Ion # 1-102 · USA
Annotation
The song "An Open Letter to My Dad" (Ion Records # 1-102), an interesting answer song to Lundberg, narrated from the perspective of the teenage son's sister, which to-date is the only answer record identified that is narrated by a woman. The original press release from the Ion Record Co. announced the song as "an eloquent plea for peace". But following a letter of complaint from a Maine radio station disc jockey, an Ion Records' executive sent a personal apology from the company…Notes
Ion Records 1-102-A, 45 RPM, pink label, 1592 Crossroads of the World, Hollywood, Calif.; "An Open Letter to My Dad" (Steven R. Wolf), 3:40, Detec Music… #103 Keith Gordon A Teenager's Answer (Vocal) 1967 · Single · A Teenager's Answer (Vocal) / A Teenager's Answer (Instrumental) · Tower # 383 · USA
Annotation
Keith Gordon, in the track "A Teenager's Answer (Vocal)" (Tower Records # 383) took the approach of trying to convince Lundberg of the "flower-power" culture, saying that he wanted to "make love, not war" . He also said that the hip kids are true Americans. Like some of the tracks above, he mentioned the teachings of the bible. Furthermore, the narrator argued that in history rebels had made America great, such as George Washington against the British, and Abraham Lincoln against…Notes
Tower 383, white "Promotional — Not for Sale" labels; A-side "A Teenager's Answer (Vocal)" (45-61718), 2:31, and flip "A Teenager's Answer (Instrumental)"… #104 Keith Gordon A Teenager's Answer (Instrumental) 1967 · Single · A Teenager's Answer (Vocal) / A Teenager's Answer (Instrumental) · Tower # 383 · USA
Notes
Instrumental version of "A Teenager's Answer (Vocal)" , the A-side.Notes
Instrumental version of "A Teenager's Answer (Vocal)", the A-side. Tower 383, white "Promotional — Not for Sale" labels; A-side "A Teenager's Answer… #105 Dick Clair Hi, Dad (An Open Letter to Dad) 1967 · Single · Hi, Dad (An Open Letter to Dad) / Tell That Joke · Imperial # 66272 · USA
Annotation
The song "Hi, Dad (An Open Letter to Dad)" (Imperial Records # 66272), by Dick Clair, another very interesting answer record which took a comedy approach, poking fun at Victor Lundberg. Musically, the song is just a jazz piano, with Dick Clair speaking over it. Printed on the single is the date "11 December 1967". The track started with the son (the narrator) driving down the freeway, when all of a sudden he heard his father on the radio, dictating a letter. The narrator wondered why… Notes
Imperial 66272 (IM-6413), "Audition Record" label, a product of Liberty Records, a Division of Liberty Records, Inc., Los Angeles, California; "Hi, Dad… #106 Dick Clark Open Letter to the Older Generation 1967 · Single · Open Letter to the Older Generation / The Fable of Fun Country · Dunhill # D-4112 · USA
Annotation
The track "Open Letter to the Older Generation" (Dunhill Records # D-4112) was narrated by Dick Clark, a well known American television personality. He hosted the famous American Bandstand from 1956-1989, in which teenagers danced to a top 40 hit on television.1 Perhaps this association to teenagers led him to releasing this answer to Lundberg's "An Open Letter to My Teenage Son". It does not express a pro or anti war stance, although is clearly a protest song. It calls on the older… Notes
Dunhill D-4112 (45-01156), black label; "Open Letter to the Older Generation" (words by Roy Freeman, music by George Tipton), 3:10, Claridge Music, Inc.… #107 Chris Howard An Open Letter to Dad 1967 · Single · An Open Letter to Dad / Dear Dad · Carole # CAR-1005 · USA
Annotation
Double-sided response record to Victor Lundberg's "An Open Letter to My Teenage Son". First up was the song "An Open Letter to Dad" by Chris Howard (Carole Records #CAR-1005), distributed by the larger, Los Angeles, California-based label GNP Crescendo Records. The narrator focused on religious hypocrisy, recalling going to church and Sunday school, and memorising the 10 commandments with his father, noting: "there wasn't one that said... though shall not kill, unless it's a communist" … Notes
Carole Records CAR-1005, "A Division of Sidewalk Productions", "Distributed by GNP Crescendo Records". One side: Chris Howard, "An Open Letter to Dad"… #108 Michael Paul Dear Dad 1967 · Single · An Open Letter to Dad / Dear Dad · Carole # CAR-1005 · USA
Annotation
The second song, on the B-side was "Dear Dad" by Michael Paul (Carole Records #CAR-1005) which took an anti-war position - as mentioned above, distributed by GNP Crescendo Records. Similar to Dick Clair's "Hi, Dad (An Open Letter to Dad)", it began with a comedy approach, with the narrator expressing surprise that his father decided to share a letter over the radio. The father in this case, was apparently in charge of "missiles production" , and so part of the war machine. On the issue… Notes
Carole Records CAR-1005, "A Division of Sidewalk Productions", "Distributed by GNP Crescendo Records". One side: Chris Howard, "An Open Letter to Dad"… #109 Bob Random An Open Letter to My Father 1967 · Single · An Open Letter to My Father / My Dog · Dagonet # 9 · USA
Annotation
Bob Random song "An Open Letter to My Father" (Dagonet DG-009), which has a teen pop / garage folk feel to it, another response to Lundberg. It started by trying to find common ground between the generations, agreeing with his points on long hair and beards. However, Random soon took a strong jibe at the older generation, accusing them of hypocrisy: "we've seen the difference between what a lot of our parents say and what they do. We can't settle for talking morality and then spend… Notes
Dagonet Records DG-009 (DG-9-A), white label; "An Open Letter to My Father" (Steve Kandel - Jerry Berryhill), 2:55, Asa Music (ASCAP); produced by J.… #110 Archie Bell & The Drells A Soldier's Prayer 1967 1967 · Single · A Soldier's Prayer 1967 / On in One · Ovide # 226 · USA
Credited on the record as Archie Bell & The Drells with Sunliners Band.
Annotation
The song "A Soldier's Prayer 1967" (Ovide Records # 226) looked at a soldier being drafted to Vietnam but not wanting to go - released on the 1968 album Tighten Up. It was recorded by the Houston, Texas soul / R&B group Archie Bell & The Drells, formed in 1966. In the late 60s and early 70s they recorded with Atlantic, before becoming a major band for the label Philadelphia International Records. But first they started on the small label Ovide Records from their hometown Houston,… Notes
Ovide Records 226, side A, 45 RPM, matrix LH-3740, grey label, "Vocal"; "A Soldier's Prayer 1967" (Archie Bell), 2:54, Orellia Pub., BMI; Archie Bell &… #111 The Masqueraders Let's Face Facts 1967 · Single · I Don't Want Nobody to Lead Me On / Let's Face Facts · Wand # WND 1168 · USA
Annotation
Another draft song was the Masqueraders' "Let's Face Facts" (Wand Records # WND 1168) - later covered by James Carr, discussed below. The Masqueraders were a vocal soul group formed in Dallas, Texas, in 1958, featuring Robert Wrightsil, Charlie Moore, Lee Jones, Harold Thomas, David Sanders - Thomas and Jones composed this song. It was produced by Chips Moman. Recorded at American Studios in Memphis, it was leased or sold to the New York based Wand.1 The narrator had been drafted to… Notes
Black-and-cream Wand label, "1650 Broadway, New York, N.Y.", WND 1168 (50744); "Lets Face Facts" (Harold L. Thomas-Lee W. Jones Jr.), Press Music (BMI),… #112 James Dudley & the Dee Jay's What a Man Will Do (When He Loves a Woman) 1967 · Single · What a Man Will Do (When He Loves a Woman) / Have Faith · Chess # 1995 · USA
Annotation
The song "What a Man Will Do (When He Loves a Woman)" (Chess Records # 1995) was about the feelings of a man who had just "received a letter from Uncle Sam" , sending "him to Vietnam" , and how memories of his wife, and faith in the bible, will keep him going. The soldier then recalled his old hobbies - walking in the park, listening to records with his wife.Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Chess 1995 (15533), blue "D J Copy" label, manufactured by Chess Producing Corp., Chicago, Illinois; "What a Man Will Do (When He Loves a Woman)" (James… #113 Tony Mason Take Good Care 1967 · Single · Take Good Care / Seeing Is Believing · RCA Victor # 47-9104 · USA
Annotation
The 1967 soul song "Take Good Care" , released on RCA Victor (# 47-9104) is about a man drafted to Vietnam: "I must answer my country's call, I must go and fight in a war" . He doesn't want to go, but his girl asks him to take good care and "come back to me" , which helps him make it through the difficult war conditions, such as "lying in ditches so deep, missiles flying over my head" . Tony Mason, based in New York, had worked with the R&B producer and writer George Kerr. The song, which…Notes
RCA Victor 47-9104 (TPKM-7940), white promotional label marked "Plug Side" and "Not For Sale"; "Take Good Care" (M. Thomas), Hara Music, ASCAP, 2:36;… #114 Jimmy Hughes Uncle Sam 1967 · Single · It Ain't What You Got / Uncle Sam · Atlantic # 2454 · USA
Annotation
Southern soul singer Jimmy Hughes, from Alabama, released the track "Uncle Sam" (Atlantic # 2454) which focused on the draft. It was composed by Marlene Teasley and produced by Rick Hall (owner of Fame Studios, Muscle Shoals, Alabama). The narrator had been called up, and even though he will miss his family, he must go to Vietnam like all the other men, in order to do his duty and to be a man: "I know its right...I've got to stand for myself" .Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Atlantic 45-2454 (A-11536-PL), 45 R.P.M., red and black label; "Uncle Sam" (Marlene Teasley), vocal, Jet Set, BMI, time 2:26; produced by Rick Hall &… #115 Tiny Watkins A Soldier's Sad Story 1967 · Single · Soldier's Sad Story / Love Flows Like a River · Excello # 2287 · USA
Annotation
The title of Tiny Watkins soul song "Soldier's Sad Story" (Excello Records # 2287) sought to portray the feeling of the drafted soldier in Vietnam: "I'm not so very brave, but still I have to fight" . In a first person narration, at the end of the song the soldier pleads with the president, Lyndon B. Johnson: "LBJ...help me if you can" because "I don't want to lose my baby" , thus also reflecting a common fear among soldiers (often referred to in Vietnam War songs). This was the title…Notes
Excello Records 2287 (8722); "Soldier's Sad Story" (Watkins), 2:58, Rub-Hu-Seeus BMI; produced by Rogana Prod.; arranged by Aaron Varnell. "Nashboro… #116 Big Amos Going to Vietnam 1967 · Single · I'm Gone / Going to Vietnam · M.O.C. # 45-665 · USA
Annotation
The blues track "Going to Vietnam" (M.O.C. Records # M.O.C.) by Big Amos Patton, from Sardis, Mississippi, and nephew of the famous 1920s-1930s delta bluesman Charley Patton, it was recorded in Memphis Tennessee, but is very much set to the style of the electric, Chicago blues (like Muddy Waters & Junior Wells). The lyrics told a straight forward narrative of a man being drafted to Vietnam, expressing fears about his lover staying true to him. There is no question of draft dodging,… Notes
M.O.C. 45-665 (HI 2493), "Promotional Copy", sunburst label; "Going to Vietnam" (Amos Patton), 2:49, Pub: JEC Publishing Corp., BMI; produced by Willie… #117 T. Valentine Massius Ray 1967 · Single · Massius Ray / Betty Sue · Val # 016 · USA
Credited on the record as T. Valentine and Company.
Annotation
The R&B novelty song "Massius Ray" (VAL # 016) - a play on "Cassius Clay" - later known as Muhammad Ali - who tried and failed to obtain conscientious objector status in 1967 (refusing to turn up for induction), and subsequently convicted, famously saying "I ain't got no quarrel with them Vietcong" - this was seen as both a religious and Civil Rights message.1 The narrator criticised Ali, because "the men will eat sleep, and even fight better when they know their hero, the great…Notes
Label and catalogue number from the copy in the collection (Val 016). Discogs profile states he recorded 'Massius Ray' on his own label. AllMusic lists… #118 Skeeter Bonn Off To Viet Nam (In The Green) 1967 · Single · Let Me Be the One / Off to Vietnam (In the Green) · Sims # 325 · USA
Annotation
Kicking off with a military marching beat, the country song "Off to Vietnam (In the Green)" (Sims Records # 325) dealt with the draft. Skeeter Bonn (1923-1994), born in Sugarville, Illinois, joined the US Navy during the Second World War. In fact, in the song the narrator receives his draft card, and declares that "in the footsteps of our dads we'll go" - probably a reference to World War Two. The narrator does not care about "right or wrong" , but wants to do his duty and carry on "for… Notes
Sims Records 325B, green label; "Off To Viet Nam (In The Green)" (Bonn), 2:30, Bonnstarr Music Co. (BMI); vocal by Skeeter Bonn. [From the record sleeve… #119 Faith Willow There in Viet Nam 1967 · Single · There in Viet Nam / Ashes & Embers · Bubbie # 1003 · USA
Annotation
The song "There in Viet Nam" (Bubbie Records # 1003) - a country music track that took an anti-war position. It placed a strong emphasis on the contrast between the voting age and the draft age. The narrator also expressed moral and religious opposition to the war, quoting the bible: "thou shall not kill" . Yet, she also defended the previous generation's conflict as a just war for freedom: "his daddy fought in World War Two so that we can live in peace" . Released in Midwest City,…Notes
Bubbie Records 1003-A, P. O. Box 10806, Midwest City, Oklahoma; "There in Viet Nam" (B. Willow), 4:00, Albin Dell Music Co., BMI; produced by Frank Dell.… #120 Jaci Damon A Place Called Vietnam 1967 · Single · A Place Called Vietnam / Please Come Back to Me (And Say You'll Stay) · King # 6121 · USA
Annotation
Traditional pop song "A Place Called Vietnam" (King Records # 6121) performed by Jaci Damon, on a Nashville, Tennessee based label. The narrator told the story of a young soldier, 21 years old, drafted to Vietnam, and subsequently shot and killed: "the bullet flew and he fell in Vietnam...the blood ran out his side...he died on his 21st birthday" . Nevertheless, the narrator argued that he died for an important cause, that "freedom would become an experience, not a dream" i.e. not just…Notes
King 45-6121, High Fidelity, blue label; "A Place Called Vietnam" (Jaci Damon), 2:48, Soil (BMI), matrix K-12431. [From the record sleeve and labels] #121 Tex Morton 21st Birthday 1967 · Single · The Cream in Between / 21st Birthday · Columbia # DO-4785 · Australia
Annotation
Artist background
Tex Morton, a country artist born Robert William Lane on 30 August 1916 in Nelson, New Zealand. He died 23 July 1983 in Sydney, NSW, Australia.1 He released several records under the nickname The Yodelling Boundary Rider. The song "21st Birthday" dealt with the Vietnam War, looking at the home front perspective, of the parents of a soldier killed in action (K.I.A.). The song was released in 1967 on single (no image available at the moment): 21st Birthday (Columbia… #122 The Sherry Sisters Army Bound 1967 · Single · Army Bound / Go On! Go On! · Epic # 5-10188 · USA
Credited on the record as Lois & Karen.
Annotation
"Army Bound" by Lois and Karen, otherwise known as The Sherry Sisters (a 60s girl-group) was a "soldier boy" type of song. Unclear whether the soldier was drafted or volunteered.Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Epic 5-10188 (JZSP 119009), 45 RPM, white-and-pink "Radio Station Copy" label; "Army Bound" (L. Sherry, K. Sherry), 2:34, published by Screen… #123 Autry Inman Army Life Part 1 1967 · Single · Army Life Part 1 / Army Life Part 2 · Risque # 104 · USA
Notes
Army Life Part 1 (Inman, Autry)Comedy about being in the army.
Such as examination at the induction centre.
Reference to draft dodging.
Inman - released "Ball…
Notes
Risque Records 104, white label, "Army Life" Part 1 (Side 1) and Part 2 (Side 2) by Autry Inman, both sides marked "Adults Only"; "Book Records Inc., 400… #124 Autry Inman Army Life Part 2 1967 · Single · Army Life Part 1 / Army Life Part 2 · Risque # 104 · USA
Notes
Risque Records 104, white label, "Army Life" Part 1 (Side 1) and Part 2 (Side 2) by Autry Inman, both sides marked "Adults Only"; "Book Records Inc., 400… #125 Russ Anders Dear God Bring Our Boys Back Home 1967 · Single · Dear God Bring Our Boys Back Home / Three to One · Anbee # 3500 · USA
Credited on the record as Russ "Big Daddy" Anders, Fabulous Four.
Notes
Dear God Bring Our Boys Back Home (Anders, Russ)Notes
Anbee No. 3500, Side 1, 45 R.P.M., "Recorded at Criteria Studios, Miami, Florida"; "Dear God Bring Our Boys Back Home" (Jamie Christian), 3:11, Anbee… #126 Country Joe & The Fish The Fish Cheer & I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-to-Die Rag 1967 · Album · I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-to-Die · Vanguard # VSD 79266 · USA
Notes
Re-recorded version, track A1 of the band's second LP I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-to-Die (Vanguard VSD 79266, 1967), opening with the "Fish" cheer. Personnel:… #127 Suzi & the Raindrops Good-bye My Soldier, Good-bye My Love 1967 · Single · Good-bye My Soldier, Good-bye My Love / The Key to My Heart · Preview # 1280 · USA
Credited on the record as Suzie and the Raindrops.
Notes
- "Good-bye My Soldier, Good-bye My Love" Label: (Preview Records # 1280)
Songwriter: Wesley S. Walker
- Song-poem
- Draft, home front perspective, soldier…
#128 Millicent Markee Hands Across the Sea 1967 · Single · Hands Across the Sea / Don't Take a Chance · Preview # 1308 · USA
Notes
- "Hands Across the Sea" (Millicent Markee)Label: Preview Records # 1308
Songwriter: Ginger Scarbrough
- Song poem. Traditional pop. Patriotic.
- Hollywood,…
#129 The Raving Madd I Said Oh No No (What's in It for Me) 1967 · Single · I Said Oh No No (What's in It for Me) / Boundaries · Golstar # GO-1 · USA
Notes
"I Said Oh No No (What's in It for Me)" (Raving Madd, The) Garage rock. Anti-war.
Rolling Hills, California.
#130 Jimmy Castor Leroy Is in the Army 1967 · Single · Leroy Is in the Army / D-R-Y · Smash # S-2099 · USA
Notes
Red Smash label, S-2099, matrix 1-40065; "Leroy Is in the Army" (Castor - Pruitt), Bozart Music, Inc. (BMI), 2:30; produced by John Brantley, arranged by… #131 The Shelletts My Soldier Boy Over There 1967 · Single · My Soldier Boy Over There / Something I'm Doing Wrong · Eagle # E-102 · USA
Credited on the record as La'Shell & Shelletts.
Annotation
La'Shell & Shelletts (who also recorded under the name The Shelletts), offered their take on the soldier boy theme, with the song "My Soldier Boy Over There" (Eagle Records # E-102). It was also released on the Canadian label Power (# PN-1002), who took out a small advert in Billboard on 11 February 1967 promoting the single. A later edition, on 18 March, announced that "My Soldier Boy Over There...has been picked for broadcast by the US Armed Services Network". In the song the… Notes
Eagle Record Co. – Inc., 1697 Broadway, N.Y.C.; E-102 A (C-102 A); "My Soldier Boy Over There" (E. McNeill – K. O'Brien), Teashea BMI, time 2:42; arranged… #132 Bobby Sims An Open Letter to My Teenage Son 1967 · Single · An Open Letter to My teenage Son / Keep the Ball Rollin · Hit [Nashville] # 312 · USA
Notes
Hit Records, Record No. 312 (7186), 45 R.P.M., black and silver label; "An Open Letter to My Teenage Son" (Robert R. Thompson), Asa, ASCAP. [From the… #133 Doc and The Medics Postmarked Home 1967 · Single · Postmarked Home / Wrong Side of Saigon · Kaylsodak # Klsd 0003 · USA
Annotation
Double-side Vietnam War record, released in 1967 (Kaylsodak Recording Company # Klsd 0003/0004), in Mitchell, South Dakota, USA, in the garage rock genre, with Mexican trumpets. The songs are composed by T. J. Magera. An article from The Daily Republic, Mitchell, South Dakota, on 29 July 1967, read: "the many faceted talents of Magera vastly transcend sales. They include composing and recording (Magera cuts his own discs on the "Kaylsodak Recording Company" label in partnership with… Notes
Kaylsodak Recording Company, Mitchell, S.D., Klsd 0003 (18467), 45 RPM, pink label; "Postmarked Home" (T. J. Magera), 3:00, Kaylsodak Publishing,… #134 Steve Mann Vietnam Blues 1967 · Straight Life · Custom Fidelity # CFS-1675 · USA
Annotation
Steve Mann, born on 2 May 1943 in California, USA, he died on 9 September 2009 in San Pablo, California, USA. In 1965 he was a member of the experimental rock group The Mothers of Invention, playing guitar and harmonica. On this album featured the song "Vietnam Blues" (Custom Fidelity Records # CFS-1675) - he has the writing credit but it contains some familiar lines from other songs on this list, such as the first line: "Uncle Sam ain't no woman, but he sure can take your man" , as… #135 David London When You're Not 21 1967 · Single · Dear Dad / When You're Not 21 · Titan # TT1545 · USA
Notes
Dear Dad (London, David) When You're Not 21 (London, David)
Traditional pop, home/soldier's perspective. Leans towards anti-war.
A-side: son narrated:…
Notes
Titan TT1545, 45 RPM, "Promotion Copy – Not for Sale" on both sides, orange label with the red Titan logo; side A "Dear Dad" (London), Titan Int'l. Corp.,… #136 Li'l Richard Jade do Viet Nam Polka 1967 · Album · Swing and Sway the Chicago Way · Chicago Polkas # CLP-3200 · USA
Credited on the record as Li'l Richard And His Polka Band.
Notes
Chicago Polkas CLP-3200 (mono; stereo SLP-3200), side B track 1. [From Discogs] #137 Li'l Richard Going to Viet Nam Polka (Jade do Viet Nam) 1967 · Single · Going to Viet Nam Polka / My Helen Oberek · Chicago Polkas # 387 · USA
Notes
Chicago Polkas 387, A-side; the single release of "Jade do Viet Nam Polka". Year from Rate Your Music (Discogs gives none). [From Discogs]Label (Chet…
#138 Barbara Dane Masters of War 1967 · Compilation · Save the Children: Songs From the Hearts of Women · Women Strike for Peace # W-001 · USA
Notes
Multiple songs. 'Women Strike for Peace'.Back sleeve: "..we oppose the draft of young men for destruction and killing in Vietnam and elsewhere in the…
#139 Viveca Lindfors To My Countrymen 1967 · Compilation · Save the Children: Songs From the Hearts of Women · Women Strike for Peace # W-001 · Sweden
Notes
Back sleeve: "..we oppose the draft of young men for destruction and killing in Vietnam and elsewhere in the world...". #140 5 Williamson Bros. Why Uncle Sam Called for Me 1967 · Single · King of the Winos / Why Uncle Sam Called for Me · Gold Star # 00202 · USA
Notes
Country, draftGreetings from the president - report to recruitment office.
Must do duty, going to war. Maybe war will end and Vietnam will be our friend.
Notes
Gold Star Records 00202 (Evergreen, North Carolina); B-side; producer Ken Galloway; pressed by Wakefield Manufacturing; published by Gold Letter Pub. Co.La…
#141 Richard Todd Draft Dodger 1967 · Album · USA
Notes
Album line, contains Vietnam references. Interviews with draft dodgers in Canada Spoken word, field recordings [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM] TR…1968
- 30 January: NVA and Vietcong launch Tet Offensive
- 16 March: My Lai Massacre led by Lt. William Calley [not released to public]
- 31 March: Johnson decides not to seek re-election
- 4 April: Assassination of civil rights leader Martin Luther King
- 10 May: Peace talks start in Paris
- 1 July: General Westmoreland replaced by General Abrams
- 28 August: Anti-war protest outside Democratic National Convention, Chicago
- 31 October: US Rolling Thunder bombing campaign halted
- 5 November: Richard Nixon elected US president
- 27 November: Henry Kissinger appointed National Security Adviser
1968
#142 Bob Seger System 2+2=? 1968 · Single · 2 + 2 = ? / Death Row · Capitol # 2143 · USA
Annotation
Bob Seger in the song "2 + 2 = ?" (Capitol Records # 2143) took an anti-war position. It featured on the album Ramblin' Gamblin' Man (Capitol # ST-172). Interestingly, Bob Seger, born in Detroit, Michigan (6 May 1945), earlier in 1966 released a novelty Vietnam record with the group The Beach Bums, called The Ballad of the Yellow Berets (Are You Kidding Me? Records # H-1010), in which Seger (credited as "D.Dodger", for draft dodger), both mocked Barry Sadler (for Ballad of the Green…Notes
Capitol 2143 (45-59079), manufactured by Capitol Records Inc.; "2 + 2 = ?" (Bob Seger), Gear Publishing Co., ASCAP, 2:45; produced by Hideout Productions.… #143 The Byrds Draft Morning 1968 · Album · Notorious Byrd Brothers · Columbia # CL 2775 · USA
Annotation
The Byrds protest song "Draft Morning" (Columbia Records # CS 9575) questioned the point of war, in a poignant, poetic fashion. It was a very creative draft song, with very few words. It was composed by David Crosby, and told the story of a soldier waking up on the morning of his departure for war, in the peaceful setting of the US, with the sun warming his face. He decided to take his time and enjoy the morning. But then the soldier is on the battlefield in Vietnam, where he had to "l… #144 The Put On Company Please Mr. Johnson (I Don't Wanna Go) 1968 · Single · Please Mr. Johnson (I Don't Wanna Go) / Detroit Spiritual · Jest # J-101 · USA
Credited on the record as The Put On Company featuring Doug Salma.
Annotation
A novelty protest record about the draft - as suggested by the title of the band ("Put On", meaning it is not true). In addition, they called the private label Jest Records, while the Social Climbers produced the song. So the track "Please Mr. Johnson (I Don't Wanna Go)" (Jest Records # J-101), written by Doug Salamanca and Gary Paxton, started with a spoken-word disclaimer: "this record was sung and produced in complete jest, for fun, it is in no way meant to be unpatriotic, the…Notes
Jest Records, P.O. Box 349, Hollywood, Calif. 90028, J-101 (J-1001-A), 45 RPM, yellow label; "Please Mr. Johnson (I Don't Wanna Go)" (D. Salamanca - G.… #145 John Lee Hooker I Gotta Go to Vietnam 1968 · Album · Urban Blues · MCA # MCAD-10760 · USA
Annotation
The well-known and influential blues singer/songwriter John Lee Hooker (1917-2001) wrote a couple of Vietnam related tracks. Born in Mississippi, he largely lived and worked in Detroit. Chicago blues grew in the northern US cities in the post-war electric period. Despite mainly using an electric guitar and performing in the cities of the north, Hooker's style more closely resembled the southern rural blues, such as delta, country, and folk blues. In 1969, he released the single "I… #146 Lightnin' Hopkins Viet Nam War (Pt. 1) & (Pt. 2) 1968 · Album · Talkin' Some Sense · Jewel [Shreveport] # LPS 5001 · USA
Annotation
Lightnin' Hopkins, born Sam Hopkins on 15 March 1912, in Centreville, Texas, recorded extensively from the 1940s-1970s, typically playing blues in the style that came out of his native Texas, like Blind Lemon Jefferson (acoustic / electric Texas blues). Often singing about topical events, such as the Korean War and Great Depression, in the mid-late 1960s he turned his attention to Vietnam. He died in Houston Texas on 30 January 1982.1 In 1969, he released the anti-war single "Please… #147 Emanuel Laskey A Letter From Vietnam 1968 · Single · More Love (Where This Came From) / A Letter From Vietnam · Westbound # W-143 · USA
Annotation
The 1968 song "A Letter From Vietnam" (Westbound Records # W-143) by Detroit soul singer Emanuel Laskey, displayed sympathy for those fighting. In a first person account, a soldier in Vietnam send home his love. The soldier is there "not by chance nor choice" - thus a draftee - yet the soldier has "no remorse" and that it is "a burden to bare" . In the spoken-word section the soldier expressed his fear of the war, and that the US needed to win for those that had died: "I've lost a… Notes
Westbound Records W-143B, light-blue label, matrix ZTSC-141441; "A Letter From Vietnam" (M. Hanks), time 2:35, Bridgeport Music (BMI); produced by M.… #148 Robert Tamkin A Teenage Son's Open Letter to His Father 1968 · Single · A Teenage Son's Open Letter to His Father / Hey God · Date # 2-1610 · USA
Annotation
The song "A Teenage Son's Open Letter to His Father" (Date # 2-1610) by Robert Tamkin, another response to Lundberg. This one started with the interesting scenario of the teenage boy being locked in prison, as a result of burning his drat card.However, it soon slipped into a father-son relationship story, about how both sides lacked understanding of each other:
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Date 2-1610, 45 RPM, matrix JZSP 137291, "Radio Station Copy", "Suggested Side"; "A Teenage Son's Open Letter to His Father" (Rev. B. Alberts, PhD), 3:45,… #149 King Fighter Send Me Instead 1968 · Compilation · This is Calypso · RA # RA 1012 · Trinidad & Tobago
Annotation
King Fighter, born 10 March 1928 in Victoria, Demerara-Mahaica, Guyana, died 12 December 1999 in Grenada, also Known as Shurland Wilson, featured on this compilation with the patriotic calypso song "Send Me Instead" (Recording Artists Productions # 1012), in which he said that although he was "born in the land of Guyana" , he was grateful to the US, and thus was happy to be sent to fight in the Vietnam War. The song criticised US boxer and Civil Rights campaigner Muhammad Ali for… #150 Little Joe & The Latinaires A la guerra ya me llevan 1968 · Single · A la guerra ya me llevan / Como un perro · Buena Suerte # 929 · USA
Annotation
The tejano song "A la guerra ya me llevan" ( "They're Taking Me to the War" ) (Buena Suerte Records # 929), narrated from the soldier's perspective, expressed opposition to being drafted to go to the war, leaning towards the anti-war side: "they're taking me against my will" . Little Joe performed the song, a Mexican-American, born in Temple, Texas (17 October 1940), as José María De León Hernández. This political song helped established him as a major artist in the 1960s Chicano… Notes
Buena Suerte Records 929, 45 RPM, LH-4865, P.O. Box 3725, Temple, Texas 76501; "A la guerra ya me llevan" (D.A.R.), canción ranchera, time 2:40; Little… #151 Glen Tomasetti The Ballad of Bill White 1968 · Single · The Ballad of Bill White · MP # 57 · Australia
Annotation
Glen Tomasetti, contemporary folk artist born 21 May 1929 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. She died 25 June 2003. This EP contained three anti-Vietnam War songs.. The first song "Ballad of Bill White" (MP 57) told the true story of a Sydney-based school teacher William "Bill" White, who defied the Australian draft, as a conscientious objector. He was arrested an dragged from his home by Australian police, which was famously captured on photo by John Fairfax in 1966. He was jailed in… Notes
Matrix MP-57-A; "composed and sung by Glen Tomasetti", copyright Glen Tomasetti. MP 57, 45, picture labels with a black-and-white photograph of Glen… #152 Glen Tomasetti The Army's Appeal to Mothers 1968 · Single · The Ballad of Bill White · MP # 57 · Australia
Annotation: see “The Ballad of Bill White” above (same release).
#153 Roger Jones Big Brother (Home for Christmas) 1968 · Single · Big Brother (Home for Christmas) / Three Little Monkeys · New Star # NS 129 · USA
Annotation
Just like the famous Becky Lamb, the song "Big Brother (Home for Christmas)" (New Star Records # NS 129) featured a child narrator whose older brother fought in Vietnam. The tune "Silent Night" played in the background. This can be classified as an anti-war song, as the child's mother prayed each night "to bring this terrible war to a close" and for god to "show our president the light" . The child also told the listener that his neighbour "burned his draft card under a...Christmas… Notes
New Star NS 129 (65), "Manufactured by New Star Records · Goodlettsville, Tennessee · U.S.A."; "Big Brother (Home for Christmas)" (J. L. Cook & Fern… #154 Becky Lamb Love, Tommy 1968 · Single · Love, Tommy / If I'm Elected President in 1968 · Warner Bros. # 7158 · USA
Annotation
Becky Lamb returned to the scene in 1968, a year after her hit "Little Becky's Christmas Wish" (see above). Billboard reported on 13 January that the "youngster scored heavily at Christmas with her initial outing 'Becky's Christmas Wish'. This follow-up carries the story line through to a patriotic climax. Well done and deserving of attention".1 So the song "Love, Tommy" (Warner Bros. Records # 7158) started with a man, Tommy, narrating a letter to Becky from Vietnam: "Dear Becky, how… Notes
Warner Bros. Records 7158, white promotional label marked "Promotion — Not for Sale", made in U.S.A.; Becky Lamb, produced by Dick Glasser, vocal… #155 Kane's Cousins Alice's Restaurant 1968 · Single · Alice's Restaurant / Drive in Window Tap Tapper · Shove Love # 45-501 · USA
Notes
Shove Love Records 45-501 (SL-17751-PL), white label marked "Vocal" and "Plug Side"; "Alice's Restaurant" (Arlo Guthrie), pub. Appleseed Music Inc.,… #156 The New Christy Minstrels Alice's Restaurant 1968 · Single · Summertime Love / Alice's Restaurant · Columbia # 4-44577 · USA
Credited on the record as The New Christy Ministrels.
Notes
Columbia 4-44577 (ZSP 138076), red label, 45 rpm; "Alice's Restaurant" (A. Guthrie), 3:15; produced by Gregar Productions. [From the record sleeve and… #157 Pete Seeger & Bernice Johnson Reagon Backlash Blues 1968 · Album · Pete Seeger Now · Columbia # CS 9717 · USA
Annotation
The song "Backlash Blues" on the album Pete Seeger Now (Columbia Records # CS 9717) - a cover of Nina Simone & Langston Hughes song, originally on the 1967 album Nina Simone Sings the Blues. Seeger on banjo, and Bernice Johnson Reagon providing vocals. The first verse made a connection between the war and Civil Rights: "you... send my son to Vietnam, you give me second class houses and... schools, do you think that all colored people are just second class fools?" .Annotation by Justin…
Notes
Columbia Stereo CS 9717, "Pete Seeger Now with Bernice Reagon & The Reverend Fred Kirkpatrick"; produced by John Hammond, engineering Edward T. Graham and… #158 Royal Shakespeare Company Barry Bondhus 1968 · Musical · Tell Me Lies · Gregar # GGS-5000 · UK
Credited on the record as Peter Brook Production with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Notes
Soundtrack to Vietnam War film.Note: need to catalogue songs
Protest, anti-war
UK
Notes
1968 British documentary drama film directed and produced by Peter Brook. Based on the 1966 play US by Denis Cannan. Soundtrack performed by the Royal… #159 Hershel Gober Forgotten Man 1968 · Album · The Proud American · Patriot # 91140 · USA
Annotation
Hershel Gober followed up his 1966 Vietnam-related singles with a full-length album. The title The Proud American (Patriot Records # 91140) stated its patriotic stance. The back of the record said that: "These songs were written in Vietnam, where Hershel has served twice as a combat soldier. This is a soldiers' look at Vietnam". It then showed a picture of Gober performing to his "friends" at the Cam Ranh Air Base - President Johnson, General Westmoreland, and the South Vietnamese… #160 The Carlyes The Great Society 1968 · Single · The Great Society / Please Give Us Our Ship Back · Audio Fidelity # AF 143 · USA
Notes
Great Society (Carlyles, The)Weird novelty protest, pop. Anti-imperialism.
LBJ takes the Great Society to Asia.
References the C.I.A., communism, taxes,…
#161 John Lee Hooker I Don't Wanna Go to Vietnam 1968 · Single · I Don't Wanna Go to Vietnam / Mean Mean Woman · Bluesway # 61023 · USA
Annotation
Artist background
The well-known and influential blues singer / songwriter John Lee Hooker, known for playing an Electric Blues style of the Delta Blues, born on 22 August 1917 in Clarksdale, Mississippi, USA, he died on 21 June 2001 in Los Altos, California, USA. Although born in Mississippi, he largely lived and worked in Detroit. Chicago blues grew in the northern US cities in the post-war electric period. Despite mainly using an electric guitar and performing in the cities of the…Notes
Bluesway 45-61023 ("Bluesway ... is where it's at!", ABC Records logo), side AMP 45-15381; "I Don't Wanna Go to Vietnam" (John Lee Hooker), Pamco Music,… #162 Minette LBJ - Don't Take My Man Away 1968 · Album · Come to Me at Tea Time · Collectors Choice · USA
Notes
"Hey, Hey, LBJ, How Many Kids Did You Kill Today?" "LBJ, Don't Take My Man Away"
"Pentagon, Please Be Gone"
Notes
LGBTQ #163 Hank Penny A Letter From Home 1968 · Single · A Letter From Home / Keep's On Haunting Me · Wasp # WR-117 · USA
Credited on the record as The Incomparable Hank Penny.
Annotation
Notes
Letter From Home, A (Penny, Hank) Tacoma, Washington, USA. Country.
Comedy recitation about a letter to a buddy in Vietnam about his wife having a fun time at home with other men. Originally released by Hank Penny in 1955 for the Korean War. Other Vietnam versions of the song by Joe Medwick, Johnny Bond, Charlie Wiggs, and Dick Bruce. Classified as a "jody" song??
Billboard, 30 July 1955: "This is a recitation...Penny reads a letter to a buddy in Korea, wherein he relates the…
Notes
Wasp WR-117-A, orange-and-white label, P.O. Box 7171, Tacoma, Wash.; "A Letter From Home" (Hank Penny), time 4:05, Penny Music (BMI); credited to "The… #164 Michigan Stone Foxx Love Not War 1968 · Single · Love Not War / Born December 2 67 - Died Jul 4, 68 · Pompeii # 45-66676 · USA
Notes
Love Not War (Michigan Stone Foxx) Funk / soul. Dallas, Texas, USA. Anti-war.
Sick and tired of differences - make love not war.
Vietnam-era, hippie.
Notes
Pompeii Records 45-66676, white label, vocal, PP-14933-PL, "Plug Side"; "Love Not War" (McKay & Bland), time 2:17, Pub., Pompeii-Attack, BMI; "Produced by… #165 Autry Inman Must We Fight Two Wars 1968 · Album · Ballad of Two Brothers · Epic # BN 26428 · USA
Notes
Epic BN 26428, stereo LP "Ballad of Two Brothers" by Autry Inman; Side 2 (XSB 139030), track 4: "Must We Fight Two Wars" (B. Smith - R. Cooper), 5:27,… #166 Hershel Gober Proud American 1968 · Album · The Proud American · Patriot # 91140 · USA
Annotation
Hershel Gober followed up his 1966 Vietnam-related singles with a full-length album. The title The Proud American (Patriot Records # 91140) stated its patriotic stance. The back of the record said that: "These songs were written in Vietnam, where Hershel has served twice as a combat soldier. This is a soldiers' look at Vietnam". It then showed a picture of Gober performing to his "friends" at the Cam Ranh Air Base - President Johnson, General Westmoreland, and the South Vietnamese…Notes
Tee Pee Records 834T-4533, red label, "A Subsidiary of Target Records, Appleton, Wis.", produced by Target Productions, ALPO Music; "Here Am I" (H.… #167 Paul Gamble Rite Now (Part 1) 1968 · Single · Rite Now · P.G. # 601 · USA
Notes
Rite Now (Part 1) (Gamble, Paul)Rite Now (Part 2) (Gamble, Paul)
- Both sides, spoken word, protest, Civil Rights, draft
- Racial disturbance: teenage said:…
#168 Paul Gamble Rite Now (Part 2) 1968 · Single · Rite Now · P.G. # 601 · USA
Notes
Rite Now (Part 1) (Gamble, Paul)Rite Now (Part 2) (Gamble, Paul)
- Both sides, spoken word, protest, Civil Rights, draft
- Racial disturbance: teenage said:…
#169 Jo Ann Garrett That Little Brown Letter 1968 · Single · That Little Brown Letter / I've Gotta Be Loved · Duo # D-7454 · USA
Notes
That Little Brown Letter (Garrett, Joann)Notes
Duo Records D-7454, matrix ZTSC-141733; "That Little Brown Letter" (Andre Williams), time 2:30, Sea-Jack/June Sixteen Music Co., BMI; Jo Ann Garrett;… #170 Various Artists The Sound of Dissent 1968 · Album · The Sound Of Dissent · Mercury # SR-61203 · USA
Annotation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=746gRj6DQSc http://www.discogs.com/Various-The-Sound-Of-Dissent/release/526584
Documentary
Field recordings, spoken-word.
Draft. Democratic National Convention (1968). Campus protest. Demonstration.
need to catalogue:
tracks:
"Anti-Draft Remarks"
"Peace March"
"Anti-War March"
"Democratic National Convention"
"Campus"
An excellent documentary record released in 1969, of field recordings, speeches, news clips, and interviews, backed by soul jazz…
Notes
Mercury Stereo SR 61203, "Playable on modern monaural equipment"; front cover of nested diamond shapes over a colour-inverted photograph of a…1969
- 25 January: Peace talks in Paris begin
- 17 March: Operation Menu - bombing of Cambodia
- 10-20 May: Battle at Hamburger Hill
- 14 May: Nixon announces Vietnamisation plan
- 8 July: The first US troop withdrawals, starting with 800 men
- 2 September: Ho Chi Minh dies
- 5 September: Lt. Calley charged with murder over My Lai Massacre
- 15 October: Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam
1969
#171 Bobby Wayne Uncle Sam's Got My Number 1969 · Single · The Letter / Uncle Sam's Got My Number · Jerden # JD-786 · USA
Annotation
The song "Uncle Sam’s Got My Number" (Jerden # JD-786) by Bobby Wayne dealt with the draft call coming from the US government. The draftee is due to leave soon, and his mind is totally focused on (the fear) of whether his girl will still love him when he is gone: Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Jerden JD-786 (AMP 45-190), white promotional copy ("Promotional Copy", "Not for Sale"); "Uncle Sam's Got My Number" (Leon Kelly), 4-Star Sales Pub. Co.,… #172 Billy Bizor with Lightnin' Hopkins Vietnam War 1969 · Album · Blowing My Blues Away · Home Cooking # HCS 111 · USA
Annotation
The bluesman Billy Bizor, born in Centerville, Texas in 1913, released the track "Vietnam War" (Home Cooking LP 111) - the same song, but a different recording of "Viet Nam War (Pt. 1) & (Pt.2)" by Lightnin' Hopkins on the album Talkin' Some Sense (Jewel Records # LPS 5001), discussed below. This track, recorded on 15 April 1968 at the ACA Recording Studio in Houston, Texas, just a year before he died in April 1969 (in the same city), also featured his cousin Hopkins (lead vocals and… #173 Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup Questionnaire Blues 1969 · Album · Look On Yonder's Wall · Delmark # DS-614 · USA
Annotation
Delta Blues and Electric Blues artist, born on 24 August 1905 in Forest, Mississippi, USA, he died on 28 March 1974 in Nassawadox, Virginia, USA. This album contained the song "Questionnaire Blues" (Delmark Records # DS-614) - the term often used to refer to the draft. It was recorded on 25 May 1967 in Chicago, Illinois, featuring Crudup on vocals and guitar, and Ransom Knowling on bass. This song is in fact a re-recorded version of "Give Me a 32-20" (1942), released about World War…Notes
Track A2 'Questionnaire Blues'. Stereo LP. Personnel: Arthur Crudup (vocals, guitar), Edward El (guitar), Ransom Knowling and Dave Myers ('Dave Meyers')… #174 Steppenwolf Draft Resister 1969 · Album · Monster · Dunhill # DS-50066 · USA
Annotation
Famous hard rock band Steppenwolf, formed in 1967, in Los Angeles, California, USA, founded by lead singer John Kay. They released the anti-war song "Draft Resister" ((Dunhill Records # DS-50066), taking a strong position against military recruitment. The narrator praised the "courage" of those who opposed the draft, and criticised the "precious millions" wasted on the "toys of Washington" . Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
#175 Creedence Clearwater Revival Fortunate Son 1969 · Single · Down on the Corner / Fortunate Son · Fantasy # 634 · USA
Annotation
This song looked at social-economic inequality within the draft system. It suggested that wealthy people were able to avoid the draft, while American youngsters, from poor backgrounds, were sent to fight (and maybe die) in Vietnam. Written by John Fogerty of American rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR), the song "Fortunate Son" (Fantasy Records # 634) was inspired by David Eisenhower, the grandson of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who avoided the draft and Vietnam by joining…Notes
Fantasy 634 (F-2756) on the multicoloured green, red and orange Fantasy label; "Fortunate Son" (J. C. Fogerty), Jondora Music, BMI, time 2:19; produced… #176 Flying Burrito Brothers My Uncle 1969 · Album · The Gilded Palace of Sin · A&M # SP-4175 · USA
Annotation
The country rock song "My Uncle" (A&M Records # SP-4175) was another first person narration, from a person who received a draft letter. He decided to avoid the draft by heading to the "nearest foreign border" - Canada. Thus, this song is a good representation of draft evasion through the method of running. There are varied statistics on how many Americans fled to Canada between 1966 and 1972. An official US study put the number at over 300,000 - 209,517 cases of accused draft… #177 Donovan To Susan on the West Coast Waiting 1969 · Single · To Susan on the West Coast Waiting / Atlantis · Epic # 5-10434 · UK
Annotation
Donovan, born Donovan Philips Leitch on 10 May 1946 in Glasgow, United Kingdom, was a popular contemporary folk singer in the 1060s, and into the 70s. He released several war and Vietnam-related songs in the period, featured on this list, including three cover songs in 1965: "Do You Here Me Now", "Universal Soldier" , and "The War Drags On" . He also had two original compositions: "Ballad of a Crystal Man" (1966), and "To Susan on the West Coast Waiting" (1969). The song "To Susan on…Notes
Epic 5-10434 (ZSP 139920), yellow Epic label, 45 rpm, 3:13, "(D. Leitch)", "Produced by Mickie Most — A Mickie Most Production", printed in USA. [From the… #178 Merle Haggard Okie From Muskogee 1969 · Single · Okie From Muskogee / If I Had Left It Up to You · Capitol # 2626 · USA
Credited on the record as Merle Haggard and The Strangers.
Annotation
The song "Okie From Muskogee" (Capitol Records # 2626), referencing the Vietnam War draft, paid tribute to a patriotic, conservative, Middle America. Haggard, born in Bakersfield, California, in 1937, developed a long career as an American country and western song-writer and performer, especially known as a guitarist, vocalist, and fiddler. He became one of the most influential artists in the country music genre.1Haggard also referenced the Vietnam War in the 1970 single "The…
Notes
Capitol 2626 (S45-72822), stereo, "Mfd. by Capitol Records, Inc., a subsidiary of Capitol Industries Inc."; "Okie From Muskogee" (Merle Haggard – Eddie… #179 Gary Laster A Drafted Minor 1969 · Single · A Drafted Minor / The Riddle · D.C.A. # 101 · USA
Annotation
The track "A Drafted Minor" (D.C.A. Records # 101) focused on the discrepancy between the draft age and such things as the voting age, the drinking age, and the ability to take out a loan and drive a car in the US. Narrated from the perspective of a soldier, the singer told the listener that he received a draft card from Uncle Sam to "fight for his country" and, thus he "went to Vietnam" . There he saw his friends die. The song fits into the anti-draft camp, and also leans towards the…Notes
D.C.A. Records 101, matrix DCA-101A, "D. J. Copy", "Dist. by Chart Records, Inc."; "A Drafted Minor" (Roshell Frazher), 3:00, John Durham Pub. Co., BMI.… #180 Troy Seals Mama Hold My Hand 1969 · Single · Mama Hold My Hand / Ebony and Ivory · Rising Sons # RS-715 · USA
Annotation
Kentucky born country singer Troy Seals released the deeply emotional blue-eyed soul song "Mama Hold My Hand" (Rising Sons # RS-715). A soldier is off to war, presumably drafted, "to fight for his land" . He is wondering "where am I going? When will it end?" As he waits for an army man to call his name to take him off to war, he cries out "mama, hold my hand" , and ask her to say goodbye to his father, because he would not want to "see his big boy cry" .Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Rising Sons RS-715S, stereo, RS1B-15 S, white label marked "Disc Jockey Not for Sale"; "Mama Hold My Hand" (T. Seals), time 4:11, Combine Music Corp.-BMI;… #181 Roscoe Robinson Don't Forget the Soldiers (Fighting in Vietnam) 1969 · Single · Don't Forget the Soldiers (Fighting in Vietnam) / Tis Yuletide · Gerri # 2 · USA
Annotation
Roscoe Robinson, soul and gospel artist, wrote and recorded this single on his own label, Gerri Records (named after his wife Geraldine), which he established in Chicago, 1965. Born in Arkansas, 1928, he is currently based in Alabama. He also performed with the gospel groups The Fairfield Four, The Five Blind Boys of Mississippi, & The Highway QC's.1This soul song "Don't Forget the Soldiers (Fighting in Vietnam)" (Gerri Records # 002) started with mail being handed out to the…
Notes
Gerri Records, Chicago, 002, Side A, pink label; "Don't Forget the Soldiers (Fighting in Viet Nam)" (Roscoe Robinson), 3:10, Scoe Pub., BMI; produced by… #182 The Fabulous Performers One Little Kiss 1969 · Single · One Little Kiss / Where Is My Daddy · Blackjack # 1407-B-3 · USA
Annotation
Group formed in Philadelphia, Pennslyvania, USA in 1969. Members included Roy Walker, Danny Todd, James Marshall, Timothy Jenkins, Bernard Henderson (bass vocals). They were also known as The Informers. In this Philly Soul track "One Little Kiss" (Blackjack Records # 1407-B-3), a man is off to war: "I got a letter here from Uncle Sam...going to a far off land" . He did not want to go because he would miss his sweetheart. Through the years this has become a very rare Northern Soul… #183 Six Pak Weep No More 1969 · Single · Bring 'Em on Home / Weep No More · Gordo # 704 · USA
Annotation
Double-sided Vietnam War single by Chicano soul group Six Pak, released on the Californian label Gordo (# 704), founded by Eddie Davis (a sub-label of his Rampart Records). Both tracks had a Latin Soul feel to it - of course, the label focused on Mexican Americans.1 This formed part of the West Coast 'Eastside Sound' music scene. According to the president of Rampart Steven Chavez: "almost 50% of the artists from the East Side Sound era served in combat roles in Viet Nam, losing their…Notes
Gordo 704, Gordo Enterprises, Inc., Los Angeles, California, green label with sombrero cartoon logo; production and sound by Mario Paniagua & Eddie Davis,… #184 Six Pak Bring 'Em on Home 1969 · Single · Bring 'Em on Home / Weep No More · Gordo # 704 · USA
Annotation: see “Weep No More” above (same release).
#185 Tommy Tycho Army Training 1969 · Soundtrack · You Can't See Round Corners · Festival # SFL-933,141 · Australia
Annotation
Soundtrack to the 1969 Australian-made Vietnam War film You Can't See 'round Corners, directed by Sydney, Australian-born David Cahill.1 The composer, Tommy Tycho, was born on 11 April 1928 in Budapest, Hungary. Of Jewish heritage, his family were put into camps during World War Two. After the war, he fled, first to Iran (1948-51), and then emigrated to Australia (1951). He died on 4 April 2013 in Sydney, NSW, Australia.The film was based on the 1947 novel of the same name, "You Can't…
Notes
Soundtrack to the 1969 film You Can't See 'Round Corners (dir. David Cahill), about a Sydney conscript; basic-training scenes at Kapooka. #186 Jacinto Antonio A la guerra me llevan 1969 · Single · A la guerra me llevan / Con in timidad · Columbia # 10090 · USA
Annotation
The song "A la guerra me llevan" ( "To the War They Take Me" ) (Discos Columbia # 10090) released in 1969 in Miami, Florida. A cover of a well-known Mexican-American war song, as above. The song also featured on the 1969 album Aqui Esta.Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Discos Columbia 10090 (0101-17081), "Balada Surf", manufactured in the U.S.A. by Miami Records Dist. Corp. under license from Columbia Records; "A la… #187 Herb Newman & Co. Alice's Restaurant 1969 · Single · Alice's Restaurant / For Once in My Life · Era # HTE-100 · USA
#188 Peter Richie Alice's Restaurant Massacree 1969 · Album · Design # SDLP 314 · USA
#189 Garry Sherman Alice's Restaurant Massacree 1969 · Single · Alice's Restaurant Massacree / The Let Down · United Artists # UA 50589 · USA
Credited on the record as Garry Sherman & His Orchestra.
Notes
United Artists Records UA 50589 (UA 4973), white promotional label marked "Promotion Copy — Not for Sale" and "Plug Side"; "Alice's Restaurant Massacree"… #190 Arlo Guthrie Alice's Rock & Roll Restaurant 1969 · Single · Alice's Rock & Roll Restaurant / Coming into Los Angeles · Reprise # RS 20877 · USA
Notes
Reprise RS 20877, yellow "Advance Promotion Copy — Not for Sale" label with large "A", 45 rpm, ℗ 1969, release date stamped "Rel: 16.1.70"; "Alice's Rock… #191 Axiom Arkansas Grass 1969 · Single · Arkansas Grass / Samantha · Sire # 45-4117 · USA
Annotation
Axiom, rock pop band, formed in 1969, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. They disbanded in 1971. Members were: Glenn Shorrock (vocals), Brian Cadd (organ), Doug Lavery (drums, 1969), Don Lebler (drums, 1969-71), Don Mudie (bass), and Chris Stockley (guitar). The song "Arkansas Grass" (released in Australia on Parlophone # A-8909, and in the US on Sire Records # 45-4117), took a generic anti-war position in the Vietnam-era, narrated from a soldier's perspective, who wondered what would… Notes
US promotional copy; Angle Music; produced by June Productions of Australia. Sire 45-4117, CL 7776, orange-and-cream sunburst label with lion logo, "Made… #192 The Lower Oisch Philharmonic Magic Rag Rag (Part I) 1969 · Single · Magic Rag Rag (Part I) / Magic Rag Rag (Part II) · Krieger # 25196 · USA
Notes
The song Magic Rag Rag - The Lower Oisch Philharmonic (Krieger Records # 25196).Garage rock. Produced by Tom Kreiger. Written by Chuck Keith. Arranged by…
Notes
Krieger Records 25196, 45 R.P.M., blue and silver label; "Magic Rag Rag (Part 1)", time 2:51, and "Magic Rag Rag (Part II)", time 2:17, both (Chuck… #193 The Lower Oisch Philharmonic Magic Rag Rag (Part II) 1969 · Single · Magic Rag Rag (Part I) / Magic Rag Rag (Part II) · Krieger # 25196 · USA
Annotation
The song Magic Rag Rag - The Lower Oisch Philharmonic (Krieger Records # 25196).Garage rock. Produced by Tom Kreiger. Written by Chuck Keith. Arranged by Ron Jarvis.
About a boy growing up in Kansas, who loved the US and the flag. At the age of 19 he volunteered to go to the army, sent to Vietnam six weeks later. After one day, he was killed, and sent home in a box wrapped in the flag. Anti-war Suggested that it was not worth it, criticism of flag worship, blind patriotism.
Annotation…
Notes
Krieger Records 25196, 45 R.P.M., blue and silver label; "Magic Rag Rag (Part 1)", time 2:51, and "Magic Rag Rag (Part II)", time 2:17, both (Chuck… #194 Merle Haggard Okie From Muskogee (Live) 1969 · Live · Okie From Muskogee · Capitol # ST-384 · USA
Notes
Capitol 2626 (S45-72822), stereo, red-and-orange Capitol label, "Mfd. by Capitol Records, Inc., a subsidiary of Capitol Industries, Inc."; "Okie From… #195 Lee Michaels The War 1969 · Single · Goodbye, Goodbye / The War · A&M # 1048 · USA
Notes
A&M 1048, "Promotional Copy - Not for Sale"; "The War" (Lee Michaels), 3:15 (1691), LaBrea Music / Sattwa Music (ASCAP); "From the A&M album 'Recital'… #196 Peter, Paul and Mary Day Is Done 1969 · Single · Day Is Done / Make Believe Town · Warner Bros. # 7279 · USA
Notes
- Contemporary folk, protest, anti-war / peace, Vietnam-era- Popular titles, related to "Eve of Destruction"
- Children lead us to better world
- Written…
#197 Jerry Simpson Young Boy 1969 · Single · Young Boy / In the Valley of Honey · AOK # AOKR-1053 · USA
Notes
AOK AOKR-1053-A, yellow label with rocket logo; "Young Boy" (J. Simpson), 2:37, Gusto Music – BMI; produced by Gorman Maxwell; AOK Productions, Box 6406,… #198 Tommy Tycho Awol 1969 · Soundtrack · You Can't See Round Corners · Festival # SFL-933,141 · Australia
Annotation
Soundtrack to the 1969 Australian-made Vietnam War film You Can't See 'round Corners, directed by Sydney, Australian-born David Cahill. The composer, Tommy Tycho, was born on 11 April 1928 in Budapest, Hungary. Of Jewish heritage, his family were put into camps during World War Two. After the war, he fled, first to Iran (1948-51), and then emigrated to Australia (1951). He died on 4 April 2013 in Sydney, NSW, Australia. The film was based on the 1947 novel of the same name, " You…
Notes
Soundtrack to the 1969 film You Can't See 'Round Corners (dir. David Cahill). #199 The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Human Beings, People, Persons & Homo Sapiens Oh Mr. Nixon 1969 · Single · Oh Mr. Nixon / Claire De Looney · Doré # 823 · USA
Credited on the record as The Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Human Beings, People, Persons & Homo Sapiens.
Notes
Oh Mr. Nixon (Society for the Prevention...) (aka Zanies, The)Nixon novelty - mentions George Wallace, Cassius Clay avoiding the draft (Vietnam), Castro…
Notes
Doré 823 (Hollywood), promo; B-side "Claire De Looney" by The Zanies.Label: written by B. J. Hunter; Meadowlark Music Inc., ASCAP; time 2:23; 45-LJB-571;…
#200 Walter E. Hurst Law, You and...The Draft 1969 · Album · Law U # 7-109 · USA
Notes
Law-U Records, 6000 Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood, California. [From the Rate Your Music label page] #201 Nucleus Johnny Peace 1969 · Single · Johnny Peace / Ernie's Gone · Family [Toronto] # AP-1 · Canada
Notes
Anti-war, draft-dodging song. Endorsed by the Mosport Peace Festival Committee. Reached 22 on the RPM CanCon chart in April 1970. [From the Museum of… #202 Big Joe Williams Army Man in Vietnam 1969 · Album · Thinking of What They Did To Me · Arhoolie # 1053 · USA
Annotation
Big Joe Williams (1903-1982), delta blues guitar player, born Joseph Lee Williams, in Crawford Mississippi, used a nine-string acoustic guitar, giving his delta style an interesting, unique sound. In the track "Army Man in Vietnam" (Arhoolie Records # 1053) he expressed a desire to "stop the war in Vietnam" because he feared that the government might "drop that atom bomb" , a reflection of Cold War tensions. The song also showed concern for young men, at the age of eighteen, drafted… 1970
- 21 February: Kissinger talks with Le Duc Tho begin
- 30 April: Nixon announces the incursion into Cambodia
- 1 May: Nixon calls protesters "bums"
- 4 May: 4 Student killed at Kent State Ohio, by National Guardsmen
- 24 June: Congress repeals the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
- 12 November: Trial of Lt. William Calley began
- 22 December: Cooper-Church Amendment
1970
#203 Beadfreak Eve of Destruction 1970 · Single · Eve of Destruction / Crazy Motocycle Freak · Rotten Rat # 45-R-1001 - 2 · USA
Notes
Rotten Rat Records 45-R-1001, black label with a rat-on-motorcycle logo; "Eve of Destruction" (P. F. Sloan), 3:25, Trousdale Music Publishers, Inc., BMI;… #204 Shirl Milete I Wonder If Canada's Cold 1970 · Single · Ain't That Sad / I Wonder If Canada's Cold · RCA Victor # 1909 · USA
Annotation
Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Milete wrote many songs for famous performers, including Elvis Presley. He avoided the draft during the Korean War, and did a stint in jail as a result.1 The song "I Wonder If Canada's Cold" (Poppy # 69-0101) took a peace / anti-war perspective. The first person narrator set out for Canada in order to avoid the draft because of his moral opposition to war. Later released in 1970 on RCA Victor # 1909. Featured on the 1969 album Shirl Milete.Sources
- 1 Waterme…
Notes
Stereo single label marked "Plug", with a large orange poppy-flower design; "I Wonder If Canada's Cold" by Shirl Milete; Hill & Range Songs, Inc. & Last… #205 Merle Haggard The Fightin' Side Of Me 1970 · Single · The Fightin' Side of Me / Every Fool Has a Rainbow · Capitol # 2719 · USA
Credited on the record as Merle Haggard and The Strangers.
Annotation
Merle Haggard, born in Bakersfield, California, in 1937, especially known as a guitarist, vocalist, and fiddler, developed into one of the most influential artists in the country music genre.1 In September 1969 he had released the very popular and successful single "Okie From Muskogee" (Capitol Records # 2626) which attacked draft-card burners and the counter-culture, and re-enforced patriotic, conservative views. Shortly after, in January 1970, he followed up with this equally…Notes
Capitol 2719 (S45-73785), stereo, red-and-orange target label; "The Fightin' Side of Me" (Merle Haggard), Blue Book Music, BMI, intro :09, total 2:57;… #206 David Peel & The Lower East Side Hey, Mr. Draft Board 1970 · Album · American Revolution · Elektra # EKS 74069 · USA
Annotation
Psychedelic folk rock group formed in New York City, USA, featuring David Peel, Harold Black, Billy Jo White, Larry Adams. Led by David Peel, born as Angel Perez, to Puerto Rican parents on 1 August 1943 in Brooklyn, New York, USA, and died 6 April 2017 in Manhattan, New York, USA, was said to have started out in the 1960s playing on the streets of New York with songs about drugs and dodgy cops. He served in the US military for two years, stationed in Alaska. He released the song "Chic… #207 Rodriguez Establishment Blues 1970 · Album · Cold Fact · Sussex # SXBS 7000 · USA
Annotation
Sixto Rodriquez was born on 10 July 1942, in Detroit, Michigan. Both his parents immigrated from Mexico, his father in the 1920s. He often sung about political and economic issues affecting inner city poor, and the marginalisation that Mexican-Americans faced.1 The 1970 song "Establishment Blues" (Sussex Records # SXBS 7000) contained a reference to draft inequality and war in Asia: "the little man gets shafted, sons and monies drafted, living by a time piece, new war in the Far East" .… #208 Paul Kantner & Jefferson Starship Mau Mau (Amerikon) 1970 · Album · Blows Against the Empire · RCA Victor # LSP 4448 · USA
Annotation
The song "Mau Mau (Amerikon)" (RCA Victor # LSP 4448), a collaboration between Paul Kantner and Jefferson Starship (pretty much an extended line-up of Jefferson Airplane with other San Francisco musicians), makes a clear reference to Richard Nixon and his war - "so drop your fuckin' bombs...hey Dick, whatever you think of us is totally irrelevant" - probably a response to Nixon calling demonstrators "bums" on 30 April 1970. Is a "grade-B movie star governor" an early reference to Ronal… #209 Mike Millius Ballad of Song My 1970 · Unreleased · Unreleased · Not On Label · USA
Annotation
Mike Millius came out of the New York contemporary folk scene, like Phil Ochs and Tom Parrott, although probably less successful and less well-known than those two, only releasing one album during the 60s/70s period: Desperado (1969). He had nine songs published in Broadside, including the "Ballad of Song My" , appearing in # 105 (March 1970).1 It was not recorded. The lyrics and notations featured alongside a newspaper article, which had the headline "Calley Meets With Wallace and…Notes
Unreleased - lyrics and notation appeared in Broadside Magazine # 105 (March 1970), featured alongside a newspaper article, which had the headline "Calley… #210 The Wilburn Brothers Little Johnny From Down The Street 1970 · Album · Little Johnny From Down the Street · Decca # DL 75173 · USA
Annotation
The group, which featured the brothers Doyle Wilburn and Teddy Wilburn from Hardy, Arkansas, both served in the US army during the Korean War.2 They also released two anti-war / peace songs: "Vision at the Peace Table" on this album, and the single "The War Keeps Draggin' On" (Decca Records # 32909). Reaching # 37 in the Billboard country charts (on 14 March 1970), the track "Little Johnny From Down the Street" (Decca Records # DL 75173) focused on the plight of a soldier called… #211 The Wilburn Brothers Vision at the Peace Table 1970 · Album · Little Johnny From Down the Street · Decca # DL 75173 · USA
Annotation: see “Little Johnny From Down The Street” above (same release).
#212 Barbara Dane Resistance Hymn 1970 · Album · FTA! Songs of the GI Resistance · Paredon # P-1003 · USA
Annotation
FTA!: Songs of the GI Resistance (Paredon Records (# P-1003), released on the label founded by Barbara Dane and Irwin Silber in 1969, whose objective was to "seek out the music and speech, documentary or dialogue, that spring from the conscious artist who relates to people's movements, and which pour from all people in struggle".1 Dane was born on 12 May 1927 in Detroit, Michigan, USA. This record label released several albums either about the Vietnam War or that contained a Vietnam…Notes
Paredon P1003, © 1970 Paredon Records, PO Box 889, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11202; "Sung by Barbara Dane with active-duty GIs", "Recorded at Fort Hood, Texas; Fort… #213 Matt Jones Hell No! I Ain't Gonna Go 1970 · Single · Hell No! I Ain't Gonna Go / Supersam · Relevant # RP 1 · USA
Annotation
Matt Jones, an African-American civil rights activist and contemporary folk / blues / R&B cross-over musician, acted as field secretary of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), an important civil rights organisation in the 1960s, taking part in sit-ins and freedom rides, and organising voter registration.1 In 1964 he joined the The Freedom Singers, who played music to raise money for the SNCC. Their 1965 album The Freedom Singers Sing of Freedom Now! included a couple…Notes
Relevant RP 1-A; "Hell No! I Ain't Gonna Go", 3:22, by Matt Jones and Elaine Laron; Relevant Productions, P.O. Box 81, Lenox Hill Station, New York, N.Y.… #214 Edwin Starr Stop The War Now 1970 · Single · Stop the War Now / Gonna Keep On Tryin' Till I Win Your Love · Gordy # G 7104 · USA
Annotation
The track "Stop the War Now" (Gordy Records # 7104), while musically very similar to Edwin Starr's "War", contained more content, calling for people to protest and the politicians to act. Kicking off with the whistle of a bomb dropping, and then an explosion, it told of the draft letter arriving: "there's a letter from the war...greetings, we want you" . But the narrator wanted to know "why must I kill against my will" . He then asked what do the mothers of dead soldiers get: "a few… Notes
Gordy G 7104 (N-T2-N-846M01), purple and yellow label, ℗ © 1970; "Stop the War Now" (N. Whitfield-B. Strong), Jobete-BMI, time 3:35; produced by Norman… #215 Rev Oris Mays Another Christmas Without My Son 1970 · Single · Another Christmas Without My Son / Stand Still · Jewel [Shreveport] # 155 · USA
Annotation
The track "Another Christmas Without My Son" (Jewel Records # 155) is a monologue by Rev. Oris Mays, backed by a gospel choir. Oris Mays, born in Lambert, Mississippi, 1935, moved to Memphis, Tennessee where he worked at the Boston Street Baptist Church. In Memphis he fronted the first African-American TV gospel program. He died in Memphis on 21 April 1996. In 1966, Oris Mays released the patriotic Vietnam record "Tribute in Prayer (From a Soldier in Viet Nam)". However, by 1970 Rev.… Notes
Jewel Records "Devotional Series", Jewel 155, SL 1735; "Another Christmas Without My Son" (Rev. O. Mays-J. Wyatt), Su-Ma, BMI, time 2:45; produced by Rev.… #216 Anette Alice's restaurant 1970 · Single · Alice's restaurant / Hvem er forelsket? Godt set! · Triola # TD 398 · Denmark
#217 Hasse Nordlunds Alice's restaurant 1970 · Single · euphonic # ES 016 · Sweden
#218 Living Strings Alice's Restaurant 1970 · Album · Visit Alice's Restaurant · RCA Victor # CAS-2395 · USA
#219 Leon Thomas Damn Nam (Ain't Goin' to Vietnam) Part 1 1970 · Single · Damn Nam (Ain't Goin' to Vietnam) Part 1 / Damn Nam (Ain't Goin' to Vietnam) Part 2 · Flying Dutchman # FD 26009 · USA
Annotation
Leon Thomas, born on 4 October 1937 in East Saint-Louis, Illinois, USA, and died on 8 May 1999 in New York, USA, an American Avant-Garde Jazz musician, released the song "Damn Nam (Ain't Goin' to Vietnam)" (Flying Dutchman # FD 26009), split into two tracks across this single. It featured on the 1969 album Spirits Known and Unknown (Flying Dutchman # FD-10115). The single received limited coverage in Billboard magazine.1This song had a blues structure and tone, taking a strong…
Notes
Flying Dutchman FD 26009, vocal, white promotional labels marked "Promotional — Not for Sale", 45 RPM; "A Product of Flying Dutchman Productions Ltd., 65… #220 Leon Thomas Damn Nam (Ain't Goin' to Vietnam) Part 2 1970 · Single · Damn Nam (Ain't Goin' to Vietnam) Part 1 / Damn Nam (Ain't Goin' to Vietnam) Part 2 · Flying Dutchman # FD 26009 · USA
Annotation
Leon Thomas, born on 4 October 1937 in East Saint-Louis, Illinois, USA, and died on 8 May 1999 in New York, USA, an American Avant-Garde Jazz musician, released the song "Damn Nam (Ain't Goin' to Vietnam)" (Flying Dutchman # FD 26009), split into two tracks across this single. It featured on the 1969 album Spirits Known and Unknown (Flying Dutchman # FD-10115). The single received limited coverage in Billboard magazine.1This song had a blues structure and tone, taking a strong…
Notes
Flying Dutchman FD 26009, vocal, white promotional labels marked "Promotional — Not for Sale", 45 RPM; "A Product of Flying Dutchman Productions Ltd., 65… #221 Excalibur Draft Card Blues 1970 · Single · Dreamin' / Draft Card Blues · Counterpart # 3808 · USA
#222 Country Joe McDonald The 'Fish' Cheer / I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-To-Die Rag 1970 · Soundtrack · Woodstock · Cotillion # SD3-500 · USA
Notes
Live recording from Country Joe McDonald's solo set at the Woodstock Music & Art Fair, Bethel, New York, August 1969; side B1 of the 3-LP soundtrack… #223 Ernest Tubb It's America, Love It or Leave It 1970 · Single · It's America (Love It or Leave It) / Somebody Better Than Me · Decca # 732632 · USA
Notes
The song It's America (Love It or Leave It) (Tubb, Ernest) (Decca Records # 732632)Composed by Jimmie Helms. Produced by Owen Bradley. Appeared on the…
Notes
Decca 732632 (7-122,375), black rainbow-band label, "Mfr'd by Decca Records, a division of MCA Inc., New York"; "It's America (Love It or Leave It)"… #224 Tommy Kizziah Keep Our Country Free 1970 · Single · Keep Our Country Free / In This House · AOK # 1035 · USA
Notes
Keep Our Country Free (Kizziah, Tommy)Notes
AOK AOKR-1035 A, yellow label with a rocket-ship logo, Westex Productions; "Keep Our Country Free" (T. Kizziah), Westex Music - BMI, 2:15; produced by… #225 Rochelle Rosenthal and the Kickball Queen Lottery 1970 · Single · You Don't Know / Lottery · Super Bolt # 33170 · USA
Notes
Lottery (Rosenthal, Rochelle and the Kickball Queen)Anti-war, draft.
Garage rock, Detroit, Michigan.
#226 Lightnin' Hopkins Questionnaire Blues 1970 · Unreleased · Unreleased · Not On Label · USA
Annotation
Lightnin' Hopkins, born Sam Hopkins on 15 March 1912, in Centreville, Texas, recorded extensively from the 1940s-1970s, typically playing blues in the style that came out of his native Texas, like Blind Lemon Jefferson, both the Acoustic Texas Blues and Electric Texas Blues. Often singing about topical events, such as the Korean War and Great Depression, in the mid-late 1960s he turned his attention to Vietnam. He died in Houston Texas on 30 January 1982.1According to blues music…
#227 Garry Sherman Viet Nam Cantata Peace Lovin' Man 1970 · Single · Viet Nam Cantata Peace Lovin' Man / Viet Nam Cantata Soldiers Recite · Buddah # BDA 198 · USA
Notes
Viet Nam Cantata: Peace Lovin' Man (2nd Movement) (Sherman, Garry)Viet Nam Cantata: Soldiers Recite (2nd Movement) (Sherman, Gary)
A-side: country-ish -…
Notes
Buddah Records BDA 198, multicoloured promotional label marked "Not for sale", both sides headed "Viet Nam Cantata" with "Music: Garry Sherman, Paintings:… #228 Albatross Viet-Nam War 1970 · Single · I Am Dead / Viet-Nam War · Alpenton # HH 70-8-11 · Austria
Annotation
Psychedelic Rock group formed in 1970, in Schladming, Steiermark, Austria. Disbanded in 1973. They released the obscure and collectable song "Viet-Nam War" (Alpenton Studio # HH 70-8-11), which is largely instrumental, apart from a few lines repeated: "going to Vietnam / love me right" .Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
#229 The Temptations War 1970 · Album · Psychedelic Shack · Gordy # GS947 · USA
#230 T.P. and the Indians Ally or Enemy 1970 · Single · Goodbye Good Times / Ally or Enemy · Dellwood # 3239 · USA
Notes
Dellwood Records 3239 AA, yellow label, "saddle brook, n.j. (201) 843-3239"; "Ally or Enemy" (Stepo-Carpenter), 2:15, Dellwood Pub. ASCAP; T.P. and the… #231 Branded X Tribute to Uncle Sam 1970 · Single · Society and Me / Tribute to Uncle Sam · Lauren # L-2516 · USA
#232 Lázaro Martínez A la guerra ya me llevan 1970 · Album · Promesa a la virgen de San Juan / Ala guerra ya me llevan · Buena Suerte # BS-1012 · USA
Credited on the record as La Zaro And The Dominant's.
Notes
Buena Suerte Records BS-1012 (P.O. Box 3725, Temple, Texas; "A J.T.J. Production"), pressed by Houston Records; side B, track 4, listed "Ala Guerra Ya Me… #233 Matt Jones Hell No, I Ain't Gonna Go 1970 · Compilation · Broadside Ballads Vol. 5: Time Is Running Out · Folkways # FW05312 · USA
Credited on the record as Matthew Jones & Elaine Laron.
Notes
Broadside BRS 312 / Folkways FW 5312, "Broadside Vol. 5: Time Is Running Out" (© 1970 Asch Recordings), side B track 5, 3:25; credited "Matthew Jones &… #234 Spiro T. Agnew Comments on Youth, Hippies and Yippies, Draft Dodgers 1970 · Album · The Speeches That Stirred America · Podium # PODIUM 72 · USA
Notes
Side A track 4. Compiled speeches with narration by Fred Himes; producer Sondra Bianca; engineer Noel Edward Smith. Playing time side A 29:30, side B… #235 Myles Jackson Antiwar Demonstration 1970 · Album · Loyalties: Whose Side Are You On? · Scholastic # FS 12004 · USA
Annotation
Documentary record, with the track "Antiwar Demonstration" (Scholastic Records # FS 12004) - field recordings and interviews from Chicago, as protesters hand in their draft cards - possibly during the 1968 demonstration, but unknown. Contains religious sentiment. Back of the sleeve said "At a peace rally in front of City Hall in Chicago, demonstrators tell why they have turned in their draft cards - and why they are opposed to the war in Viet Nam. One tells of his encounter with a…
Notes
Scholastic Records documentary LP. Tracks: General Introduction / Street Gang / Antiwar Demonstration / Viet Nam Veterans / Frank Garcia / Rachael Ortiz. #236 Various Artists The Ins and Outs of the Draft 1970 · Album · The Ins and Outs of the Draft · Declaration # DEC-001 · USA
Notes
Album line, contains Vietnam references. spoken-word - explanation of the new draft regulations introduced by Nixon in 1971 [From Justin A. Brummer notes…1971
- 30 January: Operation Lam Son - Laos incursion
- 29 March: Lt. Calley found guilty of My Lai murders
- 29 April: US death toll in Vietnam reaches 45,000
- May: Gallup reports 68% support for withdrawal from Vietnam
- 13 June: New York Times publishes Pentagon Papers
- 15 June: Nixon takes legal action against the NYT
- 18 June: Washington Post starts publishing Pentagon Papers
- 30 June: Supreme Court votes 6-3 in favour of NYT and WP
- 15 July: Nixon announces that he will visit China
- 17 July: Nixon established 'Plumbers' unit to stop leaks
- 18 August: Australia and New Zealand announce withdrawal from Vietnam
- 22 September: Captain Medina acquitted over My Lai massacre
- 31 December: US troop numbers drop to 156,000
1971
#237 Skip Jackson and The Shantels Promise That You'll Wait 1971 · Single · I'm On to You Girl / Promise That You'll Wait · Dot-Mar # YE-324 -325 · USA
Annotation
Skip Jackson, born Tommy Brown, from New Jersey, backed by vocal group The Shantons, released the song "Promise That You'll Wait" (Dot-Mar Records # YE 324). The track was covered by Michael Lizzmore in 1972 - Promise That You'll Wait. It is narrated from the soldier's perspective, who has been at the war a while "since my note from Uncle Sam" - so obviously drafted into the conflict. He asked his loved one to "hang on a little bit longer baby" , and he looked forward to running to… #238 Paul Kantner & Jefferson Starship A Child Is Coming 1971 · Album · Blows Against the Empire · RCA Victor # LSP 4448 · USA
Annotation: see “Promise That You'll Wait” above (same release).
#239 Cher Classified 1A 1971 · Single · Classified 1A / Don't Put It on Me · Kapp # K-2134 · USA
Annotation
The song title "Classified 1A" (Kapp Records # K-2134), performed by Cher, and written by Sonny Bono, referred to the draft classification of those eligible to fight in Vietnam. It is a narrative from the perspective of a soldier in Vietnam, dying in the mud, who declares his love for his wife, and sadly reflects that his wife will receive the bad news soon that "Mrs., your not Mrs. anymore" .Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Kapp Records K-2134 (K-12700), white label marked "Plug Side" and "Radio Station Copy"; "Classified 1A" (Sonny Bono), 2:55, Chrismarc, BMI; produced by… #240 Buffy Sainte-Marie Moratorium (Bring Our Brothers Home) 1971 · Single · Soldier Blue / Moratorium (Bring Our Brothers Home) · RCA Victor # RCA 2081 · USA
Annotation
The song "Moratorium (Bring Our Brother Home)" (RCA Victor # 2081) from the album She Used to Wanna Be a Ballerina told the story of soldiers returning from Vietnam to the US and being dismayed by the protest movement. But, Buffy Saint-Marie argued that they protested against the war for the soldiers, to bring them home safely. Moratorium referenced the Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam, a massive demonstration across the US on 15 October 1969, followed up by a march on Washington…Notes
Since the early 1960s, Sainte-Marie claimed to have been born on the Piapot Cree First Nations Reserve in the Qu'Appelle Valley, Saskatchewan, Canada, and… #241 Freda Payne Bring the Boys Home 1971 · Single · Bring the Boys Home / I Shall Not Be Moved · Invictus # 9092 · USA
Annotation
In the song "Bring the Boys Home" (Invictus # 9092), Freda Payne (born in Detroit, Michigan) emotionally pleaded with the politicians to end the war and send back the soldiers, noting the fathers and mothers left on the home front. It referenced the draft / call of Uncle Sam: "You marched them away...on ships and planes" , and strongly attacked the purpose of the war, calling it "senseless" and "death in vain" . Finally, Payne declared that "enough men have already been...killed" .…Notes
Invictus Is 9092 (45-10305PA), "Produced & Mixed for Greater & Sharper Sound Reproduction on the Air", mfd. by Invictus Records, Inc.; "Bring the Boys… #242 Bill Bailey Indictment of a Nation 1971 · Single · Indictment of a Nation / My Friend A Man · Westpark # 6980 · USA
Credited on the record as Bill Bailey and the Paul Butts Assembly.
Annotation
Out of Houston, Texas, came the song "Indictment of the Nation" (Westpark Records # 6980), which protested against the conviction of Lt. William Calley. Bill Bailey, born Milton Odom Stanley, was a constable from Harris County, Texas, in the United States. He took up radio broadcasting soon after high school in 1957, and hosted programs on major Houston radio stations. The Texas Senate paid tribute to him in 2005.1The spoken-word track argued that Calley did his duty, even though "he…
Notes
Westpark Records 6980, black "D. J. Copy" label; "Indictment of a Nation" (B. Bailey-R. Dobbyn-A. Yancey), Soundville Music (BMI), 3:15; Bill Bailey and… #243 The Adams Brothers The U.S.A. Soldier 1971 · Single · The U.S.A. Soldier / Place No Roses on My Grave · Double Shot # 155 · USA
Annotation
The song "The U.S.A. Soldier" (Double Shot Records # 155) by the Adams Brothers, released in Hollywood, California, also viewed Calley as a scapegoat for the horrors of war: "a scapegoat to offer for a sacrifice" . The narrator argued that in "all wars...even innocent folks die" . The track started out with the story of Uncle Sam drafting a young man to fight in Vietnam. When he returned to the US, he faced criminal charges for the My Lai incident. Once again, the narrator compared the… Notes
Double Shot Records 155 (DS 354), 6565 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, Calif. 90028; "The U.S.A. Soldier" (Billy Adams), time 3:00, Chett Publ./Hot Shot Music,… #244 Don Paulin Alice's Restaurant Part II 1971 · Single · Alice's Restaurant Part I (Alice's Rock'n Roll Restaurant) / Alice's Restaurant Part II (Alice's Restaurant Massacree) · Liberty # 15 332 · USA
#245 Harlan Howard Better Get Your Pride Back Boy 1971 · Single · Uncle Sam (I'm a Patriot) / Better Get Your Pride Back Boy · Nugget # NR 1060 · USA
Notes
Both songs on the album To the Silent Majority, With Love. (Nugget Records # NRLP-105)"Uncle Sam (I'm a Patriot)" (Nugget # NR 1060) (Howard, Harlan)
Countr…
Notes
Nugget Records NR 1060, gold label, "Distributed by P I P Records · A Division of Pickwick International, Inc.", printed in U.S.A.; A-side (NR 1060 A)… #246 People Chant for Peace 1971 · Single · Chant for Peace / I Don't Carry No Guns · Polydor # PD 2-14087 · USA
Notes
Polydor PD 2-14087 (POL 30262), white promotional label, "Promotion copy – not for sale"; "Chant for Peace" (Jerry Gross), 2:33 (intro :19); Makifa Pub.… #247 Rich Little The Draft 1971 · Single · The Draft / The Rice Bowl · Mercury # 73259 · USA
Notes
Draft, The (Little, Rich) Rice Bowl (Little, Rich)
Comedy.
A-side: Nixon impression - he received a draft letter, from himself.
He went down to the draft…
Notes
Mercury 73259, white "Promotional Copy — Not for Sale" pressing, "Manufactured and distributed by Mercury Record Productions, Inc."; "The Draft", 3:18,… #248 Dick Jonas Short-Timing Sailor Boy 1971 · Album · FSH Volume II - YGBSM · Goldust # LPS-157 · USA
Annotation
The second of three album released by Dick Jonas during the Vietnam War era - from Florida, USA, he served in the US Air Force during the war, taking part in 125 missions.1 While in Vietnam, Jonas wrote songs and played guitar for the US troops there and as part of pacification programs. Some of these recordings were captured in the General Edwin Lansdale Collection of Vietnam War Songs - 6 ten inch tapes of one-hundred-sixty songs by American military personnel in Vietnam - stored at…Notes
Goldust LPS-157 (LPS157 on the sleeve), stereo, 33⅓ RPM; front cover titled "FSH Volume II 'YGBSM'" with an engraved eagle clutching a stars-and-stripes… #249 The Relatives Speak to Me 1971 · Single · Walking On / Speak to Me · Lewis # L2805 · USA
#250 Cheech and Chong Vietnam 1971 · Album · Cheech and Chong · Ode # SP 77010 · USA
#251 J.F. Murphy and Free Flowing Salt Waiting Hymn of the Republic 1971 · Album · Almost Home · MGM # SE-4708 · USA
Notes
Waiting Hymn of the Republic (Murphy, J.F.)1971. Anti-war. Man drafted, and killed in war. KIA.
Contemporary folk.
#252 Warm Dust Wrote a Leter 1971 · Album · Peace for Our Time · Trend # 6486 001 · UK
Notes
British Vietnam-era anti-war albumFormed
1970, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Disbanded
1972
British Vietnam-era anti-war album
#253 Gill Roberts No! No! I Just Can't Go 1971 · Single · No! No! I Just Can't Go / Wendy · War # CAPD/ 101 · Australia
Annotation
The song "No! No! I Just Can't Go" (War # CAPD/ 101), from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia-based artist - the narrator expressed reluctance to go to war, as he wants to look after his son.Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Label: Evan Jones (Aust. comp.), arranged by Chris Marshall, engineer Graham Owens; time 2.50. War CAPD/ 101, side A, green label with the WAR logo drawn… #254 Randy Burns The Streets of Montreal 1971 · Album · Randy Burns and the Sky Dog Band · Mercury # SR 61329 · USA
Credited on the record as Randy Burns And The Sky Dog Band.
Notes
"The Streets of Montreal"Notes
Mercury SR 61329, stereo LP; producer Barry Seidel; published by Maltese Music and Ragmar Music (BMI). Also issued in the UK (6338 060) and Canada.1972
- 10 March: 101st Airbourne division withdrawn from Vietnam
- March: North Vietnamese launch Eastertide Offensive
- 4 April: "Freedom Train" begins - major US bombing of North Vietnam
- 15 April: US Bombing of Hanoi and Haiphong harbour
- 9 May: Beginning of Operation Linebacker: mass bombing of North Vietnam
- 22 May: Nixon meets Brezhnev in Russia
- 17 June: Watergate break-in
- 14 July: George McGovern becomes Democratic presidential nominee
- 7 November: Richard Nixon re-elected US president
- 23 August: Last US combat troops leave Vietnam
- 18 December: Operation Linebacker II ("Christmas Bombings")
1972
#255–266 Various Artists Carry It On 1972 · Album · Vanguard # VSD-79313 · USA
All 6 songs from this album in the archive are in this collection
Annotation
As discussed above, Joan Baez played an active and important role in the 1960s/70s protest and civil rights movement. She was born on Staten Island, New York, on 9 January 1941. Her father was born in Puebla, Mexico, and she has spoken of identifying with the Mexican-American community.1 She joined in various forms of protest, such as the Draft Resistance, an organisation run by her then husband David Harris. Together they released a film about his imprisonment for draft evasion in… #255 Carry It On #256 Joe Hill #257 We Shall Overcome #264 Idols and Heroes #265 In Forty Days #266 Life Is Sacred
Show the full entries ▾ · Release page →
#255 Joan Baez Carry It On 1972 · Album · Vanguard # VSD-79313 · USA
Annotation
As discussed above, Joan Baez played an active and important role in the 1960s/70s protest and civil rights movement. She was born on Staten Island, New York, on 9 January 1941. Her father was born in Puebla, Mexico, and she has spoken of identifying with the Mexican-American community.1 She joined in various forms of protest, such as the Draft Resistance, an organisation run by her then husband David Harris. Together they released a film about his imprisonment for draft evasion in… #256 Joan Baez Joe Hill 1972 · Album · Carry It On · Vanguard # VSD-79313 · USA
Annotation: see “Carry It On” above (same release).
#257 Joan Baez We Shall Overcome 1972 · Album · Carry It On · Vanguard # VSD-79313 · USA
Annotation: see “Carry It On” above (same release).
#264 Joan Baez and David Harris Idols and Heroes 1972 · Album · Carry It On · Vanguard # VSD-79313 · USA
#265 Joan Baez and David Harris In Forty Days 1972 · Album · Carry It On · Vanguard # VSD-79313 · USA
#266 David Harris Life Is Sacred 1972 · Album · Carry It On · Vanguard # VSD-79313 · USA
#258 The Impressions Stop the War 1972 · Album · Times Have Changed · Curtom # CRS 8012 · USA
Annotation
The track "Stop the War" (Curtom Records # CRS 8012) featured on this 1972 album, another Vietnam song by the Impressions, composed by Mayfield. As suggested by the title, this took a blatant anti-war perspective. The group sung that it is hard to fight the war "when we are wrong" . About mid way through the song, they started repeating (over and over) the mantra: "hell no we won't go, stop the war" - a powerful statement resisting the draft and demanding action from the politicians,… #259 Parliament Come in Out of the Rain 1972 · Single · Come in Out of the Rain / Little Ole Country Boy · Invictus # IS-9123 · USA
Annotation
The song "Come in Out of the Rain" (Invictus # 9123), the first of several Vietnam songs by George Clinton - with Funkadelic he released March to the Witch's Castle (1973) and The Electric Spanking of War Babies (1981). This track looked at the contradictions between the statements of politicians and the reality. Richard Nixon, in the White House from January 1969, said that he wanted to end the Vietnam War in the 1968 election campaign, but by his November 1972 re-election, the war…Notes
Label credits 'C. Wilson, R. Copeland'; produced by George Clinton and Ruth Copeland. Label text: 'Produced & Mixed for Greater & Sharper Sound… #260 Champion Jack Dupree Vietnam Blues 1972 · Album · Legacy of the Blues, Vol. 3 · Sonet # SNTF 626 · UK
Annotation
Champion Jack Dupree - born William Thomas Dupree (c.1910-1992) in New Orleans, he played blues piano in the boogie-woogie style, mainly based in Chicago, Illinois. He lived in London and worked in Europe through most of the 1960s. He sung about drugs, drink, and jail, as well as writing many political songs about US presidents (such as FDR, Truman and Kennedy) and the civil right movement (including a composition about Martin Luther King). He recorded this album at Morgan Sound… #261–263 Various Artists Songs That Made American Famous 1972 · Album · Adelphi # AD4101 · USA
All 3 songs from this album in the archive are in this collection
Annotation
This album contained a few reference to the Vietnam conflict, taking a satire approach to politics. The song "Under All Flags" mocked President Richard Nixon, patriotism (with regards to the flag), and the ongoing conflict: "oh Vietnam is the kind of sham that Nixon gets his kicks on...the president's flag is the kind of rag, that a sane man wipes his ass on" . The song "Fight for Liberation" also referenced Nixon and the draftboard: "in the draftboard here we sit covered in Nixon… Show the full entries ▾ · Release page →
#261 Patrick Sky feat. Dave Van Ronk Luang Prabang 1972 · Album · Songs That Made American Famous · Adelphi # AD4101 · USA
Annotation
This album contained a few reference to the Vietnam conflict, taking a satire approach to politics. The song "Under All Flags" mocked President Richard Nixon, patriotism (with regards to the flag), and the ongoing conflict: "oh Vietnam is the kind of sham that Nixon gets his kicks on...the president's flag is the kind of rag, that a sane man wipes his ass on" . The song "Fight for Liberation" also referenced Nixon and the draftboard: "in the draftboard here we sit covered in Nixon… #262 Patrick Sky Fight For Liberation 1972 · Album · Songs That Made American Famous · Adelphi # AD4101 · USA
Annotation: see “Luang Prabang” above (same release).
#263 Patrick Sky Under All Flags 1972 · Album · Songs That Made American Famous · Adelphi # AD4101 · USA
Annotation: see “Luang Prabang” above (same release).
#267 Michael Lizzmore Promise That You'll Wait 1972 · Single · Try a Little Tenderness / Promise That You'll Wait · Capitol # 3480 · USA
Notes
Capitol 3480 (S45-79245), stereo, red label, ℗ 1972 Capitol Records, Inc.; "Promise That You'll Wait" (Skip Jackson), 2:40, Skip J. Music, ASCAP; arranged… #268 Barbara Stant That Man of Mine 1972 · Single · That Man of Mine / Shadow in Your Footsteps · Shiptown # 203275-6 · USA
Annotation
Barbara Stant, a soul and gospel singer from Norfolk, Virginia recorded a bunch of 45s in the 1960s/70s on the local label Shiptown, founded by Noah Biggs. In the song "That Man of Mine" (Shiptown # 203275), the narrator told of her husband who went to fight in Vietnam but "on Hamburger he died" - a reference to 'The Battle of Hamburger Hill', that took place in May 1969 between the US / South Vietnamese forces against the North Vietnamese. 72 Americans were killed in action (KIA),…Notes
Shiptown 203,275, 45 RPM, orange label with ship's-wheel design; "That Man of Mine" (Jessie Jones), 2:59, publishing NimBig, BMI; Barbara Stant; A. & R.… #269 Bobby Russell Welcome to the U.S. Army 1972 · Single · This Is the Life / Welcome to the U.S. Army · United Artists # 50959 · USA
Notes
Welcome to the U.S. Army (Russell, Bobby) Country novelty about joining the army.
Lots of questions: education, mental health, drug use, gun use.
Vietnam-…
Notes
United Artists Records 50959 (UAST-10422), stereo, cream label, ℗ 1972 United Artists Records, Inc., Los Angeles, California 90028; "Welcome to the U.S.… #270 Frank Campbell Draft Dodger Rag 1972 · Album · East 71st Street · Silver Crest # FC 33071 · USA
Notes
Draft Dodger RagNotes
Silver Crest Custom FC 33071; side A track 2.1973-1975: Paris Peace Accords to the Fall of Saigon
- 23 January 1973: Nixon announces peace agreement: 'peace with honor'.
- 27 January 1973: Paris Peace Accords signed.
- 27 January 1973: Draft official ended in favour of voluntary enlistment.
- 12 February 1973: Operation Homecoming.
- 29 March 1973: Final US troops leave Vietnam.
- 30 April 1973: Halderman and Ehrlichman resign over Watergate.
- 19 June 1973: Case-Church Amendment.
- 14 August 1973: Cambodia bombing halted, in compliance with Congressional ban.
- 7 November 1973: Congress passed War Powers Act.
- 9 August 1974: Richard Nixon's resigns as president. Gerald Ford takes over.
- 13 December 1974: North Vietnam violates peace agreement.
- 10 March 1975: North Vietnamese offensive on South.
- 30 April 1975: US Embassy in Saigon fully evacuated.
1973
#271 Wolfgang Dehler Ich gehe nicht nach Vietnam [I Am Not Going to Vietnam] 1973 · Album · He hör mal zu! · AMIGA # 8 55 317 · Germany
Notes
LP of German-language versions of US protest songs.Liner notes (1973): H. P. Hofmann. Engineer: Siegbert Schneider; music director: Karl Heinz Ocasek.…
#272 Gina Pietsch (with Rainer Bloß Combo) Die Ballade Von Gary Rader 1973 · Album · He hör mal zu! · AMIGA (VEB Deutsche Schallplatten Berlin) # 8 55 317 · Germany
Notes
LP of German-language versions of US protest songs.Liner notes (1973): H. P. Hofmann. Engineer: Siegbert Schneider; music director: Karl Heinz Ocasek.…
1974
#273 The Real Pros Die 19 1974 · Single · Die 19 / A Broken Hearted Man · Cinema # CR 7430 · USA
Notes
- "Die 19" - Label: Cinema Records # CR 7430
- Songwriter: Pam Leinweber
- Song poem. Garage rock. Hollywood, California, USA.
- Off to war, 19. The president…
#274 Sam Adams Impeachment Fever 1974 · Single · Impeachment Fever / Green Peas · May Starman # MSM-1-100 · USA
Notes
Impeachment Fever (Adams, Sam) Watergate, Nixon folk pop novelty.
Reference to China and war policy (i.e. Vietnam)
Notes
May Starman Records MSM-1-100, red label, © 1974; "Impeachment Fever" (Marvin S. Hayes), Days of Old Pub. Co., BMI; Sam Adams, written and produced by… #275 Skyhooks Whatever Happened to the Revolution 1974 · Album · Living in the 70's · Mushroom # L-35299 · Australia
Annotation
Glam Rock / Hard Rock group formed in 1973 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. They disbanded in 1994. It had a revolving line-up, but with the mainstays Greg Macainsh (bass), and Freddie Strauks (drums, percussion , backing vocals). This album, "Living in the 70s" also featured Shirley Strachan (vocals), Red Symons (guitar, vocals, mandolin), and Bob Starkie (guitar, vocals). Their debut album, it initially did not have much commercial success, until 1975, when It spent 16 weeks at… 1975
#276 Joe West I Died in Vietnam 1975 · Single · I Died in Vietnam / A Truck Bought It · Rimrock # RS-310 · USA
Credited on the record as Joe West & the Fifth Wheels.
Notes
I Died in Vietnam (West, Joe & the Fifth Wheels) (Rimrock Records # RS-310)Notes
Rimrock RS 310-A, yellow label with a stag-and-mesa drawing, "Rimrock Records .... Concord, Arkansas" around the rim; "I Died in Vietnam" (Joe West),… #277 Carlos Puebla Ya está despertando el negro 1975 · Album · Cuba: Songs for Our America · Paredon # P-1018 · Cuba
Annotation
Carlos Puebla, born on 11 September 1917 in Manzanillo, Granma, Cuba. He died on 12 July 1989, Havana, Cuba. He was a prominent member of the Nueva trova movement, the Cuban offshoot of Nueva canción latinoamericana, linked with leftist social and political movement in South & Central America. Released in 1975, all the songs on the album Cuba: Songs for Our America (Paredon Records # P-1018) focused on issues related to the US - such as its involvement in Puerto Rico, Panama, Vietnam,…
Notes
Track A5 ("Now the Black Man Is Awakening"). Recorded in Cuba. #278 Oscar Brand A Very Nice Country 1975 · Compilation · What Now, People? · Paredon # P-2001 · USA
Annotation
What Now People? Volume 1 (Paredon Records # P-2001), released on the label founded by Barbara Dane and Irwin Silber in 1969, whose objective was to "seek out the music and speech, documentary or dialogue, that spring from the conscious artist who relates to people's movements, and which pour from all people in struggle".1 This record label released several albums either about the Vietnam War or that contained a Vietnam War song, which are discussed on this list. See the note below.…Post-War (1976-79)
Post-Vietnam War songs tend to focus on Vietnam veterans - highlighting particular stereotypes, such as psychological problems (for example, PTSD - post traumatic stress disorder), homelessness, drug addiction, and the struggle to re-adjust to society. Attention is also given to social division (between those who supported the war and not), and the lack of adequate government / institutional support for veterans.Other frequent topics include the Prisoner of War (P.O.W.) / Missing in Action (M.I.A.) issue, and Orange Agent, a defoliant dropped by the US on the South Vietnamese/Cambodian border (the "Ho Chi Minh Trail"), to destroy Vietcong cover (broad leaf plants etc). But the toxin had long term negative effects on those exposed (cancer & genetic defects). Several lawsuits were brought against the US government and chemical companies from the 1980s, therefore bringing greater attention in popular music to this issue.
Many song appeared in the immediate aftermath of the war, and then dipped in the mid-to late 70s. A revival occurred around the 1979 Iranian hostage crisis, which drove many comparisons to Vietnam and role of the US military in global affairs. A surge and revival of interest is seen in the 1980s Reagan era of seeking to overcome the 'Vietnam Syndrome'. In the 1990s, several songs compared the conflict to the First Gul War, and in 21st century, the Vietnam conflict has been used in song to reflect on current wars and problems, including the Afghanistan invasion and Iraq War.
1976
#279 Ray T. Jones Take Me Back to Norfolk Town 1976 · Single · Beat the Knees / Take Me Back to Norfolk Town · Wee-Too! # DM 4683 · USA
Annotation
Notes
Take Me Back to Norfold TownSoul
1
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
1978
#280 Andrés Jiménez Antonia Martínez (Song for Antonia Martínez) 1978 · Album · Puerto Rico: Como el filo del machete / Like the Edge of the Machete: Songs of the Struggle for Puerto Rican Independence · Paredon # P-1040 · Puerto Rico
Annotation
The Puerto Rican song "Antonia Martinez (Song for Antonia Martinez)" (Paredon Records # P-1040), told the story of a demonstrator killed by the National Guard at a Puerto Rican demonstration against the war in Vietnam. The booklet of the record described the incident, and noted that it received little attention, compared the the Kent State killings on 4 May 1970, similar to the lack awareness around the killing of two African-American at Jackson State, thus suggesting a degree of…Notes
Antonia Martínez, 16, was shot dead by a National Guardsman on 4 March 1970 during the student strike at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras, at a…Post-War (1980s)
Ronald Reagan spoke about this on 18 August 1980: "for too long, we have lived with the Vietnam Syndrome..As the years dragged on, we were told that peace would come if we would simply stop interfering and go home..We dishonor the memory of 50,000 young Americans who died..we give way to feelings of guilt as if we were doing something shameful, and we have been shabby in our treatment of those who returned. They fought as well and as bravely as any Americans have ever fought in any war. They deserve our gratitude, our respect, and our continuing concern".2 Many war films of the period fitted into this climate of trying to overcome the Vietnam Syndrome, such as First Blood [Rambo] (1982), Uncommon Valor (1983), and Missing in Action (1984).
1980
#281 The Pop Group Justice 1980 · Album · For How Much Longer Do We Tolerate Mass Murder? · Rough Trade # ROUGH 9 · UK
Annotation
Post-Punk & Art Punk album from The Pop Group, formed 1978 in Bristol, UK, featuring Mark Stewart (vocals), Gareth Sager (guitar, saxophone), Bruce Smith (drums, percussion), John Waddington (guitar, 1978-81), Simon Underwood (bass, 1978-80), and Dan Catsis (bass, 1980-present). This album contained a couple anti-war songs referencing the Vietnam War. The first song "How Much Longer" (Rough Trade Records # ROUGH 9), criticised apathy towards war: "what's pathetic is our apathy" ,… 1981
#282 Haywire Eve of Destruction 1981 · Single · Eve of Destruction / Opec Oil · Heavy # 45-1981 · USA
Notes
Heavy Records 45-1981-A, black label; "Eve of Destruction" (P. F. Sloan), time 4:03, Trousdale Music Publishers Inc. (BMI); produced by T. H. McDonald.The…
#283 Buddy Holocaust He Wants To Save Us From Ourselves 1981 · Live · Live 1981 Dartmouth College · Not On Label · USA
1982
#284 Festival feat. Britt Small Still in Saigon 1982 · Single · The Wall / Still in Saigon · Max Stout # 42164 · USA
Credited on the record as Festival featuring Britt Small on vocal.
Annotation
This is a double-sided Vietnam War pop rock single released in the post-war period, performed by Vietnam veterans. Both songs dealt with the legacy, memory, and impact of the Vietnam War. The a-side song "The Wall" (Max Stout Records # 42164) referred to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. The lead vocalist, Britt Small, served as a paratrooper with the 173rd Airborne Brigade in South Vietnam in 1970 according to the back of the picture sleeve. He was awarded a Purple…Notes
Max Stout (42164), white labels; A: "The Wall" (Zoerb, Roth, Small), Max Stout Music, BMI, 3:25; B: "Still in Saigon" (Daley), Dreena Music and Dan Daley… #285 Simon Townsend Bring 'em Home: Conscientious Objector, Simon Townsend, at a Sydney Anti-Vietnam Demonstration, 1969 1982 · Compilation · The Big Broadcast 1932-1982 · ABC Classics # 2ABC L 8206 · Australia
Credited on the record as Various Artists.
Annotation
This is an Australian documentary record (ABC Classics # 2ABC L 8206), featuring spoken-word tracks, including two related to the Vietnam War. The first included an interview with a conscientious objector at an anti-war protest in Sydney. The second was a news report on the collapse of South Vietnam in 1975. .
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Documentary record of ABC broadcasts; interview recorded at a Sydney anti-war demonstration, 1969.1984
#286 Television Personalities Back to Vietnam 1984 · Album · The Painted Word · Illuminated # JAMS 37 · UK
Annotation
British Post-Punk, neo-Psychedelic group, formed in London in 1977, led by song-writer Daniel Treacy (guitars and vocals), the sole constant member of a revolving line-up. According to the linear notes of this album, the group recorded the songs in 1982/83 at the 'Hit Factory', featuring David Musker, Mark Flunder, Ingrid Weiss, David Walmsley and Martin Kerry-Daley. It also included Joe Foster on bass, also known as Slaughter Joe, who released the Vietnam-related song Napalm Girl (Cre… #287 Paranoia Vietnam 1984 · Album · Shattered Glass · Rot # ASS11 · UK
Annotation
Anarcho-Punk / Post-Punk group, formed in 1983 in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, UK, featuring Janet Egginton (vocals), Paul Brereton (guitar), Russ Lovatt (guitar), Mick Egginton (bass, backing vocals), and Phil Brereton (drums). The song "Vietnam" (Rot Records # ASS11) took an anti-war position, presenting the grim reality of war: "bloody hell in Vietnam... smell the fear... death and no glory" . It contained a small reference to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - frequently… 1985
#288 Country Joe McDonald I Feel Like I'm Fixin to Die Rag 1985 · Album · Vietnam Experience · Rag Baby # RAG 1025 · USA
Notes
Solo re-recording, track A1 of Country Joe McDonald's album Vietnam Experience (Rag Baby RAG 1025; also issued in Germany as a white-vinyl 2LP, Rag Baby /… #289 The Killer Bees Rastaman Go No Viet Nam 1985 · Album · Scratch the Surface · Beehive # BH 1001 · USA
Annotation
Roots reggae group, formed in 1980 in Shreveport, Louisianna, USA. The group disbanded in 1998 in Austin, Texas, USA. Group members included Malcolm Welbourne [aka Papa Mali] (guitar, vocals), Michael E. Johnson (vocals, percussion), Stanton Hoffman (keyboards, vocals). The released the song "Rastaman Go No Viet Nam" (Beehive Records # BH 1001) in Austin, Texas, USA.Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Track B5, the closing track; written by Michael E. Johnson (vocals, percussion, steel drums). Recorded at Pollyfox Studio (Nashville) and Johnson-Trimble… #290 Jimmy Anderson Draft Board Blues 1985 · Archival · Baton Rouge Blues (The Legendary Jay Miller Sessions Vol. 42) · Flyright # FLY 607 · UK
Annotation
The narrator notes receiving the draft call for a "trip across the world". He was "not gonna like it, cause I miss you". Apparently the board gave him a choice, "the land, sea or the air".
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Recorded 1962 (Jay Miller sessions); first issued on Flyright FLY 607 (UK, 1985, mono LP, side A track 3; sleeve notes by Bruce Bastin). Jimmy Anderson's…1986
#291 Kimo All I Want Is to Be Heard 1986 · Album · A Chance to Live · JEIO # 1745 · USA
Notes
80s post-war, pop, Vietnam P.O.W. themed album. All tracks Vietnam related.
#292 Kimo A Chance to Live 1986 · Album · A Chance to Live · JEIO # 1745 · USA
Notes
80s post-war, pop, Vietnam P.O.W. themed album. All tracks Vietnam related.
#293 J.C. Weaver Salute the Boys of Vietnam 1986 · Single · Wild Turkey # 7719 · USA
Annotation
Josiah Cephas Weaver, born 9 October 1941 in Virginia, USA released the post-war patriotic track "Salute the Boys of Vietnam" (Wild Turkey Records # WT 7719) in memory of his friend who died in Vietnam - "in 1986, Josiah penned another 'rock house song' in memory of an 18 year old Dunedin friend and soldier, who died in Vietnam. That song, 'Salute the Boys of Vietnam', was recognized in the Congressional Record on October 16th of that same year by Senator Sasser from Tennessee".1 The… Notes
Wild Turkey Records WT 7719 A (U-17124), stereo, marked "D J Copy"; "Salute the Boys of Vietnam" (J. C. Weaver - Maynard Weaver - Jack Brown - Joddy…1987
#294 Dead Milkmen Beach Party Vietnam 1987 · Album · Eat Your Paisley · Restless # 72131-1 · USA
Annotation
The Dead Milkmen formed in 1979 - an American punk rock band from Pennsylvania. They had a revolving line-up. This album, Eat Your Paisley!, released in 1986 featured Joe Jack Talcum (guitar, vocals), Dave Blood (bass), Dean Clean (drums), Rodney Anonymous (vocals). The song "Beach Party Vietnam" (Fever Records # 72131-1) took a comedic and tasteless approach to the conflict. It told the story of a boy who "got a letter from his Uncle Sam" and ended up in Vietnam "surfin' with the… #295 Jello Biafra Vietnam Never Happened 1987 · Album · No More Cocoons · Alternative Tentacles # VIRUS 59 · USA
Annotation
Jello Biafra, from Colorado, US, known for his satirical, spoken-word and punk records throughout the 80s and 90s, including membership of the well-known Hardcore Punk group Dead Kennedys. He released two spoken-word tracks as a solo artist regarding the Vietnam War: "Vietnam Never Happened" (1987) and "Die for Oil, Sucker" (1991). He also released the song "Wish I Was Back in El Salvador" (1989) which referenced the Vietnam War, in collaboration with Hardcore Punk group D.O.A.. With…1988
#296 Bobby Ross No Home for the Brave (In the Land of the Free) 1988 · Album · Voice of America · Constellation # VOA-1 · USA
Notes
All songs on the album - need to catalog.Notes
Constellation, ℗ and © 1988 Constellation, 4741 Trousdale Drive, Nashville, TN 37220.The front cover shows Bobby Ross in a cowboy hat beside the bronze…
#297 Half Japanese Vietnam 1988 · Album · Charmed · 50 Skidillion Watts # WAT5 · USA
Annotation
Art Punk / Indie Rock group Half Japanese, from Coldwater, Michigan, USA, which formed in 1974, released the song "Vietnam" (Fifty Skidillion Watts Records # H J 5), in which a soldier was "headed out from Californ-I-A...over there to Vietnam" - the 1A of course being a play on the classification for those "eligible for military service", established in 1971 (under the Military Selective Service Act of 1967). Other common classifications were 1-AO (Conscientious Objector available for…1989
#298 Public Enemy Black Steel In The Hour of Chaos 1989 · Album · It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back · Columbia # FC44303 · USA
Annotation
Artist background
Public Enemy, a popular and well-known East Coast Hip Hop group, with strong political & social-economic commentary, formed in 1985 in Roosevelt, New York, USA, including the members Chuck D, Flavor Flav, Terminator X, and Professor Griff - several of their songs referenced the Vietnam War, including "Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos" (1988), "Welcome to the Terrordome" (1989), and "Resurrection" (1998). #299 1927 Compulsory Hero 1989 · Single · Compulsory Hero / Propaganda Machine · Trafalgar # 7-257619 · Australia
Annotation
Pop rock group formed in 1987 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, featuring James Barton (drums, backing vocals, 1987-92), Eric Weideman (vocals, guitar, keyboards, 1988-93), Bill Frost (bass, backing vocals, 1988-93), Garry Frost (guitar, keyboards, backing vocals, 1988-90), Charlie Cole (keyboards, backing vocals, 1989-92), Dave Dwyer (guitar, backing vocals, keyboards, 1990-93), and Phillip Campbell (drums, 1992-93). The title of the song "Compulsary Hero" (Trafalgar Records #…
Notes
Produced by Charles Fisher for Minute / Trafalgar Productions, engineered by Jim Bonnefond; Warner Bros. Music; matrix MX302357; label time 4:34.…Post-War (1990s)
1990
#300 Richard Meyer Long Black Wall 1990 · Live · Fast Folk Musical Magazine: Live at the Bottom Line 89 · Fast Folk Musical Magazine # FF 503 · USA
Annotation
The "Long Black Wall" by Richard Meyer, a contemporary folk artist, born in 1952, and died in New York, USA on 14 May 2012, was a long-term editor of Fast Folk - this was a music magazine and record album publisher from February 1982 to 1997, a songwriter / performer cooperative. It also published many political and social contemporary songs, playing a similar role to Broadside Magazine in the 1960s. This song was a cover, composed by Michael Jerling in 1982, and released in 1983 on…
Notes
Fast Folk 1989 Volume 5 No. 3, recorded at The Bottom Line, 18 February 1989; side A track 4. Richard Meyer (guitar, vocals), Lisa Gutkin (viola, violin),…1991
#301 Jello Biafra Die for Oil, Sucker 1991 · Single · Die for Oil, Sucker / Pledge of Allegiance · Alternative Tentacles # VIRUS 90 · USA
Annotation
Jello Biafra, from Colorado, US, known for his satirical, spoken-word and punk records throughout the 80s and 90s, including membership of the well-known Hardcore Punk group Dead Kennedys. He released two spoken-word tracks as a solo artist regarding the Vietnam War: "Vietnam Never Happened" (1987) and "Die for Oil, Sucker" (1991). He also released the song "Wish I Was Back in El Salvador" (1989) which referenced the Vietnam War, in collaboration with Hardcore Punk group D.O.A.. With… #302 Jello Biafra Pledge of Allegiance 1991 · Single · Die for Oil, Sucker / Pledge of Allegiance · Alternative Tentacles # VIRUS 90 · USA
#303 Sarge Lintecum Reunion at the Wall 1991 · Album · Vietnam Blues: Combat Tested Blues...for Peace · Tempest · USA
Annotation
Sarge Lintecum was a veteran, who served in Vietnam from 1966 to 1968, for twenty six months. His first tour was for eleven months, in the jungle with the 101st Airborne Division, doing search and destroy missions. His second tour was at E Company Support Battalion, at the base camp of the 101st Airborne Division, and his third tour was as a security guard with the elite Saigon Machine Gun Patrol.1 He released a few albums of Vietnam War-related material. On the blues rock album he… #304 Sarge Lintecum Saturday Morning Cartoons 1991 · Album · Vietnam Blues: Combat Tested Blues...for Peace · Tempest · USA
Annotation
Sarge Lintecum was a veteran, who served in Vietnam from 1966 to 1968, for twenty six months. His first tour was for eleven months, in the jungle with the 101st Airborne Division, doing search and destroy missions. His second tour was at E Company Support Battalion, at the base camp of the 101st Airborne Division, and his third tour was as a security guard with the elite Saigon Machine Gun Patrol.1 He released a few albums of Vietnam War-related material. On the blues rock album he… #305 Geto Boys Fuck a War 1991 · Album · We Can't Be Stopped · Rap-A-Lot # 4XL 57161 · USA
Credited on the record as Ghetto Boys.
Annotation
Southern Hip Hop & Gangsta Rap group, formed in 1986 in Houston, Texas, USA. The song "Fuck a War" (Rap-A-Lot Records # 4XL 57161) is one of dozens of 90s songs inspired by the First Gulf War (1990-91), also referred to as Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, the names of US operations against Iraq, directed by the US president George H. W. Bush. The track begins with a phone call, informing the MC that he's been drafted to fight in the First Gulf War. The lyrics then… 1998
#306 Billy Boy Arnold We All Got to Go 1998 · Compilation · Down Home Harp · Testament # TCD 6011 · USA
Annotation
1988 various artist compilation, featuring Chicago Blues artist Billy Boy Arnold, born on 16 September 1935 in Chicago, Illinois, USA, with the song "We All Got to Go" (Testament Records # TCD 6011), recorded in 1962 in the pre-Gulf of Tonkin period, but unreleased at the time, about going off to war: "Uncle Sam wanna use you a while". The narrator looked forward to the military uniform, "so you can be in style". It contained a reference to social-economic inequalities, and possibly,…Notes
On the various-artists compilation; track 2. Track 2. Billy Boy Arnold vocals and harmonica, Blind John Davis piano. Written by S.B. Williamson. Recorded…1999
#307 Bobby Womack Cousin Henry 1999 · Album · Back to My Roots · The Right Stuff # 72434-98584-2-8 · USA
Annotation
Notes
Cousin Henry - Bobby Womack Soul. Post-war 1990s. Impact of war on the veteran.
Based on the true story of his cousin Henry who went to Vietnam.
He returned home an alcoholic, and his wife left him.1
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Post-War (2000s)
2001
#308 Roger Mason Conscription 1969 2001 · Soundtrack · Australians at War · ABC Classics # ABC 461 800-2 · Australia
Credited on the record as Roger Mason, Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra conducted by David Stanhope.
Annotation
Soundtrack to Australian "eight-hour television series that examines the effects of war on the lives of Australians and how this nation has been shaped by those experiences". Roger Mason was a composer based in Sydney, Australia, accompanied by the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, formed in 1948 from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. Several wars were covered in the documentary and this soundtrack, including World War One, World War Two, and Korea. The Vietnam War-related songs on this…
Notes
Score to the eight-part ABC television series Australians at War (2001); episode seven covers Vietnam. 2-CD set.2002
#309 Nas Doo Rags 2002 · Album · The Lost Tapes · Ill Will # CK 85275 · USA
Annotation
Notes
Influential and popular East Coast Hip Hop / Conscious Hip Hop artist, with his highly-rated debut album Illmatic considered a 90s classic. Born Nasir Bin Olu Dara Jones on 14 September 1973 in Brooklyn, New York, USA. Released two songs referencing the Vietnam conflict: "Doo Rags" (2002) and "Queens Wolf" (2019).2005
#310 Abner Jay Vietnam 2005 · Album · Terrible Comedy Blues · Poison Apple # 3420 · USA
Annotation
The song "Vietnam" (Poison Apple Records # 3420) by Abner Jay, released in 1968, told the story of a young man drafted to fight the "terrible" war in Vietnam. Jay famously played the "bones" - a musical style that involved playing percussive rhythms using dried out cow and chicken bones.1 Featured on the 2003 compilation One Man Band (Subliminal Sounds # SUBCD-7).Sources
- 1 rhythmbones.com ↩
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Also on the compilation One Man Band (Subliminal Sounds SUBCD-7, 2003).2007
#311 Normie Rowe Smiley 2007 · Album · Missing in Action · Not On Label # NR 001 · Australia
Annotation
Normie Rowe, pop rock artist and Australian Vietnam War veteran, born 1 February 1947 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. He served in Vietnam from January 1969 to February 1970. Rowe was reported to have been the protaganist in the song " Smiley " by Ronnie Burns , conscripted to fight in the Vietnam War. Johnny Young , the songwriter, said on ABC-TV’s Love Is In The Air that "before he left, he was really happy-go-lucky, fun-filled young fella. When he came back, he changed" . Rowe…
Notes
Album of 14 songs on Rowe's Vietnam service and its aftermath (2007, NR 001, produced by Shane Flew at The House of Hits, Manly). Cover of the Ronnie…2008
#312 Matthew Hindson A Symphony of Modern Objects: IV. Vietnam War Memorial 2008 · Album · Modern Objects · Trust · Australia
Credited on the record as Matthew Hindson, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Kenneth Young.
Annotation
Matthew Hindson, a classical composer, born 12 September 1968 in Wollongong, NSW, Australia. On this album he worked with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, which included the song "A Symphony of Modern Objects: IV. Vietnam War Memorial" . It was commissioned by the Ars Musica Australis, a not-for-profit community-based arts organisation. Hindson wrote program notes, which discussed the mistreatment of veterans, conscripted at the age of 19, but on their return to Australia were "ignor… Notes
Performed by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra conducted by Kenneth Young; Trust Records (New Zealand). Fourth movement of Symphony No. 1.2013
#313 Sid Orr You've Got Thirty Days 2013 · Album · Vietnam: The Journey · Not On Label · USA
Annotation
Sid Orr - he joined the marines in 1966 after high school, and served in the Vietnam War, with the Marine Helicopter Squadron (HMM-362) Ugly Angels at Phu Bai, Vietnam from 1969-1970. He currently lives in Woodstock, Georgia, USA. He is also in a group called The Tunnel Rats.1 He released this 2013 album of patriotic country songs about the Vietnam War. It included the song "As Long as That Black Granite Stands" about the memorial wall. This one took a religious perspective, focusing… 2016
#314 Little Simz LMPD 2016 · Album · Stillness in Wonderland · Age 101 # AGE1011X · UK
Annotation
Conscious Hip Hop artist Little Simz, born Simbiatu Abisola Abiola Ajikawo on 23 February 1994 in Islington, London, UK. The song "LMPD" (Age 101 Music # AGE1011X) also tackled the Black Lives Matter movement, which sought to highlight racism, discrimination, and racial inequality against black people (2013-present): "still marching, screaming black lives matter" . It recalled the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s, referencing Martin Luther King, Jr. famous speech: "Luther King's… 2017
#315 Barry Sadler Interviews by Four Students 1 2017 · Album · Interviews by Four Students · DWR # 6652 · USA
Credited on the record as Sgt. Barry Sadler.
Notes
Includes excerpts of Barry Sadler playing "The Ballad of the Green Berets". RTF Inc. Radio/Television/Films, yellow labels, "33⅓ LP Microgroove", DWR… #316–318 Barry Sadler Interviews With Four Students 2017 · Single · DWR # 6652 · USA
All 3 songs from this single in the archive are in this collection
#316 Interviews With Four Students 2 #317 Interviews With Four Students 3 #318 Interviews With Four Students 4
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#316 Barry Sadler Interviews With Four Students 2 2017 · Single · Interviews With Four Students · DWR # 6652 · USA
Credited on the record as Sgt. Barry Sadler.
Notes
Includes excerpts of Barry Sadler playing "The Ballad of the Green Berets". RTF Inc. Radio/Television/Films, yellow labels, "33⅓ LP Microgroove", DWR… #317 Barry Sadler Interviews With Four Students 3 2017 · Single · Interviews With Four Students · DWR # 6652 · USA
Credited on the record as Sgt. Barry Sadler.
Notes
Includes excerpts of Barry Sadler playing "The Ballad of the Green Berets". RTF Inc. Radio/Television/Films, yellow labels, "33⅓ LP Microgroove", DWR… #318 Barry Sadler Interviews With Four Students 4 2017 · Single · Interviews With Four Students · DWR # 6652 · USA
Credited on the record as Sgt. Barry Sadler.
Notes
Includes excerpts of Barry Sadler playing "The Ballad of the Green Berets". RTF Inc. Radio/Television/Films, yellow labels, "33⅓ LP Microgroove", DWR… #319 JAY-Z Blue's Freestyle/We Family 2017 · Album · 4:44 · Roc Nation # B0027184-02 · USA
Annotation
Artist background
Jay-Z, born Shawn Corey Carter on 4 December 1969 in Brooklyn, New York, USA, one of the most successful and well-known Hip Hop / Gangsta Rap artists. He featured on a few tracks referencing the Vietnam War: "Get By" (2003) by Kanye West (with Mos Def, JAY-Z, Talib Kweli, and Busta Rhymes), "Power" (2010), also by Kanye West (with JAY-Z and Swizz Beatz), and "Blue’s Freestyle/We Family" (2017) (featuring his daughter Blue Ivy Carter).2019
#320 Cheddar Road All-Stars Vietnam War in Reservoir 2019 · Album · Nowhere Else to Feel Rotten · Not On Label · Australia
Annotation
Rock group, currently from Reservoir, Victoria, Australia, its line-up included: Leo Francis, Cat Canteri, Justin Bernasconi, Danny Walsh, Emma Peel, and Barry Dickens. They released the song "Vietnam War in Reservoir" , narrated from the perspective of a soldier's brother: "my brother John, he didn't wanna go... sold your body to Uncle Sam" . The brother said that he was relieved to have "dodged a ticket to Ho Chi Minh" . The song also referenced the Australian Prime Minister Harold… Notes
Self-released.2020
#321 Danny Barnes Enemy Factory 2020 · Album · Man on Fire · ATO # ATO0519 · USA
Notes
Enemy Factory (Barnes, Danny)Contemporary bluegrass.
"Got my draft card back when I was fighting in Vietnam"
Notes
Released 6 March 2020; side B track 2; producer Geoff Stanfield, executive producer Dave Matthews; with Bill Frisell, John Paul Jones and Matt Chamberlain.Unknown date
#322–329 Don Henderson Unreleased Unreleased · Not On Label · Australia
8 of the 9 songs from this unreleased in the archive are in this collection
Annotation
Don Henderson, a highly-regarded contemporary folk singer, born on 17 January 1937 in Melbourne, Australia. He died in Brisbane, Australia, on 20 August 1991.1 He was particularly known for his political and social songs, with a focus on workers rights. He also composed several Vietnam War titles, although not all were recorded or released on record. The songs are: "Boonaroo" , "The Won’t-Leave-This-Lander" , "Bill White" , "Draft Card Burner’s Song" , "I'm an Australian – 20 Years Old" , "… #322 I'm an Australian – 20 Years Old #323 Bill White #324 Draft Card Burner's Song #325 Peace is Union Business #326 Someone Up There #327 Ting-A-Ling #328 Was War For Those Who Want It #329 The Won't-Leave-This-Lander
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#322 Don Henderson I'm an Australian – 20 Years Old Unreleased · Unreleased · Not On Label · Australia
Annotation
Don Henderson, a highly-regarded contemporary folk singer, born on 17 January 1937 in Melbourne, Australia. He died in Brisbane, Australia, on 20 August 1991.1 He was particularly known for his political and social songs, with a focus on workers rights. He also composed several Vietnam War titles, although not all were recorded or released on record. The songs are: "Boonaroo" , "The Won’t-Leave-This-Lander" , "Bill White" , "Draft Card Burner’s Song" , "I'm an Australian – 20 Years Old" , "… #323 Don Henderson Bill White Unreleased · Unreleased · Not On Label · Australia
Annotation: see “I'm an Australian – 20 Years Old” above (same release).
#324 Don Henderson Draft Card Burner's Song Unreleased · Unreleased · Not On Label · Australia
Annotation: see “I'm an Australian – 20 Years Old” above (same release).
#325 Don Henderson Peace is Union Business Unreleased · Unreleased · Not On Label · Australia
Annotation: see “I'm an Australian – 20 Years Old” above (same release).
#326 Don Henderson Someone Up There Unreleased · Unreleased · Not On Label · Australia
Annotation: see “I'm an Australian – 20 Years Old” above (same release).
#327 Don Henderson Ting-A-Ling Unreleased · Unreleased · Not On Label · Australia
Annotation: see “I'm an Australian – 20 Years Old” above (same release).
#328 Don Henderson Was War For Those Who Want It Unreleased · Unreleased · Not On Label · Australia
Annotation: see “I'm an Australian – 20 Years Old” above (same release).
#329 Don Henderson The Won't-Leave-This-Lander Unreleased · Unreleased · Not On Label · Australia
Annotation: see “I'm an Australian – 20 Years Old” above (same release).
#330 Smiley Smith I Wish I Had a Draftcard Single · I Wish I Had a Draftcard / The Miner's Reward · Beverly # 112 · USA
Annotation
The song "I Wish I Had a Draftcard" (Beverly # 112) took a strong patriotic line on the draft issue, criticising draft card burners and draft dodgers. A spoken-word track, the narrator marched along, with a nine year old, at a patriotic demonstration on Veteran's Day, carrying a sign in support of the draft, which represented "a calling card for freedom" . Composed by J. Kelvie and J. Long. Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Beverly Record No. 112 (SO 3075), red label with silver print; "I Wish I Had a Draftcard" (J. Kelvie/J. Long), Sandalwood Music – BMI and Curt Gibson… #331 Ted Collins Let's Back Those Boys in South Vietnam Single · Let's Back Those Boys in South Vietnam / Steel Foundary Man · Big Country # BC-218-1 · USA
Annotation
Another strongly worded patriotic song: "Let’s Back Those Boys in South Vietnam" by an obscure country singer called Ted Collins – composed by T. Janosik – on the Pennsylvania record label Big Country (# BC-218-1). Like the song above, it directly referred to "South Vietnam". In the first part of the song the narrator defended the US government’s involvement in Vietnam: "to keep the communists out of free land" , and called on people to back the president in his quest for liberty. In… Notes
White-and-green Big Country label, "Box 31, Elgin, Pa.", BC-218-1; "Let's Back Those Boys in South Vietnam" (T. Janosik), Halaz Music BMI, 3:15, (SO:… #332 Griffen's Paraders An Open Letter To My Teenage Son Album · Music of our American Heritage · Diplomat # DS 2438 · USA
Annotation
A cover of Victor Lundberg's An Open Letter to My Teenage Son - word for word.Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
#333 George Jay Greetings - This Is Uncle Sam Single · Another Lonely Night / Greetings - This Is Uncle Sam · ARV # A-5012 · USA
Annotation
The track "Greetings - This Is Uncle Sam" (ARV International # A-5012) was a cover of The Valadiers' Vietnam draft song Greeting (This Is Uncle Sam) (1961), also recorded by The Monitors in 1966 (Greetings (This Is Uncle Sam), both on the Motown Records label. Unlike those other versions, this one actually specified the conflict: "I need you boy, to fight in Vietnam" . George Jay was part of the Texas-Mexican music scene - referred to as Tejano Music, a hybrid of conjunto and Norteño… #334 Henry Scott Jr Bye, Bye, Baby, Hello Vietnam Single · Bye, Bye, Baby, Hello Vietnam / Shing-Ga-Ling · Shatter # 2317 · USA
Annotation
The track "Bye, Bye, Baby, Hello Vietnam" (Shatter Records # 2317) by Henry Scott Jr. - released on a Nashville, Tennessee based label - was mainly a love song, in which a soldier reassured his sweetheart that "I'll make it back to you one day" . It did not take a clear position on the war, but the narrator expressed either a sense of duty or fear of the law, as going to Vietnam was "something that I must do" . Was the soldier reluctantly drafted, or proudly fighting for his country?… #335 Gilberto Perez A la guerra ya me llevan Single · A la guerra ya me llevan / Dam la llave · Falcon # 1408 · USA
Credited on the record as Gilberto Perez y Sus Compadres.
Annotation
Gilberto Perez, Mexican-American artist born in Mercedes, Texas, USA on 3 August 1935. The track "A la guerra ya me llevan" (They Take Me to War) (Falcon # 1408) also featured on the Vietnam War compilation Porque estamos en Vietnam (Bronco # BRLP-043). Narrated from the soldier's perspective, it expressed opposition to being drafted to go to the war, leaning towards the anti-war side: "they're taking me against my will" . As above.Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Falcon Record Company 1408, 45 RPM, F-3788, 821 North 23rd, McAllen, Texas; "A la guerra ya me llevan", ranchera, arranged by Gilberto Pérez; credited to… #336 José de Molina El niño de Viet-Nam Album · Historia verdadera de un sex-enio · Nueva Voz Latino Americana # JS-09 - 10 · Mexico
Annotation
José de Molina, born in 1938, in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. He died 9 July 1998, in Tlalpan, Distrito Federal, Mexico. He released the anti-war song "El niño de Vietnam" ( "The Boy From Vietnam" ) (Nueva Voz Latino Americana # JS-09/10) which is a Corrido song - corridos traditional spread news in Mexican territories through folk music in the late 18th century. Musicians continued this tradition in the US, singing about wars and political events, such as the assassinations of JFK,… Notes
Double LP, "José de Molina presenta...", issued by Nueva Voz Latinoamericana A.C., Apartado postal 12-106, México 1, D.F.; cover number JS-09/10, label… #337 Los Fabulosos Robles de Reynosa Corrido de Pancho Alvarez Album · Querer sin esperanza · Canasta # CAN-1038 · USA
Credited on the record as Los Fabulosos Robles De Reynosa.
Annotation
The song "Corrido de Pancho Alvarez" (Canasta Records # CAN-1038) by Mexican-American group Los Fabulosos Robles de Reynosa, released in Kingsville, Texas, USA, paid tribute to a soldier named Pancho Alvarez, a draftee killed in Vietnam on 25 November 1968. He name is on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall in Washington D.C. under the name Francisco Alvarez, said to have come from Rio Grande City, Texas, USA.1 (2)3Notes
Canasta Record Co. CAN-1038, P.O. Box 347, Kingsville, Texas; side B, track 2; written by Raul Serna Olivarez. About Francisco "Pancho" Alvarez of Rio… #338 Odilio Gonzalez Cruces Boricuas en Vietnam Single · Cruces Boricuas en Vietnam / Todos de Parranda · Dial [New York] # 1016 · Puerto Rico
Credited on the record as Odilio Gonzalez con Yomo Toro, Nieves Quintero, M. Velazquez, Pedro J. Andino y Gilberto Colon.
Annotation
The "Cruces Boricuas en Vietnam" ( "Puerto Rican Crosses in Vietnam" ) (Dial Record # 1016) leaned towards the anti-war perspective, focusing on the Puerto Ricans who died in the Vietnam War. It released on New York label Dial Record, which released Puerto Rican music. This recored was released by Odilio González, born 5 March 1937 in Lares, Puerto Rico, in the in the Jibaro genre: "traditionally played by the eponymous mountain-dwelling Latin American culture that live primarily in…Notes
Seis milonga, as printed on the label. Dial Record 1016-A, "A Product of Dial Record Corp., N.Y.", orange and cream sunburst label; "Cruces Boricuas en… #339 Li'l Wally Vietnam Polka Single · Vietnam Polka / Live Happy · Jay Jay # JJ-334 · USA
Credited on the record as Li'l Wally and The Harmony Boys.
Annotation
Li'l Wally Jagiello, born on 1 August 1930 in Chicago, Illinois, USA, he died on 17 August 2006 in Miami, Florida, USA, he largely sung in Polish, including this record, with the song "Vietnam Polka (Do Vietnam)" (Jay Jay Records # JJ-334). He also released the Vietnam War song "Chlopcow zaciagaja do Vietnam" ("Boys Enlist for Vietnam"), on the 1965 live album Poland Tour: Polskie śpiewanie i granie. Narrated in the first person: "I'm off to training cause I have been drafted" . It… Notes
Jay Jay JJ-334 B (TK4M-0649), "Be happy and gay! with Jay Jay", marked "Polish Vocal"; "Vietnam Polka (Do Vietnam)" (W. Jagiello), Jay Jay Publ. BMI, from… #340 Big Bill Schaeffer Draft Call Single · Draft Call / I Hate, But I Like Popcorn · Four Winds # F-1008 · USA
Notes
Phone call from draft board, I can't go. Reference to Berlin. I'm a lover not a fighter. Draft. Does not mention Vietnam. #341 Jimmy Valves Alices Restaurant Single · Alices Restaurant / Horn Song · Miramar # 104 · USA
Credited on the record as Jimmy Valves and The Incredible Jangle Group.
Notes
Miramar Records 104 (104-A), blue and silver label with butterfly-winged figure; "Alices Restaurant" (Arlo Guthrie), Appleseed Music Inc. (ASCAP), time… #342 Howard Walker Army Life (Part 1) Single · Army Life (Part 1) / Army Life (Part 2) · Lusty # 2 · USA
Notes
Lusty Records No. 2 (IRM-7400), white label, "Army Life" by Howard Walker in Part 1 and Part 2, both sides marked "Adults Only"; produced by Larry Lick.… #343 Howard Walker Army Life (Part 2) Single · Army Life (Part 1) / Army Life (Part 2) · Lusty # 2 · USA
Notes
Lusty Records No. 2 (IRM-7400), white label, "Army Life" by Howard Walker in Part 1 and Part 2, both sides marked "Adults Only"; produced by Larry Lick.… #344 Curly Johnson Blue Soldier Single · Blue Soldier / Viet Nam · Pathway # P-1049 · USA
Notes
Pathway P-1049, gold label, "A Pathway Production", 45 RPM, "Let's Walk Together", 508 Maus, Ypsilanti, Mich.; side A (X4KM-2598, 825P-1049) "Blue… #345 Carroll Emmorey Fight for Our Rights in Viet Nam Single · Fight for Our Rights in Viet Nam / Back Home on the Farm · Mike # 2039 · USA
Notes
Mike Records 2039 A, 45 RPM, red label headed "Rambling Ranch Hands"; "Fight for Our Rights in Viet Nam", written "by Carrol Emmorey" and performed by… #346 The Melodiers Foreign War (partial) Single · Hey Lady / Foreign War · Tin Pan Alley # 166-1142 · USA
Notes
- "Foreign War" - Label: Tin Pan Alley # 166-1142
- Songwriter: Henry Thorne
- Song poem, with garage rock feel
- Fighting in a foreign war, so I'll go to…
#347 Debbie Craig Freedom 68 Single · Freedom 68 / Johnny's Song · Mercier # VC 1079 · USA
Notes
Mercier VC 1079-A, Side 1, 45 RPM, yellow label; "Freedom 68", time 3:38; "Debbie Craig, Composer; Don Palmer, Arranger; Produced by: Peter Mercier";… #348 Monty Tapp Freedom Means Veterans Single · Freedom Means Veterans / Our Old Lovesong · Tapp # U-18931 · USA
Notes
Freedom Means Veterans (Tapp, Monty) Recorded Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA
Record label & artist: Churubusco, Indiana, USA
Country narration, patriotic,…
Notes
Tapp U-18931 M, Side 1, maroon label with silver stars-and-stripes Tapp logo; "Freedom Means Veterans" (M. Tapp, BMI), 2:58; Tapp Audio… #349 Chuck Dockery & His Four Buddies I'd Rather Fight Than Pay Single · I'd Rather Fight Than Pay / Soldiers Last Letter · Dearborn # D-545 · USA
Notes
Dearborn D-545, 45 RPM, vocal, turquoise label with magenta ring, "Manufactured by Dearborn Records Inc. Dearborn, Michigan", marked "Promotional Copy"… #350 Timmy Norman I'm Coming Home Single · I'm Coming Home / I Owe My Loving to You · Bronze # 106 · USA
Annotation
The song "I'm Coming Home" (Bronze Records # 106) by Timmy Norman - nothing known about the label, artist, or year of release. This melancholic soul track does not specifically mention Vietnam. But the narrator tells the listener that "I'm out here in this hole and rain" , as he sadly wondered how a man can make it in the world "when the army calls you" . He really missed his sweetheart, asking her to "keep on waiting for me" because he will be home soon. It ended on a peace note, with… #351 The Lavells In a Crowded Station Single · Share Him / In a Crowded Station · C.T.B. # C-700 · USA
Notes
C.T.B. C-700 (M-1401-LME), black label with silver print, New Sound Dist., 930 F St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20004; "In a Crowded Station" (H. Bethea), Den… #352 Bob Gerrard Joedy Is a Wise Guy Single · Joedy Is a Wise Guy / A Letter Home · Tin Pan Alley # 24-435 · USA
Notes
- "Joedy Is a Wise Guy" - Label: Tin Pan Alley # 24-435
- Songwriter: White-Dienna
- Jody theme, Vietnam-era
- Stealing the girlfriends of those away at war
-…
#353 Bob Lewis Johnny Comes Marching Home Single · Johnny Comes Marching Home / Johnny's March · Om # WP-101 · USA
Notes
Om Records WP-101A / WP-101B, cream and black labels, 5 Arts, 116 Central Park South, New York; "Johnny Comes Marching Home" (B. Lewis) and "Johnny's… #354 The Jubilators The Knock at the Door Single · The Knock at the Door / Togetherness · Veep Gospel # VG-1302 · USA
Annotation
The New York-based gospel group The Jubilators released the song "The Knock at the Door" (Veep # VG-1302), which took a strong religious and patriotic perspective. It firstly started off with religious sentiment, with a father praying for his son in Vietnam: "I'm asking you god to take care of my boy" . The father is re-assured by "god's amazing grace" . But then a man delivers a letter to the soldier's parents, with a knock "different from any knock I'd ever heard before" . The letter,… Notes
Veep Gospel VG-1302 (UA 2178), white "Not For Sale Promotional Copy" "Plug Side" label, "A Division of United Artists Records, Inc. • A Transamerica… #355 Leroy Black Leroy Speaks to the Local Board Single · Leroy Black Meets Mr. Par / Leroy Speaks to the Local Board · X-Tra · USA
Notes
Leroy Speaks to the Local Board (Black, Leroy) Comedy, spoken-word. African-American. Draft.
Leroy called the draft board having received a letter from…
Notes
Orange X-Tra Records label, 45 rpm, Side 2; "Leroy Speaks to the Local Board" (J. Norris), Leber Pub. BMI, time 2:37. No catalogue number is printed on… #356 Sammy Masters Little Ben Single · The Letter (From South Viet Nam) / Little Ben · Galahad # G-538 · USA
Notes
Red Galahad Records label with a mounted-knight logo, "Box 82, Norwalk, California", G-538-A; "The Letter (From South Viet Nam)" (S. Masters), Central… #357 The End of Tyme Little Children Play Your Games Single · Beginning of the End / Little Children Play Your Games · Universal Sound # IRM 1164 · USA
#358 Tommy Finch A Marine's Diary Single · A Marine's Diary / Can't Take It Baby · Wynwood # WR 2099 · USA
Notes
Wynwood Records WR 2099 A, green label, 3709 Marmon Ave., Baltimore, Md. 21207; "A Marine's Diary" (Roy Finch), 2:24, Beachcomber Music (BMI); produced by… #359 Atlas Grunwald Mary, Mary Single · Mary, Mary / Fly Away · Fana # 1001 · USA
Notes
Fana Records 1001 (HH-2132), 45 RPM, red label; "Mary, Mary" (Jerry Jacobson), 3:18, Lemuel, BMI; produced by Jerry Jacobson. [From the record sleeve and… #360 Liz Owens A Message From Vietnam Single · A Message From Vietnam / Treadegy of the Finley Coal Mine · New Hope # S 1045 · USA
Credited on the record as Liz Owens with The Dean's.
Notes
Message From Vietnam, A (Owens, Liz) Country, home front perspective. Johnson City, Tennessee, USA.
Many going to Vietnam - now my husband. Why? I don't…
Notes
New Hope Records Record No. S 1045-1, orange label; "A Message From Vietnam" (Mrs. S. H. Brackins), 2:52; Liz Owens with The Dean's; recorded at New Hope… #361 Lonnie McDonald The Minor's Plea Single · The Minor's Plea / Victory Song · Howdy # H-1114 · USA
Notes
Minor's Plea, The (McDonald, Lonnie) Victory Song (McDonald, Lonnie)
Jazz pop & country novelty. Vietnam mentioned on the picture sleeve.
Hollywood,…
Notes
Howdy Records H-1114, yellow label, 6201 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood, Calif.; "The Minor's Plea" (Lonnie McDonald), 2:05, Howdy Music (BMI) (12865);… #362 Miss Matches U.S.A. A Mother's Prayer Single · A Mother's Prayer / The Stranger and the Atom Bomb · Red Fox # 45-146 · USA
Notes
Red Fox Records 45-146, peach label with red fox-head logo, 45 RPM, made in U.S.A.; A-side 45-146-A "A Mother's Prayer" (Louise Lewis), 2:22; AA-side… #363 Duke and Doris Silent Majority Single · Silent Majority / Annie Come Home · E-Volve # E-815 · USA
Notes
E-Volve Records E-815 (815-1880-A), E-Volve Record Co., 1293 Russwood Rd., Memphis, Tenn. 38122, green and yellow label with a highway interchange and… #364 Lee Ferguson Soldier of Fortune Single · Soldier of Fortune / Kennedy Was a Man of Power · Salem # 566 · USA
Notes
Soldier of Fortune (Ferguson, Lee) Country folk. Salem, Virginia, USA.
Soldier's perspective. A Man who likes to ramble across the US, from town to town.…
Notes
Salem Record No. 566 (PRP 4341), light-blue label with twin profile-head logos; "Soldier of Fortune" (Lee Ferguson), 3:00, Sugarloaf Publishing Co.,… #365 Bill Callahan Sound of Freedom Single · Sound of Freedom / Please Don't Disturb · Starview # S-1009 · USA
Notes
Starview S-1009-A, P.O. Box 2302, Bakersfield, California, orange label with a black starburst band; "Sound of Freedom" (Bill Callahan), Gealco Music… #366 Dorval Lynn Smith Stand Up and Fight (The Rally) Single · Fish # FM-110 · USA
Credited on the record as Dorvall Lynn Smith.
Notes
Fish Records FM 110-1, stereo, white label marked "D J Copy"; "Stand Up and Fight (The Rally)" (Dorval Lynn Smith - D. Scotty Reed), published by Nickle… #367 Esco Hankins & Jackie Telegram From Viet Nam Album · Working God's Fields · Jewel [Cincinnati] # LPS 210 · USA
Notes
Telegram From Vietnam (Hankins, Esco & Jackie)Country gospel.
Hankins from Maynardville, Tennessee. Recorded in Ohio.
#368 Dick Unteed That Crazy War Single · That Crazy War / 11 More Months & 10 More Days · Rural Rhythm # RRDU 45-714 · USA
Notes
The song That Crazy War (Unteed, Dick)bluegrass. anti-war. reference to first and second world wars.
Notes
Rural Rhythm Presents RRDU 45-714, side one, 45 RPM; "That Crazy War" (arr. Uncle J. O'Neal), time 2:53, Sage Brush Music (BMI); Dick Unteed, "From RRDU… #369 George Maxwell Tin Soldiers Single · Tin Soldiers / San Antonio · Zak-Tone # ZT-1035 · USA
Notes
Tin Soldiers (Maxwell, George) Country pop.
Criticism of conscientious objectors and hippies.
Real war going on, no longer toys.
A threat to freedom.…
Notes
Zak-Tone ZT-1035, 45 RPM; "Tin Soldiers" (Jean Nelson), 2:37, SESAC. [From the record sleeve and labels] #370 Ernie Cash What's This Nation Doin' Next Single · What's This Nation Doin' Next / Empty Bottle · Voice of Country # 2 · USA
Notes
What's This Nation Doin' Next (Cash, Ernie)Notes
Voice of Country VOC 002, 45 RPM, VOC 102; "What's This Nation Doin' Next" (F. Reed-E. Cash-N. Cash), 2:04, Window Music BMI; Ernie Cash (Vocal); "Pro.:… #371 Earl Brogan Wolfcreek Single · Don't Let 'em Wear the Midi / Wolfcreek · Delight # 1422-45-221 · USA
Notes
Wolfcreek (Brogan, Earl) Country. Parrott, Virginia, USA.
Soldier's perspective, combat description, KIA.
Girl in Wolfcreek will be lonely. I've been…
Notes
Red Delight label, Box 206, Parrott, Va. 24132, 45-221, side number 1422-45-221-B; "Wolfcreek" (Earl Brogan), time 4:07, Lois (BMI). [From the record… #372 Dave Jones Dear Mr. President Single · The Ballad of My Lai / Dear Mr. President · Waxwing # W-1002 · USA
Notes
- Ballad of My Lai, The (Jones, Dave)- Dear Mr. President (Jones, Dave)
- A-side: country, patriotic, My Lai / Calley
- War is hell, women and children…
#373 Jack Kim A Criminal in My Country EP · God's Mercy · Halmark # 750514 · USA
Credited on the record as Uncredited.
Annotation
Notes
- "A Criminal in My Country"- Label: Halmark # 7505 14
- Songwriter: Roseline Bouchia
- (Red Deer, Alberta, Canada - wonder if it's based on true story?)1
- Anti-war
- Born in America, loved the country
- Then one day, a war in Vietnam, we decided to give them people a hand
- At the mailbox was a draftcard
- Decided the war was not for me, could not kill
- Made my way to a new country - from Alaska to Canada (draft dodging / avoidance, Canada border)
- The war is over, but cannot return…
Notes
"Halmark" "Sound of Excellence", Side Two, 45 rpm, Unbreakable, High Fidelity, 750514; two songs on the side, each credited to its lyricist with address:… #374 Vivian Mason Draft Board Single · Draft Board / Save a Little Lovin' for Me · Film City # 1070 · USA
Credited on the record as Vivian Mason & The Film City Orchestra.
Notes
- "Draft Board"- Artist: Vivian Mason & The Film City Orchestra
- Songwriter: Al E. Bly
- Label: Film City Records # 1070
- Note: need image, need song
#375 Unknown Artist Slash Go the Bayonets Unreleased · Unreleased · Not On Label · Australia
Notes
Anonymous protest song to the tune of "Click Go the Shears", from the National Service years; printed in Ratbags & Rabblerousers. #376 Unknown Artist The Ballad of Uncle Doug Unreleased · Unreleased · Not On Label · Australia
Notes
Anonymous song popular at Melbourne demonstrations, about the sports commentator and Labor politician Doug Elliott; tune "Lazy Harry's". Printed in… #377 Clem Parkinson The Weirdest Dream Unreleased · Unreleased · Not On Label · Australia
Notes
To the tune of "Last Night I Had the Strangest Dream"; written in the late 1960s and handed out in hundreds of copies at Melbourne Moratorium meetings.… #378 Clem Parkinson The Ballad of Gunner Holt Unreleased · Unreleased · Not On Label · Australia
Notes
To the tune of "The Wearing of the Green"; on Harold Holt's five weeks at Puckapunyal in 1940. Printed in Ratbags & Rabblerousers. #379 Lalo Guerrero No naci pa' soldado Single · Soldado raso / No naci pa' soldado · Colonial # 533 · USA
Credited on the record as Lalo Guerrero con El Mariachi Colonial.
Annotation
Double war-related single, with "Soldado raso" and "No naci pa' soldado" (Colonial # 533), released in Monterey Park, Califorinia, USA, by Lalo Guerrero - born 24 December 1916, in Tucson, Arizona, USA, and died 17 March 2005, in Rancho Mirage, California, USA. He has the nickname "The Father of Chicano Music". He also released La tragedia del 29 de Agosto / Homenaje a Ruben Salazar about the death of Mexican-American journalist Ruben Salazar, who died while covering the Chicano…Notes
Colonial 533 (matrix CR-974), P.O. Box 734, Monterey Park, California; Ranchera; written by Lalo Guerrero. Frontera subject tags: complaint, war, soldier. #380 Lito Zamora No naci pa soldado Single · No naci pa soldado / Poco a poco · Ideal [San Benito] # 45-2338 · USA
Credited on the record as Lito Zamora Y Su Conjunto (canta Gil Gonzales).
Artist background
The song "No naci pa soldado" ("I was Not Born to Be a Soldier") (Ideal # 2338), released in San Benito, Texas, USA, on label founded by Armando Marroquín. The song was composed by well-known Mexican-American artist Lalo Guerrero.Notes
Ideal 45-2338 (Ideal Recording Company, 119 S. Sam Houston, San Benito, Texas), A-side, 2:47; written by Lalo Guerrero; vocal Gil Gonzales. Frontera tape… #381 Ron Murry What If They Gave a War Single · What If They Gave a War / Love Train · Genna # 1001 · USA
Notes
Soul, anti-war. Corrupt leaders, we must refuse to fight
Notes
Genna Records 1001. A-side written and produced by J. Moore (Johnny Moore); B-side Love Train written by D. Mancha (Don Juan Mancha). Published by Muriel… #382 Slim Thompson The Ballad of Jimmy Lee Single · Please Excuse the Bottle / The Ballad of Jimmy Lee · Big River # VA-BR-002 · USA
Notes
Ballad of Jimmy Lee (Thompson, Slim)Country, home front perspective. Draft, patriotic.
Letter came drafting only son - gone to a far off land.
Wounded, shot…
Notes
Label: Big River Records VA-BR-002; written by Harley Thompson; credited "Slim Thompson and the Christian Bros."; New Rome Music, BMI; time 3:16. [From… #383 Shurlie Grant & Grady Smith A Song to Florence Beaumont Single · A Song to Florence Beaumont / To the Parents · Tec-Art # WR 4704 · USA
Notes
- Contemporary folk protest, anti-war, anti-govt, peace- Title reference to immolation of an US anti-war protester
- Song referencing the draft, with…
#384 Madalyn Lott Here's My Boy for You Uncle Sam Single · When the Moon Comes Over the Hilltop / Here's My Boy for You Uncle Sam · USA
Notes
Here's My Boy for You Uncle Sam (Lott, Madalyn) [From Justin A. Brummer notes from RYM] HE 111013/4; Vinyl 7" (45 rpm); United States. [From Rate Your…Archival
1961
#385 Judy Jaynes Don't Take Him Away 1961 · Single · Don't Take Him Away / I Was There · Cal-Gold # 171 · USA
Annotation
The song Don't Take Him Away by Judy Jaynes. A soldier is drafted by Uncle Sam, his sweetheart recalled the moment that the draft papers arrived: "greetings, and I started to cry" . She begged Uncle Sam not to take her sweetheart. At the end of the song, the sweetheart comes to terms with the fact that he will have to go, and so she asked Uncle Sam to "take care of him" . She declared that "I'll be faithful, and I'll be true" . The single got a minor reference in Billboard on 27 November…Notes
Cal-Gold 171, matrix 1697 A, gold label with a "circa" rosette emblem; "Don't Take Him Away" (Irwin Sedacca), 2:15, Escort Music, BMI; produced by Smith &… #386 The Creators Drafted, Volunteered and Enlisted 1961 · Single · I've Had You / Drafted, Volunteered and Enlisted · Dootone # 463 · USA
Notes
Drafted, Volunteered and Enlisted (Creators)1961 - early draft song. Vietnam? Germany?
Doo-wop, soul vocal group.
#387 The Viceroys Uncle Sam Needs You 1961 · Single · Uncle Sam Needs You / I'm So Sorry · Smash # S-1716 · USA
Notes
Uncle Sam Needs You (The Viceroys)Doo-wop, soul. Draft, soldier's perspective.
What does Uncle Sam want with me?
Sure got to go (reluctance), back in the…
Notes
Smash S-1716 (YW21901), red label, a division of Mercury Record Corp.; "Uncle Sam Needs You" (H.B. Barnum-Frank Robinson), Hidle Music (BMI), 2:30; an H.…1962
#388 Mickey Woods Please Mr. Kennedy 1962 · Single · Please Mr. Kennedy / (They Call Me) Cupid · Tamla # 54052 · USA
Credited on the record as Mickey Wood.
Annotation
Sources
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Tamla 54052, Tamla Records, Detroit, Michigan, white "Disc Jockey" / "Not for Sale" label, 45 RPM; "Please Mr. Kennedy" (B. Gordy, Jr. - L. Wakefield),… #389 Lonzo & Oscar Peeling Taters in the Army 1962 · Single · Peelin Taters in the Army / Waltz Me Around Again Willie · Nugget [Tampa] # 45-1017 · USA
Notes
Peelin Taters in the Army (Lonzo & Oscar)Bluegrass, soldier / home front perspective
Tampa, Florida record label
Soldier's sweetheart recalled the day the…
Notes
Nugget Records, Tampa, Florida, 45-1017B, gold label with the slogan "As Good As Gold"; "Peelin Taters in the Army" (Ira & Charlie Louvin), 2:45, Pamper…1963
#390 The Carmel Sisters Joey's Comin' Home 1963 · Single · Joey's Comin' Home / The Rumor · Jubilee # 45-5464 · USA
Notes
Joey's Comin' Home (The Carmel Sisters)Teen pop, soldier boy song.
My Sweetheart Joey is coming home.
But he is not here! Where is he?
Army took him away:…
Notes
Jubilee 45-5464 (JB-12053), white "Advance Release — Disc-Jockey Record — Not for Sale" label, vocal with instrumental accompaniment; "Joey's Comin' Home"… #391 Norm Burns Twenty-Three 1963 · Single · Twenty-Three / Lost in Hopes of You · Sterling # S-284 · USA
Credited on the record as Norman Burns.
Notes
Sterling Records S-284 (10701), "Unbreakable", 45 RPM, ASCAP, blue label; "Twenty-Three" by Mary Genco & Lew Tobin, 2:15; vocal: Norman Burns, Lew Tobin's…1964
#392 Arthur Weston Uncle Sam Called Me (I Got To Go) 1964 · Pea Vine Whistle · Testament # LP 2209 · USA
Annotation
Blues artist, which according to Wirz's American Music may have been born on 12 January 1912 in Missouri, and died on 2 February 1996 in Belleville, Saint Clair County, Illinois1 Recorded in 1964, the song "Uncle Sam Called Me (I Got to Go)" (Testament Records # TCD 6005) was unreleased at the time, and appeared on this archival album, about being drafted: "Uncle Sam called me to the United States army" . The narrator looked at the impact on home life. First, he warned his girlfriend: "… 1965
#393 Bobby Jameson Viet Nam 1965 · Single · Viet Nam / Metropolitan Man · Mira # 208 · USA
Notes
The song "Vietnam" (Mira Records # 208).Also on the 1968 various artist compilation Mondo Hollywood (Tower Records # T 5083)
Psychedelic garage rock.…
Notes
Mira Records 208 (65-1034-A), white label marked "Promotional copy" and "Not for sale"; "Viet Nam" (B. Jameson - B. Hines), time 2:46, Keymen… #394 Adam Saylor I Will Go Away 1965 · Single · I Will Go Away / Drive 'Em to the Back of the Hat · Original Sound # OS-57 · USA
Notes
"I Will Go Away" (Saylor, Adam)Draft song. Garage, folk rock
Draft / VC / K.I.A. / Patriotic / Draft dodgers
If they call me I'll go away
Notes
Original Sound OS-57 (or-120), black-and-silver label, 7120 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood 46, Calif.; "I Will Go Away" (Saylor), Bonnyview Music (ASCAP), time… #395 The Gas Co. Blow Your Mind 1965 · Single · Blow Your Mind / Your Time's Up · Mirwood # 5501 · USA
Notes
"Blow Your Mind" (The Gas Co.)Garage rock, protest
Too young to vote, but old enough to fight - draft inequality
Also reference moon race and hippies
Notes
Mirwood Records 5501 A (65-1015-A), 45 RPM, blue label; "Blow Your Mind" (G. Dempsey-D. Rogers), 2:27, Screen Gems Columbia Music BMI; produced by Jack… #396 Little Brenda Duff The Army's Got Me Crying 1965 · Single · The Army's Got Me Crying / Tell Me Where'Er You Going · Downbeat # 101 · USA
Notes
Army's Got Me Crying, The (Duff, Little Brenda)Soul. Birmingham, Alabama.
Father, brother and sweetheart drafted to wars
Vietnam-era.
Soldier boy.
Notes
Downbeat Record No. 101 (SO: 3094), red label, 45 R.P.M.; "The Army's Got Me Crying" (Art Grayson), time 2:55, produced by Art Grayson; "Downbeat… #397 The In Group The Draft 1965 · Single · The Draft / Pocashudin · Rust # R-5095 · USA
Notes
Draft, The (In Group, The) (Rust Records # R-5095) - New York based sub-label of Laurie Records.Contemporary folk song. Humor.
Notes
Rust Records R 5095, Rust Records Inc, New York, matrix S4KM 4481; "The Draft" (J. Spofford), 1:55, Miratron Mus., BMI; produced by Reynolds & Carroll.… #398 Ray Melvin & Gene Wells Soldier's Prayer 1965 · Single · Angel / Soldier's Prayer · Scarlo # 336 · USA
Notes
Soldier's Prayer (Melvin, Ray & Gene Wells)Elmhurst, Illinois, USA.
Country, soldier's perspective. Patriotic, anti-protest.
Sitting in the jungle with…
Notes
Scarlo 336 (aea 6536), "Plug Side", yellow-and-white label, "aea", Box 154, Elmhurst, Ill.; "Soldier's Prayer" (Ray Melvin, Gene Wells), 2:33, Scarlo-BMI.… #399 Allan Sherman Christmas '65 (Draft Cards) 1965 · Compilation · My Son The Box (Disc 5) · Rhino Handmade # RHM2 7891 · USA
Annotation
The song "Christmas '65 (The Draft)" (Rhino Handmade) was not released at the time, but was recorded in 1965. A comedy piece, it represents the prominence of the draft and the expansion of the Vietnam War in 1965, with references to "draft cards burning...protesters marching...rock and rolling silent night" .Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
#400 Ricki Sanro Uncle Sam (You're Taking My Man) 1965 · Single · Uncle Sam (You're Taking My Man) / When Will I See You Again · Rickarby # 104 · USA
Notes
Soulful, rockabillyNotes
Rickarby Records 104 (Gulf Stream Music, BMI), pressed by Southern Plastics (SO 2867/2868).1966
#401 The Singing Bodies Diagnosis-Neurosis 1966 · Single · Diagnosis-Neurosis / You've Gotta Feel It · Back Stage # 5002 · USA
Notes
The song "Diagnosis-Neurosis" (Back Stage Records # 5002) by The Singing Bodies. Garage rock. Draft song. Man avoids draft because he is diagnosed as… #402 Joe Wild Thing King Hold Out 1966 · Single · Hold Out / On My Way Home · Capitol # 5806 · USA
Credited on the record as Joe (Wild Thing) King.
Notes
Hold Out (King, Joe)On My Way Home (King, Joe)
Both sides, soul.
A-side: combat, soldier's perspective, draft
Here I am, over here in Vietnam, fighting a war…
Notes
Capitol 5806, yellow promotional labels marked "Promotion Record, Not for Sale"; "Hold Out" (Preston Peters), 2:30, matrix 45-56886, and "On My Way Home"… #403 Joe Wild Thing King On My Way Home 1966 · Single · Hold Out / On My Way Home · Capitol # 5806 · USA
Credited on the record as Joe (Wild Thing) King.
Annotation: see “Hold Out” above (same release).
#404 Chuck Blake Please, Mr. Johnson 1966 · Single · Please, Mr. Johnson / Shout It · Sing-O-Tek # 4177 · USA
Credited on the record as Chuck Blake backed up by The Enterprisers.
Notes
The song "Please, Mr. Johnson" (Blake, Chuck) (Sing-O-Tek # 4177)Florida based. Garage rock. Draft song.
To the tune of "Mr. Custer". Similar to "Please.…
Notes
Sing-O-Tek Records 4177-A, 45 RPM, brown label; "Please, Mr. Johnson" (Chuck Blake), 3:20, BMI; Chuck Blake backed up by The Enterprisers; produced by… #405 The Reactors 1-A 1966 · Single · Do That Thing / 1-A · Cameo # C-446 · USA
Notes
Cameo C-446-B, "D.J. copy, not for sale", Cameo-Parkway Records, Inc.; "I — A" (B. Walker, D. Gumms), Bears and Bulls Music, BMI, time 2:34; "A Rodel… #406 Don Wright and The Head Set Draft Dodger Blues 1966 · Single · Draft Dodger Blues / Why Did You Lie? · Spectre # ES 137 - 138 · USA
#407 Tom Thumb & The Casuals The Draft 1966 · Single · The Draft / Irresistible You · Panorama # 36 · USA
#408 Gianni Morandi C'era un ragazzo che come me amava i Beatles e i Rolling Stones 1966 · Single · C'era un ragazzo che come me amava i Beatles e i Rolling Stones / Se perdo anche te · RCA Italiana # PM45 3375 · Italy
Credited on the record as Gianni Morandi; Ennio Morricone, il suo complesso e "I Cantori Moderni" di Alessandroni.
Notes
C'era un ragazzo che come me amava i Beatles e i Rolling Stones (Morandi, Gianni)Italian. Anti-war
Notes
RCA Italiana PM45-3375 (matrix RKAW 23327), Ed. RCA/BIEM, produced by Franco Migliacci; the label credits the song to Migliacci–Lusini and the backing to… #409 Charlotte Morgan He's Coming Home (From Viet Nam) 1966 · Single · He's Coming Home (From Viet Nam) / That's When a Heartache Happened · Upland # E-665 · USA
Notes
"He's Coming Home (From Viet Nam)"Home front perspective, narrated from sweetheart of soldier.
Soldier K.I.A. after 6 months
Drafted to Vietnam
Plane…
Notes
Upland E-665, promo; published by Sandlick Music Co.Label: Sandlick Music, BMI; time 2:40; written by T. Morgan; produced by Pinnacle Productions; matrix…
#410 B. J. Thomas Billy and Sue 1966 · Single · Billy and Sue / Never Tell · Hickory # 45-P-1395 · USA
Credited on the record as B. J. Thomas and the Triumphs.
Annotation
The song "Billy and Sue" (Hickory Records # 45-P-1395) by B.J. Thomas.About a high school couple. Billy drafted to fight in the war for his country. While gone, Sue met someone else, and sent Billy a Dear John letter, which broke his heart. He was killed why fighting. He died of a bullet and broken heart.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Hickory, "Hickory Records, Inc., Nashville, Tenn.", rainbow-stripe label; "Billy and Sue" (Mark Charron), 2:48, Hornet Music BMI; "A Zenith Production",… #411 Ray Godfrey Keep Your Chin Up, Soldier 1966 · Single · Keep Your Chin Up, Soldier / I Can Live It Down · Columbia # 4-43618 · USA
Notes
The song Keep Your Chin Up, Soldier (Godfrey, Ray)patriotic country track. criticises draft dodgers and protesters
Notes
Columbia 4-43618 (JZSP 113966), white "Not For Resale — Radio Station Copy" label; "Keep Your Chin Up, Soldier" (J. Carroll - G. Feith - R. Godfrey),… #412 Garland Frady Ballad of the Unknown Soldier 1966 · Single · Ballad of the Unknown Soldier / Right Before You Leave · Filmways # FW-102 · USA
Notes
Ballad of the Unknown Soldier (Frady, Garland)Patriotic and anti-protesters.
References demonstrations and draft card burning.
Also Lincoln, JFK, Jefferson,…
Notes
Filmways Records FW-102, promotional copy marked "Not for Sale", "A Subsidiary of Filmways Inc.", "Distributed by Valiant Records"; "Ballad of the Unknown… #413 The Charades Hammers and Sickles (Make Very Poor Toys) 1966 · Single · Hammers and Sickles (Make Very Poor Toys) / Left Wing Bird · Monument # 45-921 · USA
Notes
Hammers and Sickles (Make Very Poor Toys) (Charades, The)Left Wing Bird (Charades, The)
Folk rock. Nashville, Tennessee.
Anti-communist, anti-war. Both…
Notes
Monument 45-921 (promo on Discogs); producer Ray Stevens; published by Combine Music and Raleigh Music."Disc Jockey — Not for sale" copy; matrix E1W-783…
#414 Rusty and His Rangers Card From Uncle Sam 1966 · Single · Card From Uncle Sam / Abilene · Ace # 200,750 · USA
Notes
Card From Uncle Sam (Rusty and His Rangers)Country. Patriotic. Kentucky, USA.
Man received draft card - to help keep the country and the rest of the world…
Notes
Ace Records 200,750, Side 1, 45 RPM, yellow label; Sea Music, ASCAP; "Card From Uncle Sam" (R. Russell); vocal by Rusty. [From the record sleeve and… #415 David Henry It Ain't All Right With Me 1966 · Single · It Ain't All Right With Me / My Hollerin' Wallerin Ways · E&M # 2903 · USA
Notes
It Ain't All Right With Me (Henry, David)Little Rock, Arkansas, USA.
Folk rock, patriotic. Draft card burning, anti-protest.
Covered by the garage rock…
Notes
E&M Recording Company 2903, black label with silver print, vocal, matrix T4KM-2402; "It Ain't All Right With Me" (David Henry), Rain Music, BMI, time… #416 Tommy Jones The Commies Are Coming 1966 · Single · The Commies Are Coming / Love Is a Mountain of Gold · Tornado # T-149 · USA
Credited on the record as Tommy Jones & The Hayriders.
Notes
Commies Are Coming, The (Jones, Tommy & The Hayriders)Traditional pop / country. Greensboro, North Carolina, USA.
Patriotic, anti-protest, pro-civil rights.
…
Notes
Tornado Records U.S.A. T-149 (TK4M-4756), 45 RPM, white label with red tornado logo; "The Commies Are Coming", writers Chaw Mank / Don Suiter / D. L.… #417 Betsy and Laura My G.I. Joe 1966 · Single · My G.I. Joe / I've Been Dreaming Again · Train # 1206 · USA
Notes
My G.I. Joe (Betsy and Laura)Country, home front perspective, soldier boy, patriotic, anti-protest
Draft card burners - you should see my Joe fighting
Marche…
Notes
Released May 1966; pressed and distributed by Sound of Nashville (SoN 34361); producer Carl Thomas; published by Caboose Song Pub.Label credits the duo as…
#418 Johnny Bond They Got Me 1966 · Single · Silent Walls / They Got Me · Starday # 749 · USA
Notes
They Got Me (Bond, Johnny)Country, novelty, draft.
Received letter from Uncle Sam - time to go to Vietnam: they got me!
Met a local girl over there, ended…
Notes
Starday 749 (7920), 45 RPM, white "Plug Side — Promotion Copy — Not for Sale" label; "They Got Me" (J. Bond), Johnny Bond (vocal), 2:46, Red River, BMI;… #419 Johnny Mitchell A Letter to the President 1966 · Single · A Letter to the President / Blinking Lights · Tear Drop # 3085 · USA
Notes
Letter to the President, A (Mitchell, Johnny)Country, anti-protest. San Antonio, Texas, USA
Mr. President - the minority are poisoning the children
The…
Notes
Tear Drop 3085 (JM-3), red label, "A Div. of Crazy Cajun Ent., Inc., Conroe, Texas"; "A Letter to the President" (Bill Jones), 3:15, Crazy Cajun /… #420 Shorty Long Greetings (Uncle Sam Wants You) 1966 · Single · Greetings (Uncle Sam Wants You) / Slippery Ground · Jamie # 1315 · USA
Credited on the record as Shorty Long & The Santa Fe Rangers.
Notes
Greetings (Uncle Wants You) (Long, Shorty)Country novelty. Draft
Postman delivered the draft letter. You've been selected, you're a luck man
I told them I…
Notes
Jamie 1315 (J-SLO 1), 45 RPM, "D. J. Copy – Not for Sale", "Plug Side"; "Greetings (Uncle Wants You)", 2:02, Mamy Music Co., BMI; Shorty Long & The Santa… #421 Johnny Cash The One on the Right Is on the Left 1966 · Single · The One on the Right Is on the Left / Cotton Pickin' Hands · Columbia # 4-43496 · USA
Notes
One on the Right Is on the Left, The (Cash, Johnny)Country, anti-protest, anti-folk
Keep you politics out of songs
One of the members of the group draft
Notes
Columbia 4-43496 (ZSP 112665), 45 RPM, red label; "The One on the Right Is on the Left" (J. H. Clement), 2:46; produced by Don Law & Frank Jones. [From… #422 Boomer & Travis Dear Uncle 1966 · Single · Dear Uncle / Fair Weather Friend · Country # CML-101 · USA
Notes
Dear Uncle (Boomer & Travis)Patriotic, soldier's perspective, K.I.A.
Country.
Rain falling, in the darkness, not written to you in a years.
I'm sorry Uncle…
Notes
Both sides reissued on "The Colgems Collection: The Other Songs..." (Area251 Records COSM-250, 2024, CD 1 tracks 29–30).Label: "the Country Music label",…
#423 Gene Wyles Follow Me 1966 · Single · Follow Me / The Reporter of Wars · Columbia # 4-43880 · USA
Annotation
The song "Follow Me" The song "The Reporter of Wars"
In country, military
Billboard, 7 January 1967: "The Army's Special Forces has contributed a second 'Green Beret' to the ranks of the music industry. Columbia Records has recorded and released two sides penned and performed by Gene Wyles, currently a captain in the elite army unit. Wyles Columbia recording, produced by Don Law and Frank Jones, was released last month without reference to Wyles occupation and outstanding war record.…
Notes
Columbia 4-43880, white "Not for Resale — Radio Station Copy" label, 45 RPM; produced by Don Law and Frank Jones; publisher Seashell Music Pub. Co. (BMI).… #424 Gene Wyles The Reporter of Wars 1966 · Single · Follow Me / The Reporter of War · Columbia # 4-43880 · USA
Annotation: see “Follow Me” above (same release).
#425 Slim King Be Proud of Your Country 1966 · Single · Be Proud of Your Country / A Boy and a Girl · Fore Cast # 16769 · USA
Notes
Be Proud of Your Country (King, Slim)Country, patriotic, anti-protest. Greenville, North Carolina, USA.
Be proud of your country and do not burn your draft…
Notes
Fore Cast Records 16769, maroon label, matrix 568-K-42; "Be Proud of Your Country" (Horace W. King), Wis-O-Man Music (BMI), time 2:26; recorded at Pitt… #426 Rudy Gaddis I've Been There Once 1966 · Single · I've Been There Once / Everybody Want's Somethin' (They Ain't Got) · USA
Notes
Tyler, TX. CountryVietcong. Soldier's perspective - I ain't going back.
Saigon, Da Nang. Went there to entertain the troops
Draft card burning reference
#427 Sheri Layne Me, Jimmy and Johnny 1966 · Single · Me, Jimmy and Johnny / Sing Out · Decca # 31942 · USA
Notes
Me, Jimmy and Johnny (Layne, Sheri)Narrated from female childhood friend of two men drafted to Vietnam.
Both killed in action (KIA)
Soldier boy theme. Teen…
Notes
Decca Record No. 31942 (117,113), pink label marked "Promotion Copy, Not for Sale"; "Me, Jimmy and Johnny" (Russ Edwards, Frank Joseph), 2:27, A.M.G.… #428–430 Henry Flynt & The Insurrections I Don't Wanna 1966 · Archival · Locust # locust 39 cd · USA
All 3 songs from this archival in the archive are in this collection
Annotation
Although released in 2004, the group recorded this album in 1966. It documented the garage punk band the Insurrections, which featured Henry Flynt (who had guitar lessons with Lou Reed), Walter De Maria and Paul Breslin.1 The first track on the album, "Uncle Sam Do" , referenced the Vietnam War and the use of napalm, suggesting a contradiction in US government foreign policy: "nobody talk peace like Uncle Sam do; Uncle Sam talk the peace and drop napalm on you" . Napalm referred to the…Show the full entries ▾ · Release page →
#428 Henry Flynt & The Insurrections Uncle Sam Do 1966 · Archival · I Don't Wanna · Locust # locust 39 cd · USA
Annotation
Although released in 2004, the group recorded this album in 1966. It documented the garage punk band the Insurrections, which featured Henry Flynt (who had guitar lessons with Lou Reed), Walter De Maria and Paul Breslin.1 The first track on the album, "Uncle Sam Do" , referenced the Vietnam War and the use of napalm, suggesting a contradiction in US government foreign policy: "nobody talk peace like Uncle Sam do; Uncle Sam talk the peace and drop napalm on you" . Napalm referred to the… #429 Henry Flynt & The Insurrections I Don't Wanna 1966 · Archival · Locust # locust 39 cd · USA
Annotation: see “Uncle Sam Do” above (same release).
#430 Henry Flynt & The Insurrections Go Down 1966 · Archival · I Don't Wanna · Locust # locust 39 cd · USA
Annotation
The album also included the song "Go Down" about the protest movement in the US. Flynt called on people to head down to Washington to oppose President Johnson's Vietnam war policy. He wanted people to tell LBJ that they would refuse the draft call, because they did not want to "burn a peasant" with a "napalm bomb" . Also note the reference to prostitution in Saigon: "girls in the bars of Saigon" . Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Although released in 2004, the group recorded this album in 1966 #431 Will McLean The Protest Song 1966 · Single · The Protest Song / "Cush" Holston · Bamboo [Quincy] # 299 · USA
Notes
Protest Song, The (McLean, Will)Florida contemporary folk artist.
Novelty about protest movement. Either anti-protest or mocking the patriotic movement?
Youn…
Notes
Bamboo Records 299, pressed by Standard Record Pressing (SRP 7214/7215); B-side "Cush" Holston (P. Champion, W. McLean).Label: Bamboo Records, Quincy,…
1967
#432 Mark Dauler Letter From a Boy in Vietnam 1967 · Single · Letter From a Boy in Vietnam / Something to Remember · Parkwood # 100 · USA
Notes
"Letter From a Boy in Vietnam" (Parkwood Records # 100).Spoken-word, to traditional-pop background, 'American the Beautiful'.
Narrated from perspective of…
Notes
Blue Parkwood Record Co. label, 100-A; "Letter From a Boy in Vietnam" (M. Daulerio), Daulerio Music BMI, time 2:55. [From the record sleeve and labels] #433 Barbara March Private First Class So and So 1967 · Single · Private First Class So and So / I'm Gonna Leave You · Wal Dee # WDR-45-7 · USA
Notes
Private First Class So and So (March, Barbara)Teen pop, country style. Child / teenager? Draft.
Narrated by sweetheart of a man who received his draft card…
Notes
Wal-Dee WDR-45-7, Side A, yellow label with a shield-and-jet logo; "Private First Class So and So" (March-McGuire), 3:05, Waldee Publishing Co., BMI, and… #434 Four in the Morning Draft Dodger Rag 1967 · Single · Four Winds and Seven Seas / Draft Dodger Rag · Crossroad # 7001 · USA
Notes
Crossroad 7001B; "Draft Dodger Rag" (Phil Ochs), Sanga Music Co.; produced by R. E. Maultsby, arranged by Duncan Robertson, engineered by Kearney Barton.… #435 Seeds of Euphoria Let's Send Batman to Viet Nam 1967 · Single · TMP-Ting # TMP-120 · USA
Annotation
Notes
"Let's Send Batman to Viet Nam" (TMP-Ting Records # TMP-120) by the Seeds of Euphoria. Label from Chicago, Illinois.Garage rock. Novelty - as title suggests, the group advises president to send Batman to "give our fighting boys a helping hand" . Reference to LBJ, Viet Cong, demonstrations in the US. Some elements of patriotism? Sort of making fun of both sides.
Vietnamese Batman comic book1
Buttons going around in late 1960s that read "Send Batman to Vietnam"2
Use of Batman in…
Notes
White TMP-Ting Records "D J Copy" label, background printed "D J Copies – Not For Sale – For Promotional Use Only", "TMP-Ting Records – 22 E. Huron,… #436 Johnny Martin Uncle Sam's Navy 1967 · Single · Uncle Sam's Navy / Right on the Edge of Loneliness · Chart # 59-1015 · USA
Notes
Chart Records 59-1015 (UXKM-8788), red and yellow label with the Chart scroll logo; "Uncle Sam's Navy" (Sanders), 2:16, Yonah Music Inc., BMI; producer… #437 Shelley Stuart Not Even Uncle Sam Can Take the Part 1967 · Single · Jenny, Jenny / Not Even Uncle Sam Can Take the Part · Sterling # S-402 · USA
Notes
Not Even Uncle Sam Can Take the Part (Stuart, Shelley)Traditional pop, song-poem. Boston, MA.
Patriotic - narrated by sweetheart of a soldier.
Drafted to…
Notes
Sterling Records S-402, 45 RPM, blue and silver label, ASCAP 18896; "Not Even Uncle Sam Can Take the Part" (Elton D. Baker & Lew Tobin), 3:00, arranger… #438 Smiley & Kitty Wilson Bringing Johnny Williams Home 1967 · Single · Bringing Johnny Williams Home / To Tough to Die · K-Ark # 769 · USA
Notes
Bringing Johnny Williams Home (Wilson, Smiley & Kitty)Country music. From Alabama, USA.
Patriotic: "thank god for the USA" .
Dead soldier returned to the US,…
Notes
K-Ark Records, Record No. 769 A., 45 R.P.M., 728 16th Ave. So., Nashville, Tennessee; "Bringing Johnny Williams Home" (Maggi Vaughn), Sure-Fire Music,… #439 Sgt. Frank Carter Straight-Leg-Soldier 1967 · Single · Straight-Leg-Soldier / War Is Hell · Dixie # C-1114 · USA
Notes
Straight-Leg-Soldier (Carter, Frank)War Is Hell (Carter, Frank)
Country. Charlotte, North Carolina.
Combat, soldier's perspective. Both sides.
A-side:…
Notes
Dixie C-1114, black and cream label, Dixie Record Company, Charlotte, manufactured in U.S.A.; "Straight-Leg-Soldier" (Carter), Hypo Music, BMI, time 3:00;… #440 Sgt. Frank Carter War Is Hell 1967 · Single · Straight-Leg-Soldier / War Is Hell · Dixie # C-1114 · USA
Annotation: see “Straight-Leg-Soldier” above (same release).
#441 Razzy Bailey Re-Enlistment Papers 1967 · Single · Re-Enlistment Papers / Stolen Moments · ABC # 10939 · USA
Notes
Re-Enlistment Papers (Bailey, Razzy)Born 14 Feb 1939, Five Points, Alabama, USA.
Country, draft.
Uncle Sam called - sweetheart said she would wait.
But now…
Notes
ABC Records 45-10939 (AMP 45-13924), "Re-Enlistment Papers" (Freddy Weller), 2:37, Lowery Music, BMI; produced by Freddy Weller; "A Product of ABC Records… #442 Max Norris Fighting Men Unknown 1967 · Single · Fighting Men Unknown / Fighting Men's March · Sky # 53 · USA
Notes
Fighting Men Unknown (Norris, Max)Fighting Men's March (The Sky Singers)
Fanfare, patriotic, anti-protest.
Protesters don't know what it's really like out…
Notes
Sky Records 53, "D. J. Copy", blue-and-white cloud label; produced by Lightnin Chance for M. R. Norris Prod.; Cuqe Music, BMI; "National Dist. by Sims… #443 Don Rondo Just Before the Battle 1967 · Single · Top Dog # 101 · USA
Notes
Just Before the Battle (Rondo, Don)Easy listening, anti-protest, patriotic, draft card burning.
Detroit, Michigan, USA
Soldier's perspective. I'm scared,…
Notes
Top Dog A-101, yellow label with a top-hatted bulldog, Top Dog Record Co., 9430 Woodward Ave., Detroit, Mich. 48202; "Just Before the Battle" (Artie… #444 Gene Gullette Linda Lou 1967 · Single · Teach Me / Linda Lou · Thunder # 834G-3269 · USA
Notes
Vietnam War love song, "Linda Lou". A man is drafted to war and fights the Viet Cong while longing for his girl Linda Lou:Notes
Thunder Records 834G-3269 (Pekin, Illinois), RCA custom pressing; producer Gene Gullette; published by Gullette Music.Label: Thunder Records © 1967; vocal…
#445 Mass Confusion Rock Band The War Rages On 1967 · Single · The War Rages On / Mass Confusion · Malibu # 101 · USA
Notes
"The War Wages On" (Mass Confusion Rock Band)Garage rock, protest, anti-war.
Thousands of young will die yet the war continues.
Fight or get locked up for…
Notes
Malibu Records, a division of Malibu Productions, 101-A; "The War Rages On" (Doug Smart), 3:19; vocal by Doug Smart; produced by Norman Winski. [From the… #446 Thorndike Pickledish S. F. Bound 1967 · Single · S.F. Bound / Paranoia / The Imperial Grand Mothers · Piccadilly # 247 · USA
Notes
S.F. Bound (Thorndike Pickledish) aka Robert O. Smith - novelty, spoken-word artist, and radio DJ from the USAMentioned the draft.
He also released, in…
Notes
Piccadilly Records 247, 45 RPM, "Dist. by Jerden Music, Inc."; this side carries two tracks, "1. S. F. Bound" and "2. Paranoia" (Pic-24; Pic-25), both… #447 Ernie Maresca My Son 1967 · Single · My Son / My Shadow and Me · Laurie # LR 3371 · USA
Notes
My Son (Maresca, Ernie)Traditional pop, patriotic, anti-protest, home front perspective
Played with toy guns as a child. Grown up , at war
Uncle Sam took…
Notes
Laurie Records Inc., New York; record no. LR-3371 DJ, "Advance Release" promotional label; "My Son" (Ernie Maresca), Ernie Maresca Inc. (ASCAP), time 2:10… #448 Bobby Lile Hard Way to Go 1967 · Single · Hard Way to Go / They Just Don't Make 'Em Like Her Anymore · Sidewalk # 912 · USA
Notes
A-side: Folk rock, draft letter, soldier's perspective.Giving me a license to kill,
Doing what I'm being told in Vietnam.
I'll make it back, please write to…
Notes
Promotional copy, not for sale (A side); Mirby Music, Exbrook Publishing Company, Rollo Music Co., BMI, 2:09; 45-61124; written by B. Lile; arranged and…1968
#449 Bobby Mack A Mother's Prayer 1968 · Single · A Mother's Prayer / Time to Move Along · Golden Voice # 834G-4614 · USA
Notes
- Son drafted to fight the Vietcong- Back the troops
- Must stop communist oppression
- Anti-protest- demonstrators can go to hell
- Golden Voice 834G-4614…
#450 Transatlantic Railroad Why Me 1968 · Single · Irahs / Why Me · Phoenix # PH 2 · USA
Credited on the record as Trans-Atlantic Railroad.
Notes
Garage rock, protest, draft dodging."Why Me" , why they want to send me across the sea.
From D.C. I'll run, don't want to fight
Notes
Phoenix Records of New York PH 2 (P-00008), "A Division of Sire Records", marked "Not for Sale", on the label's phoenix-bird design; "Why Me" (Rick Beban)… #451 Rehabilitation Cruise I Don't Care What They Say 1968 · Single · I Don't Care What They Say / Mini Skirts · Rondon # 21119-20 · USA
#452 Michael Merchant Military Minor Blues 1968 · Single · Military Minor Blues / Figs Grow in the Winter Time · Edmark # 10020 · USA
Notes
ilitary Minor Blues (Merchant, Michael)Garage rock. From Ingleside, Texas, USA. Draft.
Man hears about the war / draft on the TV news.
So he then get…
Notes
Edmark Productions 10020, grey label, Box 594, Ingleside, Texas; "Military Minor Blues" (Michael Merchant), 2:48, Edmark Pub. Co., BMI. [From the record… #453 Joey Welz A Marines Diary 1968 · Single · Forever / A Marines Diary · Canadian-American # 45-CA-210 · USA
Notes
A Marine's Dairy - Joey Welz. Piano player for Bill Haley and His Comets in the 1960s.Patriotic
Notes
Canadian American 45-CA-210-B, black label with rainbow stripes; "A Marines Diary" (Tommy Finch, Joey Welz), 2:30, Ursula Music, BMI, and… #454 Autry Inman Ballad of Two Brothers 1968 · Single · Dont Call Me (I'll Call You) / Ballad of Two Brothers · Epic # 5-10389 · USA
Annotation
Must We Fight Two Wars- draft card burning, anti-protest, patriotic
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Epic 5-10389, yellow label, 45 RPM, matrix ZSP 138181; "Ballad of Two Brothers" (B. Braddock - C. Putman - B. Killen), 3:30; produced by Glenn Sutton and… #455 Jan Howard My Son 1968 · Single · My Son / Tip of My Fingers · Decca # 32407 · USA
Notes
"My Son" (Decca Records # 32407)"She dreamed in 1968 that her son, who was fighting in the Vietnam War, would be killed in battle, which came true. She…
Notes
Decca 32407 (120,844), "Mfr'd by Decca Records, a division of MCA Inc., New York, U.S.A."; "My Son" (Jan Howard), Stallion Music, Inc. (BMI), (2:46);… #456 Mike Johnson I'll Be Home Again 1968 · Single · I'll Be Home Again / Little Boy · Opus [Bellbrook] # 23099 · USA
Notes
Opus Records, "A Div. of A.L.R.S.", Bellbrook, Ohio, 23099, side A, green label; "I'll Be Home Again" (J. Coughlin), time 2:38; Mike Johnson, produced by… #457 Smooth Lundvall and The New Happiness Dear Chester 1968 · Single · Dear Chester / Ode to Larsen Whipsnade · Columbia # 4-44612 · USA
Annotation
Notes
Dear Chester (Lundvall, Smooth)Columbia Records # 4-44612
Novelty. Reference to the draft, counter-culture, and demonstrations.
Real name Bruce Lundvall - a record producer. Founder of Manhattan Records; former President of Angel Records, Elektra Records and Blue Note Records. From New Jersey.1
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Columbia 4-44612 (JZSP 138589), white "Not for Resale – Radio Station Copy" label, 45 RPM; "Dear Chester" (B. Lundvall, G. St. Claire), 3:50, publisher… #458 Jim Wayne Soldiers Who Die 1968 · Single · Soldiers Who Die / When the Silver Bridge Went Down · Pacer # 3181-3182 · USA
Notes
Soldiers Went Down (Wayne, Jim)Country. Patriotic. Anti-protest. Logan, Ohio, USA.
Soldiers fought and died for freedom.
Meanwhile, people demonstrate,…
Notes
Pacer, 45 RPM (PRP 3182), blue-and-silver label with horse-head logo; "Soldiers Who Die" (Opal Scaggs), 2:07, Jacci-L Music, BMI. "Dist. by Precision… #459 Jerry Clayton Gonna Get My Hair Cut 1968 · Single · Not an Ounce of Truth / Gonna Get My Hair Cut · K-Ark # 860 · USA
Notes
Gonna Get My Hair Cut (Clayton, Jerry)Rockabilly, novelty.
Draft card: going into the service, so gonna cut my hair
Vietnam-era
Notes
K-Ark Records, Record No. 860 B, 45 RPM; "Gonna Get My Hair Cut" (I. Washabaugh), 2:06, Stringtown Music, BMI; 728 16th Ave., So., Nashville, Tenn. [From… #460 Bill Lancaster Third Party System 1968 · Single · Third Party System / Joint Bank Account · Bills-45 # 45-100 · USA
Notes
Third Party System (Lancaster, Bill)Country, draft, George Wallace.
Young man drafted to Vietnam
Returned home for the election (1968?): too young to vote.
Vo…
Notes
Bills-45 45-100 (B-45-150-B); "Third Party System" (William Lancaster), 2:39, Lancaster Music (BMI). [From the record sleeve and labels] #461 Tom Sawyer Flag Draped Coffin 1968 · Single · Flag Draped Coffin / Fallen King · Plantation # 1 · USA
Notes
Flag Draped Coffin (Sawyer, Tom)Country, patriotic, US home front perspective
Soldier one year in Vietnam.
Drafted: he did his duty.
But KIA - returned home…
Notes
Plantation Records #1 (711-303), green label, "A Division of Shelby Singleton Productions Inc., Nashville, Tenn."; "Flag Draped Coffin" (Clark Bentley,… #462 Randy Boone It's So Hard to Tell Mama Goodbye 1968 · Single · It's So Hard to Tell Mama Goodbye / Tennessee Stud · Gregar # GG-00105 · USA
Notes
It's So Hard to Tell Mama Goodbye (Boone, Randy)Country, soldier's perspective
Born in West Virginia, daddy worked hard, very poor, then he died
Letter from…
Notes
Label: GG-00105 / ZSP 119615, 3:36; publisher Borscht Pub. Co. (BMI); a Gregar Record Production, produced by Don Law Productions, distributed through… #463 Bill Carlisle My Name Is Jones 1968 · Single · My Name Is Jones / All of This for Sally · Hickory # 45-K-1502 · USA
Annotation
Notes
My Name Is Jones (Carlisle, Bill)Born 19 December 1908, Wakefield, Kentucky, USA.
Country, draft, home front perspective.
Billboard 30 March 19681
I used to be a soldier, I want to get back. Swap my son's name from the list for mine.
I've got experience, I can shoot just like I did in WW2.
I don't want my son to go.
Sources
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Hickory 45-K-1502; producers Johnny Erdelyan and Wesley Rose; published by Acuff-Rose.Promotion copy, "Plug side"; 45-F-1206; Hickory Records, Inc.,…
#464 Bill Floyd Freedom's Cause 1968 · Single · Freedom's Cause / This Time She's Gone · Topic # 8017 · USA
Notes
The song "Freedom's Cause" (Topic # 8017). Hollywood, California label.Country. Patriotic. References to demonstrations, draft card burners
Notes
Topic 8017 (SoN 29121), 45 RPM, "Promotional Copy"; "Freedom's Cause" (C. Gray–B. Brock), Vanjo Music, BMI, time 2:08; "Dist. by Sound of Nashville, Inc.,… #465 Ultimate Spinach Dove in Hawk's Clothing 1968 · Album · Ultimate Spinach · MGM # SE 4518 · USA
#466 Toby Ben Peace Wake Up to the Sunshine 1968 · Single · Peace Wake Up to the Sunshine / Draft Call · Venture # VE-613 · USA
Notes
Pop rock, anti-war, draft #467 Michael Yonkers Kill the Enemy 1968 · Archival · Microminiature Love · Sub Pop # SPCD 508 · USA
Annotation
This garage rock album, written in Minneapolis, Minn. in 1968, was only released in 2002 (Sub Pop Records # SPCD 508). It featured two songs referencing the Vietnam War. The song "Kill the Enemy" focused on the reaction of a man being drafted to war and being forced to kill the enemy. It noted that the voting age in the US was higher than the drafting age, just like several Vietnam War songs (see Barry McGuire's Eve of Destruction). The song also mocked Christian teachings on murder:…
1969
#468 Steppenwolf Monster 1969 · Album · Dunhill # DS-50067 · USA
Annotation
Draft Resister already in draft section.Other song for anti-war section.
"Monster"
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
#469 The Hello People Anthem 1969 · Single · Anthem / Jelly Jam · Philips # 40585 · USA
Annotation
Notes
Anthem (Hello People, The) (Philips # 40585)Man goes to prison for draft dodging. In fact, the lead singer of band, W. S. "Sonny" Tongue, served in prison for draft resistance.1 Featured on the 1968 album Fusion (Philips # PHS 600-276).
Sources
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
#470 Dennis Linde Ballad of a Blood Crazed Trained Killer 1969 · Single · Ballad of a Blood Crazed Trained Killer / T.J.'s Last Ride · Intrepid # 75011 · USA
Notes
Intrepid 75011 (1-45635), label with wave design; "Ballad of a Blood Crazed Trained Killer" (D. Linde), 3:54, Combine Music Corp. (BMI); produced by Jerry… #471 Gene Smith The Soldier's Game 1969 · Single · The Soldier's Game / I Signed My Life Away · REM # 45-457 · USA
Notes
REM Records 45-457, orange label with US-map logo and the slogan "Covering the Country with Country Music"; "The Soldier's Game" (Gene Smith), 2:15,… #472 Young Sam Dear Mr. President 1969 · Single · Dear Mr. President / Call on Me · Kapp # K-972 · USA
Notes
Dear Mr. President (Young Sam)Kapp Records (# K-972) - New York
Girl wrote to the president asking him not to draft her father.
Draft opposition, plight of…
Notes
Kapp K-972 (K-11571), side A, "Radio Station Copy"; "Dear Mr. President" (Raymond Cranley), 2:58, Duchess Music Corp., BMI; produced and arranged by… #473 Paul Martin The Coward 1969 · Single · The Coward / Twenty Years Ago · Varsity # 1090 · USA
Notes
Coward, The (Martin, Paul)Varsity # 1090
Country. Draft reluctance - similar to draft dodger rag.
Draft card burning. Demonstrations. Reference to Vietnam…
Notes
Varsity Recording Co. 1090 (VAR-713-2), 1705 Church St., Nashville, Tennessee; "The Coward" (Paul Martin), Window Music, BMI, 1:58; produced by Pete… #474 Bobby Gee and Redd Oh Vietnam 1969 · Single · Oh Vietnam / Cornbread and Buttermilk · Finch # 90460 · USA
Notes
Finch Recording Co., Cincinnati, Ohio 45225, 90460B, 45 rpm; "Oh Vietnam" (Bobby G. Horn), 2:57, Finch Pub. Co. (BMI). [From the record sleeve and labels] #475 Tiny West Down in Vietnam 1969 · Single · What's Come Over You? / Down in Vietnam · Century # 36485 · USA
Credited on the record as Tiny West and Her Country Swingers.
Notes
Century Records 36485, Side 2, 45, "mfg. by Century Records"; "Down in Vietnam", Ron Stenzel and Ed K. Meyer (composer and arranger); vocals by Sandra Kay… #476 Robert Kolen Vietnam 1969 · Single · Vietnam / Somebody Touched Me · Jalyn # 338 · USA
Notes
Vietnam (Kolen, Robert)Country. Dayton, Ohio.
Combat song, soldier's perspective.
Kid in college didn't study so now he's in Vietnam.
Wants to go home, see…
Notes
Jalyn Records 45-338-A, blue label, 1806 Brown St., Dayton, Ohio 45409; "Vietnam" (R. Kolen), time 2:45, Jaclyn-BMI; "A Jack Lynch Production"; harmonica:… #477 The Odyssey Rock Band I'll Be Coming Home 1969 · Single · I'll Be Coming Home / Leave Me Alone I Don't Want to Hear It · Steady # S-003 · USA
Notes
Folk rock, soldier's perspectiveDrafted at 18, to fight in a far off land
You cried, I felt lost when I left
But I'll be coming home soon
Notes
Steady Records S-003; producers Perry Alexander and Tom Costello; published by Jamerica. Also issued in Australia (BK-3342).Promotion copy, not for sale;…
#478 Bob Mills I'm Taking Care of Things Here at Home 1969 · Single · She's as Close to an Angel / I'm Taking Care of Things Here at Home · Great Record Co. # GR-1285 · USA
Notes
"I'm Taking Care of Things Here at Home"Country, minor reference to draft dodging, Vietnam-era. Nashville, TN.
Notes
Great Record Co. GR-1285 (promo on Discogs); writers on the release Danny Walls and Sammy Lyons; published by Yonah Music. #479 Earl Scott Take These Chains Off of Me 1969 · Single · Everybody's Got Their Own Little Thing Going / Take These Chains Off of Me · Stop # ST 341 · USA
Notes
- "Take These Chains Off of Me"- Country, patriotic, anti-protest, draft
- I'm in prison, for 3 years
- I came back from Vietnam
- Draft card burning and…
#480 Dr. John The Patriotic Flag Waver (Long Version) 1969 · Single · The Patriotic Flag Waver · Atco # 45-6697 · USA
Notes
Patriotic Flag Waver (Dr. John)Blues rock.
Anti-war, reference to Vietnam and draft card burning protests.
Notes
Atco Records 45-6697, 45 RPM, vocal, white label, "CSG Processed Mono Master"; "The Patriotic Flag Waver" (Dr. John Creaux), Pub. Marzique-Joharv, BMI,… #481 Dr. John The Patriotic Flag Waver (Short Version) 1969 · Single · The Patriotic Flag Waver · Atco # 45-6697 · USA
Annotation: see “The Patriotic Flag Waver (Long Version)” above (same release).
#482 Jimmy Curtiss Johnny Get Your Gun 1969 · Album · Life · Perception # PLP 1 · USA
Credited on the record as Jimmy Curtis.
Annotation
Notes
Johnny Get Your Gun (J.C.)Folk rock aka Jimmy Curtiss. Anti-war. Draft. Religion. K.I.A.
From Queens, New York1 On album Life
Latter arrives - off to war, don't know what your fighting for
Played with plastic toys as a boy.
At 17, played with the girls
But now get your gun, there's a bullet made for you.
They find you lying in ditch, sent home and buried.
Sources
- 1 AllMusic ↩
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Perception Records P-2 (P-2 A), green and yellow marbled label (promotional legend inked over); "Johnny Get Your Gun" (Curtiss-Pollock), 3:28, Popdraw…1970
#483 Bob Seger System Leanin on My Dream 1970 · Album · Mongrel · Capitol # SKAO-499 · USA
Notes
Leanin on My Dream (Seger, Bob)(Capitol Records # SKAO-499). Released as a single in France: Leanin on My Dream / Song to Rufus (Capitol Records # 2C006…
#484 The Guess Who American Woman 1970 · Single · American Woman / No Sugar Tonight · RCA Victor # 74-0325 · Canada
Annotation
Notes
American Woman (The Guess Who)Blues rock. Anti-war. Canadian group.
Draft dodger.
"In an interview with Randy Bachman in Songfacts he elaborated further, calling this "an anti-war protest song," explaining that when they came up with it on stage, the band and the audience had a problem with the Vietnam War. Said Bachman: "We had been touring the States. This was the late '60s, one time at the US/Canada border they tried to draft us and send us to Vietnam. We were back in Canada,…
Notes
The pictures show the parent album, RCA Victor LSP-4266, stereo, "American Woman — The Guess Who".The front cover is a dark blue-tinted montage of the…
#485 Layng Martine Jr. The Recruit 1970 · Single · St. Anne / The Recruit · Decca # 32621 · USA
Notes
Recruit, The (Martine Jr, Layng)Country, draft.
At the induction centre.
Going to miss life in the US.
Notes
Decca 32621 (122,202), vocal, "Promotion Copy — Not for Sale", yellow label; "The Recruit" (Layng Martine, Jr.), intro :06 (2:34), Daramus Music (BMI);… #486 Tom Laughon The National Lottery Blues 1970 · Single · The National Lottery Blues / The B Side · Cartwheel # CWS-32-16D · USA
Notes
The National Lottery BluesContemporary folk, novelty
Anti-draft - I don't want to go, to die
If I get back from Vietnam I suggest we draft the politicians
Notes
Cartwheel Recordings; Poperee Music, BMI.Label: CWS-32-16D; written by Tom Laughon; intro 0:03, side 1 2:10; Poperee Music, BMI; (6964); Cartwheel…
#487 Leroy Van Dyke Mister Professor 1970 · Single · Mister Professor / People Gonna Turn You Off · Decca # 32756 · USA
Notes
Country, anti-protest, anti-elite, pro-religion.Professor misled young people.
Marching, burning, avoiding the draft
Notes
Promotion copy, not for sale; stereo, 7-123,139; 2:27 (fade); written by Harlan Howard; produced by Harold Bradley; Wilderness Music Pub. Co., Inc. (BMI).… #488 Storm Warning Little Miss Teen 1970 · Single · Little Miss Teen / Hello Sweetie Pie · Black Gold # 471-1454 · USA
Notes
Garage rock. Home front perspective, draft #489 Jay Pollard Mail Call 1970 · Single · Mail Call / Letter to Mamma · St. George International # 7-202,642 · USA
Notes
Garage rock, soldier's perspective from Vietnam, both sides.Letter to mother, mail call, draft card burning, anti-protest, demonstrations.
1971
#490 Buddy Green Molly Gave 1971 · Single · Molly Gave / It Just Ain't No Good · Impel # 71-003 · USA
Annotation
Notes
Molly Gave (Green, Buddy)Country music. Norman, Oklahoma. Patriotic.1
Molly's husband died in 1943 - WW2.
She went to work at the draft board, sending men to war - patriotism, and needed the money.
Referenced opposition to draft card burning, criticising those against the current war (1971).
Sources
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Impel 71-003-A, red label, 131 N. Porter, Norman, Okla., "A Division of C-D-B Production Inc."; "Molly Gave" (B. Green), 3:11, Little River Pub. B.M.I.;… #491 Anson Blue He Took Away Her Darlin 1971 · Single · He Took Away Her Darlin / No More Will I Hold Her · Bonny # 103 · USA
Notes
He Took Away Her Darlin (Anson Blue)Country, draft, religion.
Uncle Sam took away her darling.
Out in the battle, fighting for the country he loves.
But…
Notes
Bonny 103-A, © 1971, "A Product of T.S.S."; "He Took Away Her Darlin" (M. Blue), 3:30, ASCAP; produced by Blue Ent., Streator, Ill. [From the record… #492 Bo Ratliff Give Them Guns 1971 · Single · Give Them Guns / First Bouquet · CLW # 7011 · USA
Notes
Give Them Guns (Ratliff, Bo)Country, patriotic, anti-protest, religion. Draft
I fought in the last war, battle over and I got married and had two sons
Oldest…
Notes
CLW 7011A (107222A), yellow and teal label; "Give Them Guns" (J. Ratliff–J. Ward), Jamward Pub., BMI, time 3:25; produced by Jim Ward; "Dist. by Arrow… #493 Henson Cargill Pencil Marks on the Wall 1971 · Single · Pencil Marks on the Wall / Momma's Waiting · Mega # 615-0030 · USA
Notes
Pencil Marks on the Wall (Cargill, Henson)Country, home front perspective, leans anti-war
Jimmy went to school - marked his height on the wall
Here's the…
Notes
Mega 615-0030 (M1J-M1203), Mega Records & Tapes, Inc. USA; "Pencil Marks on the Wall" (Richard Ahlert-Eddy Snyder), 2:42, Free Verse, Inc. (ASCAP);… #494 Slim Jim My Son 1971 · Single · My Son / The Kong Family · Laurie # LR 3572 · USA
Notes
My Son (Slim Jim)Son fighting in the war
Not playing with toys guns anymore
People say the war is wrong, draft card burning
But son says the war is right
Notes
Laurie Records Inc., New York; record no. LR 3649, master no. A4KM-0243; "My Son" (Ernie Maresca), Ernie Maresca Inc. (ASCAP), time 2:15; "A Laurie…1972
#495 Mary Travers Conscientious Objector (I Shall Die) 1972 · Album · Morning glory · Warner Bros. # BS 2609 · USA
Notes
"Conscientious Objector (I Shall Die)" (Warner Bros. Records # BS 2609)Anti-war, singer-songwriter.
#496 Red Sovine Go Hide John 1972 · Single · Go Hide John / Tear Stained Guitar · Starday # 45-960 · USA
Notes
Starday 45-960 (S-9416), vocal, eagle-and-guitar label design; "Go Hide John" (Gene Crysler), 2:45, Drawbridge Music, BMI; produced by Hal Neely & Charlie… #497 Verlin Red Speeks The Red White & Blue 1972 · Single · The Red White & Blue / Mountain Boy · Red Hed # 1011 · USA
Credited on the record as Verlin "Red" Speeks.
Notes
Red, White & Blue, The (Speeks, Verlin Red)Country, patriotic, anti-protest. Knoxville, Tennessee.
Man overheard draft card burners celebrating.
Narrator…
Notes
Red Hed Records No. 1011, Side A, matrix PRP 35821; "The Red White & Blue" (Verlin "Red" Speeks), time 3:10, Knoxville Pub., BMI; Verlin "Red" Speeks;… #498 Bob Frank Cold Canadian Pines (Partial) 1972 · Album · Bob Frank · Vanguard # VSD-6582 · USA
Notes
Cold Canadian Pine (Frank, Bob)Draft evasion - man goes to Canada to avoid being drafted to fight in Vietnam War.
Contemporary folk.
#499 Gary Grande We've Got the Vote Now 1972 · Single · We've Got the Vote Now / You're Still His Woman · Jamie # 1401 · USA
Credited on the record as Gary Grande and the New Brass Revolution.
Notes
Jamie Records 1401 (J-GGR-1), red and black label marked "Plug Side", "Promotion Copy" and "Not For Sale"; "We've Got the Vote Now" (Gary Grande), 2:11,… #500 Bill Perry Things Have Got to Change 1972 · Single · Things Have Got to Change / Got to Make Her Mine · Enrica # 1022 · USA
Notes
- Released in New York, USA. Soul- Draft, Civil Rights, protest
- Fought in a hard war
- Many brothers died, but not treated how we should be
- Not free in…
1973
#501 Gordon Sinclair The Americans (A Canadian's Opinion) 1973 · Single · The Americans (A Canadian's Opinion) / A Profile of Gordon Sinclair · Avco # AV-4628 · USA
Annotation
Gordon Sinclair was a well known Canadian radio broadcaster, from Toronto. On 5 June 1973 he wrote the song "The Americans (A Canadian's Opinion)" - inspired by the news that the American Red Cross had run out of funds because of recent aid efforts in reaction to natural disasters. The editorial praised the efforts of the US to help the world, but said that nobody helped the US when they faced trouble. The monologue included a reference to Vietnam, including draft dodgers, and…Notes
Avco AV-4628 (1712), purple label with red rim, ℗ 1973 Avco Record Corp.; "The Americans (A Canadian's Opinion)", written and narrated by Gordon Sinclair,… #502 Merry Airbrakes Draft Board Blues 1973 · Album · Merry Airbrakes · St. George International # ST 06 · USA
Annotation
A concept album written by Bill Homans, a Vietnam veteran, released just after the official ending of the conflict in 1973. It contained many patriotic lyrics, but also questioned the point of the war. The album included the instrumental "Happy Song For Hanoi" as well as "Draft Board Blues" which expressed the feeling of a man who had recently received his draft letter.Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
#503 Merry Airbrakes A Happy Song for Hanoi 1973 · Album · Merry Airbrakes · St. George International # ST 06 · USA
Annotation: see “Draft Board Blues” above (same release).
#504 Harold Lowery Seven Lonely Years 1973 · Single · Seven Lonely Years / Honey I Really Love You · Artist World # AW 102 · USA
Notes
- post-war 1973 P.O.W., draft, country- soldier's perspective
- 1965 they sent me to Vietnam (drafted)
- But been here 7 years in prison
- Returned to the US…
#505 George Riddles The Man 1973 · Single · The Man / Sweet Doll · True Tone # TTR CW1 · USA
Notes
Man, The (Riddles, George)Bakersfield sound, country music.
Pro-Nixon, patriotic, P.O.W.-related, references amnesty.
Nixon wants to save the country - stop…
Notes
True Tone Records TTR CW1; described on Discogs as a "Richard Nixon support record".Label: stereo, TTR CW1 A, time 2:32, (NR3701-1); written by John…
#506 O.B. McClinton Obie From Senatobie 1973 · Single · Obie From Senatobie / I Wish It Would Rain · Enterprise # ENA-9070 · USA
Notes
Obie From Senatobie (McClinton, O.B.)Country novelty.
Play on Merle Haggard's "Okie From Muskogee"
Reference to draft and the war. Vietnam-era.
Notes
Enterprise ENA-9070 (ES-01201), stereo, "Enterprise Records, a Division of Stax Records Inc., 98 North Avalon, Memphis, USA"; "Obie From Senatobie" (Joann… #507 Kenny Burgess Soldier-Peace 1973 · Single · Soldier-Peace / Fear · Circle # 1008 · USA
Notes
Soldier-Peace (Burgess, Kenny)Nashville, Tennessee. Country, fanfare.
Draft card burning. Combat description.
Notes
Circle Records 1008, pressed by United Record Pressing (UR-257).Label: 1008-A (UR-257-A); written by Kenny Burgess; Rubi-Dido Pub. Co.—BMI; time 3:03; Rt.…
1974
#508 Mick Lloyd A Long Long Time Ago 1974 · Single · Top of the Heap / A Long Long Time Ago · JMT # 104 · USA
Annotation
The song "A Long, Long Time Ago" (JMT Records # 104), released in 1974, looked at a P.O.W.'s transition from being held in a prison in Vietnam ( "behind those bars" ) for nearly a decade, to returning to the US. Many changes had taken place, from the capture of the narrator in 1966 to his release in 1973: "hair...much longer...values have all changed, my mind is so confused" . He also questioned whether he "did...what was needed...was my body merely used" - perhaps a reflection of the… Notes
JMT Records JMT 104B (NR3861-2), stereo, grey label; "A Long Long Time Ago" (Michael Lloyd Lipitz), 4:16, Tom Karter Music—BMI; executive producer Elmer… #509 Stu Gardner Leave Him Alone 1974 · Stu Gardner and the Sanctified · Volt # VOS 9503 · USA
Annotation
Released in 1974, after US troops had left Vietnam, the track "Leave Him Alone" (Volt Records # VOS 9503) by Stu Gardner recalled the draft and its impact on families. The narrator told the story of a 21 year old who "got a call to go fight a war" in order "to save us all" . The soldier's mother cried when she heard that her son had been drafted, and she wondered "why did they choose him" . Gardner had been a session keyboardist, working with Bill Cosby, among others. He currently lives… #510 Jerry Taylor Amnesty From America 1974 · Single · World International # WI-1002 · USA
Notes
Country, patriotic, My Lai, M.I.A., draft dodgers, Nixon, Watergate, Ford.People fought to keep America free, times have changed.
Welfare on the rise,…
Notes
Promo with the same song both sides (mono/stereo); distributed by IRDA (IRDA 009); lacquer cut by Mack Evans at Masterfonics, Nashville. Location is the…1975
#511 Pernell Charity War Blues 1975 · Album · The Virginian · Trix # TRIX 3309 · USA
Annotation
Obscure blues artist, Pernell Charity, born 20 November 1920 in Waverley, Virginia, USA. He died on 12 April 1979. He recorded this album, featuring the song "War Blues" (Trix Records # 3309) in October & November 1972 in Waverly, Virginia.12 It later appeared on the 1982 various artist compilation Virginia Traditions: Tidewater Blues (Blue Ridge Institute # BRI 006). The narrator describes receiving the draft card, or as often referred to song in the blues genre: "I got my…Notes
Track A2. Pernell Charity vocals and guitar. Recorded in Waverly, Virginia, 25 Oct 1972 (A2, per Discogs). Producers Pernell Charity, Kip Lornell, Pete… #512 Harry Chapin Bummer 1975 · Album · Portrait Gallery · Elektra # 7E-1041 · USA
Annotation
The song "Bummer" (Elektra Records # 7E-1041) described a young man who got involved in crime, selling drugs and working in prostitution. But he was then drafted to war, fought and received a medal, and then struggled to readjust to society in the aftermath. It began with the draft call: "he was A-1 bait for Vietnam" . Note the reference to "1-A" - the classification for those "eligible for military service", established in 1971 (under the Military Selective Service Act of 1967).1 The… #513 Carlos Puebla El ejemplo de Vietnam 1975 · Album · Cuba: Songs for Our America · Paredon # P-1018 · Cuba
Annotation
Carlos Puebla, born on 11 September 1917 in Manzanillo, Granma, Cuba. He died on 12 July 1989, Havana, Cuba. He was a prominent member of the Nueva trova movement, the Cuban offshoot of Nueva canción latinoamericana, linked with leftist social and political movement in South & Central America. Released in 1975, all the songs on the album Cuba: Songs for Our America (Paredon Records # P-1018) focused on issues related to the US - such as its involvement in Puerto Rico, Panama, Vietnam,…Notes
Track B3; recorded in Cuba; liner notes in Spanish and English with lyrics. Same song as on Areito LDA-3410 (1973). #514 James Carr Let's Face Facts 1975 · Archival · Freedom Train · Vivid Sound # VG 3006 · Japan
Annotation
James Carr recorded a wonderful version of the heartfelt song "Let's Face Facts" about a soldier drafted to war - originally written and released by The Masqueraders in 1967 ( "Let's Face Facts" : Wand Records # WND 1168). The Carr version was probably recorded in the same year, or 1968, but bizarrely sat on the shelves and did not appear until the Japanese only LP Freedom Train (Vivid Sound Corporation # VG 3006), ten years later in 1977.1 On this LP, the song was actually re-titled as … 1977
#515 Don Barry Pardon Me, Mr. President 1977 · Single · Black Cat # CAT-8-656 · USA
Notes
Pardon Me, Mr. President (Barry, Don)Midfield, Alabama, USA.
Country music, post-war 1977 - Carter-era. Patriotic.
Narrator a M.I.A. / P.O.W.
Upset with…
Notes
Black Cat Records CAT-8-656-A, stereo, 544 Bessemer Super Hwy., Midfield, Alabama 35228, phone 923-1980; "Pardon Me, Mr. President" (Don Barry), time… #516 Mike Pearson Amnesty 1977 · Single · Ragged Jeans / Amnesty · Capri # CP-51177 · USA
Notes
Amnesty (Pearson, Mike)Post-war, 1977 - Gerald Ford era. Soul. Chicago, Illinois.
Amnesty for draft dodgers, who fled the country during the Vietnam War.
Notes
Capri Recording Co. CP-51177B, stereo, orange label, ℗ 1977 (BMI); "Amnesty" (Mike Pearson-Rufus Pearson), Inner City Trade/Jermarbe Pub., time 2:58;…1978
#517 James 'Guitar Slim' Stephens War Service Blues 1978 · Archival · Greensboro Rounder · Flyright # FLY LP 538 · USA
Annotation
Blues artist James 'Guitar Slim' Stephens, born on 10 March 1915 in Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA, he died on 10 February 1991 in Greensboro, North Carolina, USA. He recorded the song "War Service Blues" (Flyright Records # FLY 538) on 02 March 1975 in Greensboro, NC, with Stephens on guitar and vocals.1 Narrated from the perspective of a soldier drafted to war: "I'm in Class A...ain't gonna turn me down" - presumably a reference to the draft classification "1-A" - "eligible for…Notes
Track A3. Artist credited as Guitar Slim on Discogs. Stephens plays piano on this track (Discogs per-track credit; YouTube upload description: 'rec. March… #518 Bob Aden True Red, White & Blue Never Runs (Amnesty Be Damned) 1978 · Single · True Red, White & Blue Never Runs (Amnesty Be Damned) / Outlaws With Guns · Americountry # UR-934 · USA
Notes
True Red, White & Blues Never Runs (Amnesty Be Damned) (Aden, Bob)Country, patriotic, Carter. Released Nashville, Tennessee. Aden from Brazil, Indiana,…
Notes
Americountry UR-934A, stars-and-stripes label design; "True Red, White & Blue Never Runs" (Amnesty Be Damned) (Bob Aden), Hold Music, BMI, time 2:31; 55… #519 John Paul Brennan Vietnam 1978 · Single · Vietnam / Scranton, PA · Soundmate # 1163 · USA
Annotation
Notes
Vietnam (Brennan, John Paul)Sub-label of Caprice, Nashville, TN.
Spoken-word. Post-70s. Patriotic.
Opposed to presidential pardon of draft dodgers, on 21 January 1977, by Jimmy Carter.1
Sources
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Soundmate SM 1163, Side A, ℗; "Vietnam" (John Paul Brennan), time 2:13, Sound Corp Music ASCAP; producer J. Whiting; "Dist. by Caprice Records, 907 Main…1979
#520 Vivian Walton Muhammad Ali Is the Greatest Champ of All 1979 · Single · Muhammad Ali Is the Greatest Champ of All / Everybody Is a Some Body · Morning Son # 11879 · USA
Notes
- blues gospel, draft, Civil Rights- tribute to Muhammad Ali
- reference to his refusal to fight in the Vietnam War - he took a stand
- Morning Son Records…
1980
#521 Boyd Coulter Don't Draft My Daughter 1980 · Single · Don't Draft My Daughter / Love Was There · Gold Sound # GS-8002 · USA
Notes
Don't Draft My Daughter (Coulter, Boyd)Jimmy Carter era - narrator referred to son, who served with honor in the US army but died in combat - presumably…
Notes
Gold Sound GS-8002-A, Side A, 45 RPM, "Promotion Copy — Not for Sale", "A Gold Sound Production", ℗ 1980 Gold Sound Records, Inc., Las Vegas, Nevada, USA;… #522 Mel Moore An Old Soldier's Prayer 1980 · Single · An Old Soldier's Prayer / The Day of Awakening · Sterling # S-892 · USA
Notes
An Old Soldier's Prayer (Moore, Mel)Post-war song-poem. Traditional pop, patriotic.
Narrated by an old soldier proud to serve.
Upset with people refusing to…
Notes
Sterling Records S-892 (NR12303-1), side one, stereo, 45 rpm, © 1980; "An Old Soldier's Prayer" (Lila McFarlin), 2:44, ASCAP; arranged by Richard Gardner;…1981
#523 Dead Kennedys We've Got A Bigger Probem Now 1981 · Album · In God We Trust, Inc · Alternative Tentacles # VIRUS 5 · USA
Annotation
The Dead Kennedys - a hardcore punk band formed in 1978, in San Francisco, California. This EP featured Jello Biafra (vocals), Klaus Flouride (bass, vocals), East Bay Ray (guitar, vocals), and Peligro (drums). The song "We've Got a Bigger Problem Now" (Alternative Tentacles # VIRUS 5) focused on the election of Ronald Reagan in 1981 but it also mentioned the Vietnam War and showed concern about Alexander Haig, Reagan's Secretary of State (1981-1982), who served under Nixon during the… #524 Mike Callender Soldier of 'Nam 1981 · Single · Soldier of 'Nam / Forgotten Lives - Forgotten Wives · Sea Side # SSB-055/015 · USA
Annotation
A double-sided Vietnam War single, released in Tabor City, North Carolina, USA. On the b-side, the song "Forgotten Lives - Forgotten Wives" (Sea Side Records # SSB-055/015) addressed the treatment of Vietnam veterans after the Paris Peace Accords. The narrated argued that society and the government ignored the veterans: "the vets of 'Nam seem to be forgotten by Uncle Sam" . On the a-side, the track "Soldier of 'Nam" addressed the Vietnam syndrome - narrated in the first person, a man…Notes
Sea Side Records SSB-055/015 (UR 2933), stereo, 45 RPM; ℗ 1981 Creekside Music, BMI; produced by E. Stevens; "Southern Sound Productions, 100 Labon St.,… #525 Mike Callender Forgotten Lives - Forgotten Wives 1981 · Single · Soldier of 'Nam / Forgotten Lives - Forgotten Wives · Sea Side # SSB-055/015 · USA
Annotation: see “Soldier of 'Nam” above (same release).
#526 Chris Noel Forgotten Man 1981 · EP · Tom & Jerry # SC-08261 · USA
Notes
Post-war 80s, country pop. Tribute to Vietnam veteransReference to Agent Orange, PTSD, mistreatment of vets, and the draft
1982
#527 The Fartz Viet-Vet 1982 · Album · World Full of Hate... · Alternative Tentacles # VIRUS 17 · USA
Annotation
This hardcore punk band formed in Seattle, WA, USA in 1981. The original line-up featured Blaine Cook (vocals), Steve Fart (bass), Tommy Hansen (guitar), Loud Fart (drums), Paul Solger (guitar). The group often tackled political subjects, especially involving criticisms of Ronald Reagan. Their first album included the song "Viet-Vet" (Alternative Tentacles # VIRUS 17) which looked at the treatment of Vietnam veterans. The narrator started with the story of young man drafted by the US… #528 The Charlie Daniels Band Still in Saigon 1982 · Single · Still in Saigon / Blowing Along with the Wind · Epic # 14-02828 · USA
Annotation
As discussed above, the 1980s saw a revival of interest in the Vietnam War, both in song, films, and literature. The country rock track "Still in Saigon" (Epic Records # 14-02828), composed by Dan Daley, one of the most popular and well-known of the songs which fitted into this trend, looked at the impact of the war on a Vietnam veteran. It dealt with several interesting issues, in particular two familiar features of the post-war song: (a) the attempt to overcome the "Vietnam Syndrome"…Notes
Epic 14-02828 (ZSS 168959), stereo, 45 RPM, dark blue label, ℗ 1982 CBS Inc.; "Still in Saigon" (D. Daley), intro :31, 3:50, taken from the Epic LP… #529 Bolland & Bolland You're In The Army Now 1982 · Album · The Domino Theory · Lark # INL-3618 · Sweden
Annotation
The single "You're in the Army Now" (CBS # A-2200) took an anti-war position - it featured on the 1982 concept album The Domino Theory discussed above. It started with the story of a man being draft and being told that he will become a local hero: "a vacation in a foreign land, Uncle Sam...the draft-man said...you'll be a hero of the neighborhood" . He soon found himself on his "way to 'Nam" . It then described the battle scene, with bullets, grenades, and missiles flying overhead, the… Notes
Lark INL-3618, credited on the front cover to "Bolland"; the cover photograph shows a queue at an airport check-in desk, led by a man holding a United… #530 Manowar Death tone 1982 · Album · Battle Hymns · Liberty # LBG 30349 · USA
Annotation
Manowar, an American heavy metal band, formed in 1980 in Auburn, NY, with a revolving line-up, but consistently headed by the lead singer Eric Adams and the bass and keyboard player Joey DeMaio. Battle Hymn (Liberty Records # LBG 30349), the first album they recorded, included a couple post-war Vietnam related songs. Also note that their 1987 album Fighting the World, discussed below, featured the Vietnam song "Violence and Bloodshed" , which referenced P.O.W.s. Firstly, the song "Death… #531 Manowar Shell Shock 1982 · Album · Battle Hymns · Liberty # LBG 30349 · USA
Annotation
Secondly, the album included the song "Shell Shock" , which also looked at the negative psychological impact of the war on a Vietnam veteran. As the title suggested, the narrator suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The song also included references to the chemical weapon Napalm B, the Purple Heart (a US military decoration), and the military classification 'Missing in Action' (M.I.A.). The lyrics started with a man drafted into the army, who then tells the listener… #532 Doman Bros. World War III 1982 · Single · World War III / See You Tonight · MBC # CAD-100 · USA
Notes
World War III (Doman Bros.)Pop rock, post-war, 1980s.
General anti-draft, anti-war
Referenced Cambodia and Vietnam.
Notes
Red MBC Records label CAD-100 A, 45 RPM, stereo, © 1982; "World War III" (Drew Doman & Christopher Doman), time 4:20, BMI; produced by Sam Doman, Cal…1983
#533 Michael Jerling Long Black Wall 1983 · Compilation · CooP Fast Folk Musical Magazine (Vol. 2, No. 4) - Political Song · Fast Folk # SE 204 · USA
Annotation
A contemporary folk song, "Long Black Wall" (Fast Folk # SE 204), one of the first songs written and released about the memorial. It looked back at the idealistic early days of the war, wanting to fight communism and become a soldier: "a Green Beret came" and "told about the Communists" . The narrator "thought I'd like to be like him" . Then he recalled the growth of the protest movement, referencing demonstrations outside the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in August 1968… Notes
The Coop – The Fast Folk Musical Magazine, May '83, SE 204 B, stereo, side two; "All rights reserved by the artists. ℗ © 1983 Jack Hardy as trustee for… #534 Tommy Cash Forgotten Man 1983 · Single · Audiograph # AG-45-801 · USA
Notes
Forgotten Man (Cash, Tommy)Post-war 80s, pop rock.
Tribute to soldiers drafted to Vietnam.
War ended after the Paris Peace Accords.
Returned home - no…
Notes
Audiograph AG-45-801, Side A, marked "Promo – Not For Sale" and "Special Rush: Re-Service"; "Forgotten Man" (Paul T. Morris), Sawgrass (BMI), time 3:17;…1985
#535 Saxon Broken Heroes 1985 · Album · Innocence Is No Excuse · Parlophone # 1C 064-24 0400 1 · UK
Notes
"Broken Heroes"- Heavy metal, draft, protest, anti-war
"Uncle Sam is waiting with the draft card / He says you've got to fight the Viet Cong"
1986
#536 Roger Wright Heroes of Vietnam 1986 · Single · Heroes of Vietnam / Heroes of Vietnam · Six-One-Five # S1003 · USA
Annotation
The song "Heroes of Vietnam" (Six-One-Five Records # S1003) by Roger Wright received a minor reference in Billboard, on 17 August 1985: "At Disc Mastering Inc., engineer Randy Kling recently completed mastering the single 'Heroes of Vietnam', a tribute to veterans, performed by Roger Wright and produced by Harold Bradley for Rustic Records".1 However, as noted above, the label Six-One-Five Records, in Nashville, Tennessee, released the single. Co-written by Wright and Robert Bates,…Notes
615 (Six-One-Five Records) S1003 A, purple label with a Nashville skyline; "Heroes of Vietnam" (R. Wright, R. Bates), intro :17, 3:38; One Horse Music,… #537–539 Bill McKenna Vietnam: Still Part of Who I Am 1986 · Album · FPOSF # 1102108 · USA
3 of the 9 songs from this album in the archive are in this collection
Annotation
Bill McKenna served with the marines in Vietnam, and returned to the US disabled. He became a regular performer at the Skidmore Freedom Fest. He died in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1995. The title on the front cover, "F.P.O San Francisco" , referred to the US military postal system, either known as APO (Army Post Office) or FPO (Fleet Post Office). The San Francisco gateway dealt with overseas mail to Vietnam.12He released this Vietnam-themed LP in the rock-pop genre in 1986, in New Smyrna…
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#537 Bill McKenna Vietnam: Still Part Of Who I Am 1986 · Album · Vietnam: Still Part of Who I Am · FPOSF # 1102108 · USA
Annotation
Bill McKenna served with the marines in Vietnam, and returned to the US disabled. He became a regular performer at the Skidmore Freedom Fest. He died in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1995. The title on the front cover, "F.P.O San Francisco" , referred to the US military postal system, either known as APO (Army Post Office) or FPO (Fleet Post Office). The San Francisco gateway dealt with overseas mail to Vietnam.12He released this Vietnam-themed LP in the rock-pop genre in 1986, in New Smyrna…
Notes
Front cover "F.P.O. San Francisco / Vietnam / Still Part Of Who I Am", with a map of South Vietnam marked with the four Corps areas and Highway One,… #538 Bill McKenna Khong biet, America 1986 · Album · Vietnam: Still Part of Who I Am · FPOSF # 1102108 · USA
Annotation: see “Vietnam: Still Part Of Who I Am” above (same release).
#539 Bill McKenna The Veteran 1986 · Album · Vietnam: Still Part of Who I Am · FPOSF # 1102108 · USA
Annotation: see “Vietnam: Still Part Of Who I Am” above (same release).
#540 MDC Drink to Forget 1986 · Album · Smoke Signals · R Radical # MDC-4 · USA
Notes
Drink to ForgetHardcore punk, post-war. Draft, combat, Napalm, Agent Orange
Impact on vet, PTSD
1987
#541 1st Lt. Bobby Ross Goodbye to West Virginia 1987 · Single · Finally Welcomed Home / Goodbye to West Virginia · Base Camp # BCR-USA-7487 · USA
Annotation
Bobby Ross, a country artist, born on 4 September 1947, in California, USA is a Vietnam veteran - he served as a 1st Lieutenant in the 2/17th CAV in the 101st Airborne Division in the Vietnam War in 1968 and 1969. He retired from music in 2004 and runs a farm in the Sacramento Valley, California, USA. He has taken an active part in veteran affairs.123 Both songs on this 7" single (Constellation # IM-31589) related to the Vietnam War, and referenced the memorial wall in D.C. They both…Notes
Base Camp Records BCR-USA-7487 (U-19497), orange label with a jungle-boot logo; Side "B": "Goodbye to West Virginia" (George Jeffrey), Big Blue Ridge…1988
#542 Steve Earle Copperhead Road 1988 · Single · Copperhead Road / Little Sister · MCA # 1280 · USA
Annotation
Steve Earle, Americana, country-rock artist, born 17 January 1955 in Fort Monroe, Virginia, USA. He released the song "Copperhead Road" (Uni Records # UNI-7), a post-Vietnam War song concerned with veterans. It starts with the young man, from a moonshine bootlegging family, joining the army: "I volunteered for the Army on my birthday...done two tours of duty in Vietnam" . It make a social-economic point about draft inequality: "They draft the white trash first 'round here anyway" ,… 1991
#543 Don McLean 1967 1991 · Album · Headroom · Curb # D2-77427 · USA
Annotation
Don McLean, singer/songwriter born 2 October 1945 in New Rochelle, New York, USA, famous for his song "American Pie". On this 1991 album he revisited the Vietnam War in the track "1967" (Curb Records # D2-77427), in which the narrator was drafted to the war with his friend Joe, who saves him from a land-mine. Joe is killed in action (K.I.A.). Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
1992
#544 Jonathan Edwards United By the Wall 1992 · United by the Wall · Not On Label · USA
Annotation
The song "United by the Wall" by Jonathan Edwards, a singer/songwriter, country artist, born 28 July 1946 in Aitkin, Minnesota, USA. He released some successful album in the 1970s, such as Jonathan Edwards (1971) and Honky-Tonk Stardust Cowboy (1972). He released around 20 albums. His website said: "he was of an age to be sent against his will to southeast Asia to become a soldier. He had a different idea. Songs and the need to write them".12 In the song, the narrator said that his… 1999
#545 Johnny Dowd Vietnam 1999 · Pictures From Life's Other Side · Koch # KOC-CD-8053 · USA
Annotation
The song "Vietnam" (Munich Records # MRCD 197) by Johnny Dowd - American, alternative country singer. Well the lyrics are pretty much inaudible, to the background of atmospheric guitars and helicopter sound effects. Served in the US army in the 1960s, stationed in Germany. In an interview, he spoke about the Vietnam, 60s era:Quote
"it was a weird time, during the Vietnam era. It was a scary time for me, I was fortunate that I didn't go to Vietnam... It was in a period when everything…Notes
Also issued on Munich Records (MRCD 197).2000
#546 The Hard Feelings (We Need Another) Vietnam 2000 · Album · Fought Back and Lost · Sympathy for the Record Industry # SFTRI 604 · USA
Annotation
The Hard Feelings, Garage Punk group formed in Austin, Texas, USA, led by John Schooley, released the song "(We Need Another) Vietnam" (Sympathy for the Record Industry # SFTRI 604), recorded at Sweatbox Studios, Austin TX 15-17 January 2000, criticised its current generation: "I think my generation stinks, all the kids without a clue" . And thus they called for "another Vietnam...let's drop some napalm" - a reference to chemical weapon Napalm B - a jellied gasoline mixture, with…2001
#547 Duane Peters and the Hunns In Vietnam 2001 · Album · Tickets to Heaven · Disaster # 9005 · USA
Annotation
Duane Peters - well-known Punk Rock artist from the group U.S. Bombs, based in Los Angeles, California, USA. The song "In Vietnam" (Disaster Records # Disaster 9005) looked at a disabled Vietnam veteran: "36 years in a wheelchair, lost his leg in Da Nang" , who was mistreated on his return to the US: "mud thrown on his face" - this can be considered a reference to the famous "spitting image", although no actual incidents have been documented, and this is considered to be a myth.12 The… 2002
#548 Louie Logic Trail of Tears 2002 · Compilation · Debacle in a Bottle: A Not Album · Pot to Piss In · USA
Annotation
Obscure East Coast Hip Hop artist, born Louis Dorley in Brooklyn, New York, USA. The song "Trail of Tears" (Pot to Piss In) - the title of course referred to the forced displacement of Native Americans by the United States government (1830-1850), featured in the later part of the song. This track also contained a verse about the Vietnam war, recalling the draft and referencing the US president Lyndon B. Johnson: "nineteen sixty-five, after the draft captured a class... Johnson ships… 2003
#549 Immortal Technique Obnoxious 2003 · Album · Revolutionary Vol. 2 · Nature Sounds # NSD-104 · Peru
2004
#550 MDC Ballad of G.W. 2004 · Album · Magnus Dominus Corpus · Yellow Dog # YD 043 · USA
Annotation
Pioneering Hardcore Punk band formed in December 1979 in Austin, Texas, USA, and currently based in Portland, Oregan, USA, led by guitarist and vocalist Dave Dictor. The group was known for its political lyrics and anti- Ronald Reagan material in the 1980s. This 2004 album (Sudden Death Records # SDR-0058) mainly focused on protest against the US invasion of Iraq in 2003 and opposition to President George W. Bush. It contained a couple songs which referenced the Vietnam War.. This… Notes
Also issued in Canada on Sudden Death Records (SDR-0058). #551 MDC Founding Fathers - Terrorists or Freedom Fighters? 2004 · Album · Magnus Dominus Corpus · Yellow Dog # YD 043 · USA
Annotation: see “Ballad of G.W.” above (same release).
2005
#552 Big and Rich 8th Of November 2005 · Album · Comin' To Your City · Warner Bros. # 49470-2 · USA
Annotation
Country pop duo, formed in 1998 in Nashville, Tennessee, USA, featuring Big Kenny (born 1 November 1963 in Culpepper, Virginia, USA) & John Rich (born 7 January 1974 in Amarillo, Texas, USA). The track "8th of November" (Warner Bros. Records # 49496-2) started with a monologue by Kris Kristofferson about Operation Hump - a search and destroy mission in late 1965 by the 173rd Airborne Brigade. The song was narrated from the perspective of Niles Harris, a soldier in the 173rd Airborne…2006
#553 Sam Roberts An American Draft Dodger In Thunder Bay 2006 · Album · Chemical City · Universal Canada # 249852006 · Canada
Annotation
Alternative rock artist born 2 October 1974 in Pointe-Claire, Qubec, Canada. Ths song "An American Draft Dodger in Thunder Bay" (Universal Music Canada # 0249852687), as suggested in the title, is about an American, from Mississippi, who enjoyed life in his home town, "till Vietnam moved next door" , so he dodged the draft by going to Canada. The narrator said that his father wanted him to fight: "his father Tom...you'd better take up your gun and fight" . But the young man said "got… 2007
#554 Talib Kweli Happy Home 2007 · Album · Liberation · Blacksmith # 0902663160 1 8 · USA
Annotation
Artist background
Talib Kweli, East Coast Hip Hop / Conscious Hip Hop artist, born Talib Kweli Greene on 3 October 1975 in Brooklyn, New York, USA, member of Black Star with Mos Def. Songs referencing Vietnam included "Get By" (2003) (with Kanye West, JAY-Z, Mos Def, and Busta Rhymes), "Happy Home" (2007 (with Madlib), "History" (2009) (with Mos Def), and "Learn Truth" (2013) (with R.A. the Rugged Man).2013
#555 Chance the Rapper Everybody's Something 2013 · Mixtape · Acid Rap · Not On Label · USA
Annotation
Chance the Rapper, Pop Rap artist, born Chancelor Johnathan Bennett on 16 April 1993 in Chicago, Illinois, USA, released the song "Everybody's Something" - the verse performed by Saba - Conscious Hip Hop artist, born Tahj Malik Chandler on 17 July 1994 in Chicago, Illinois, USA - contained a reference to Muhammad Ali (born Cassius Marcellus Clay), avoiding the Vietnam War draft: "like Cassius ducking the draft and now the fight is over" .Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
2014
#556 Michael Borkson 1968 2014 · Single · Not On Label # none · USA
Annotation
Michael Borkson, singer/songwriter from Boston, Massachusetts. The song "1968" is unreleased on a physical format, only available for streaming or download. This one set the historical context, noting the two major assassinations in US politics in 1968 - Martin Luther King Jr. (4 April 1968) and Robert F. Kennedy (6 June 1968). The narrator said that the "ghettos did set aflame", as did Buddhist monks in Vietnam. It noted that President Lyndon B. Johnson had stood down with "the…Notes
Digital release only (streaming / download).Unknown date
#557–559 Jerry Hayes Back From Nam Album · Toro # TAS-501 · USA
3 of the 10 songs from this album in the archive are in this collection
Annotation
Jerry Hayes, born 10 October 1947 in Columbia, Tennessee, moved to Dallas, Texas with his parents where he attended school. The back of the LP (Toro Records # TAS-501) said that he then "joined the marines at the age of 19. He left San Diego Harbor January 7 of 1967 for duty on Okinawa and then to combat where he landed at DaNang in Viet Nam and served with the 3rd Marine Amphibious Force. He returned to the states after the Tet Offensive in 1968 and went back to his country heritage…Show the full entries ▾ · Release page →
#557 Jerry Hayes Ballad of Barney Album · Back From Nam · Toro # TAS-501 · USA
Annotation
Jerry Hayes, born 10 October 1947 in Columbia, Tennessee, moved to Dallas, Texas with his parents where he attended school. The back of the LP (Toro Records # TAS-501) said that he then "joined the marines at the age of 19. He left San Diego Harbor January 7 of 1967 for duty on Okinawa and then to combat where he landed at DaNang in Viet Nam and served with the 3rd Marine Amphibious Force. He returned to the states after the Tet Offensive in 1968 and went back to his country heritage…Notes
Toro Records, stereo; no catalogue number printed on the sleeve.The front shows Jerry Hayes in a suit seated on a stool with an acoustic guitar, with the…
#558 Jerry Hayes Thanks to Them Album · Back From Nam · Toro # TAS-501 · USA
Annotation: see “Ballad of Barney” above (same release).
#559 Jerry Hayes I Praise the Vet Album · Back From Nam · Toro # TAS-501 · USA
Annotation: see “Ballad of Barney” above (same release).
#560 Phil Coley Don't Go Blamin' Me for Vietnam Single · Big Black Wall / Don't Go Blamin' Me for Vietnam · Aftermath # AMH 101 · USA
Annotation
Phil Coley, based in Bowdon, Georgia, released this pop-rock / country doubled-sided Vietnam War single, recorded at Coley Recording Studio, Carrollton, Georgia.1 The A-side song] "Big Black Wall" (Aftermath Records # AMH 101) focused on a vet going to the memorial wall in Washington D.C., to see the names of his buddies from Vietnam. Composed by W. H. Mozal.The song "Don't Go Blamin' Me for Vietnam" , a fascinating post-war look at the war, addressed several Vietnam War images and… Notes
After Math Records AMH 101, yellow label, recorded at Coley Recording Studio, Carrollton, GA.; A-side (AMH 101A) "Big Black Wall" (W.H. Mozal), 2:40;… #561 Phil Coley Big Black Wall Single · Big Black Wall / Don't Go Blamin' Me for Vietnam · Aftermath # AMH 101 · USA
Annotation: see “Don't Go Blamin' Me for Vietnam” above (same release).
#562 Bobby Jay Help! I've Been Drafted Single · Help! I've Been Drafted / Son of a Gun Hon · Alta # 108 · USA
Notes
The song Help! I've Been Drafted (Jay, Bobby)Draft. Country music.
P.O.W. reference
Notes
Alta Records, Inc. 108 (SoN 30972), white label marked "Promotional Copy"; "Help! I've Been Drafted" (A. R. Jeter-Dow Booker), 3:20, Pamper Music, Inc.… #563 Tom Evans Hill Called Eight Seven Five Single · Hill Called Eight Seven Five / My Little Soldier Man · USA # 101 · USA
Notes
Hill Called Eight Seven Five (Evans, Tom)My Little Soldier Man (Evans, Tom)
Country, patriotic.
A-side: soldier's perspective, patriotic, Christmas
Dad - I'm…
Notes
U.S.A. Record No. 101, red label; "Hill Called Eight Seven Five" (Tom Evans), matrix PRP 1071, and "My Little Soldier Man" (Tom Evans), matrix PRP 1072;… #564 Tom Evans My Little Soldier Man Single · Hill Called Eight Seven Five / My Little Soldier Man · USA # 101 · USA
Annotation: see “Hill Called Eight Seven Five” above (same release).
#565 Jerry Lee "Smoochy" Smith World Si-Tuation Single · The Alley / World Si-Tuation · Chimes # 1003 · USA
Notes
Rockabilly / garage rock protest.War going on in Vietnam, our soldier are fighting the Vietcong
Also draft card burning, red Chinese, KKK, Civil Rights,…
Notes
Chimes Records 1003-B, 1518 Chelsea Ave, Memphis, Tenn., red label; "World Si-Tuation" (J. Smith-T. Gardiner), 2:30, Pub. Tom-Lee Pub. Co. Inc., BMI.… #566 Robin Lee Medal of Honor Single · Medal of Honor / Feet of Clay · Big Sound # 302 · USA
Notes
"Medal of Honor" (Big Sound # 302) by Robin LeePop. Patriotic. Man drafted to war. Marries girlfriend. Wife receives letter informing her of death,…
Notes
Big Sound 302 (T4KM-2116), gold label, 529 3rd St., Wausau, Wisc.; "Medal of Honor" (R. Schenzel), 3:49, Rojad Music, BMI; music by Sounds Unlimited.… #567 Buddy Starr & George C. Partin Vietnam Single · Vietnam / Shine Oh! Shine · Kangaroo # K-32 · USA
Credited on the record as Buddy Starr and The Starliners featuring George C. Partin.
Annotation
"Vietnam" - featuring George C. PartinCountry. Patriotic. Criticises anti-war demonstrations, draft card burning, sit-ins etc.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Kangaroo Records K-32-A, blue label with "Koo-Koo" kangaroo cartoon, 302 E. Dewey Ave., San Gabriel, Calif.; "Vietnam" (George C. Partin), time 2:58, Les… #568 Rodd Keith I'm Proud to Be a Hippie From Mississippi Single · I'm Proud to Be a Hippie From Mississippi / The Reindeer Song · M.S.R. # 572 · USA
Credited on the record as Rod Rogers.
Notes
I'm Proud to Be a Hippie From Mississippi (Rogers, Rodd)M.S.R. Records # 572.
Song-poem, California. Novelty. Answer record to Merle Haggard - Okie From…
#569 Gene Marshall The Lord Has Drafted My Son Single · Mother's Day / The Lord Has Drafted My Son · Preview # 1856 · USA
Notes
Lord Has Drafted My Son (Marshall, Gene)Preview Records # 1856
1969-70. Religion. Draft, KIA. Traditional pop.
Composed by Alexander Ott.
Notes
Preview Records, 6311 Yucca, Hollywood, blue and silver label with spotlight and musical-note design; side 1856-2, "The Lord Has Drafted My Son"… #570 Rodd Keith & Terry Peters My Uncle Sam Album · Sunshine and Soul · M.S.R. # 205 · USA
Credited on the record as Rodd Rogers & Terry Peters.
Notes
My Uncle Sam (Rogers, Rodd & Terry Peters)M.S.R. Records # 205
Song-poem. Garage rock. Draft. VC. Patriotic.
Criticised the Democrat party for misleading…
#571 Norm Burns Ballad of the Green Machine Single · Ballad of the Green Machine / Just Drifting Along · Sterling # S-558 · USA
Credited on the record as Norm Burns & The Five Stars.
Notes
DraftNotes
Sterling Records S-558, 45 RPM, ASCAP 28613; "Ballad of the Green Machine" (Edward Custer & Lew Tobin), 3:35; Norm Burns & The Five Stars; arranger Roger… #572 Fred Carson When the Cowboys Go to War Single · When the Cowboys Go to War / A Prairie Home · M.S.R. # 644 · USA
Notes
When the Cowboys Go to War (Carson, Fred)Song-poem, traditional pop.
Cowboy drafted to war. Fights the Japanese and Hitler.
Vietnam era - reference to…
Notes
M.S.R. Records 644-1, "6331 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA."; "When the Cowboys Go to War" (Rosetta Baker), 2:25, MAHZL Publishing BMI; Fred Carson;… #573 Lance Hill Old Glory Speaks Single · Old Glory Speaks / Letter to Uncle Sam · Sherwood # G-1306 · USA
Notes
Old Glory Speaks (Hill, Lance)Letter to Uncle Sam (Hill, Lance)
Song poem, country, fanfare, patriotic.
Old Glory Speaks: Flag narration - reference to…
Notes
Sherwood Records No. G-1306 (G-1306A / G-1306B), white label with red script logo, P.O. Box 275, Nashville 2, Tennessee; "Old Glory Speaks", 2:42, and… #574 Lance Hill Letter to Uncle Sam Single · Old Glory Speaks / Letter to Uncle Sam · Sherwood # G-1306 · USA
Annotation: see “Old Glory Speaks” above (same release).
#575 The Highlanders Yankee Soldiers Single · Yankee Soldiers / Climbing the Walls · Stop # ST-117 · USA
Notes
Yankee Soldiers (Highlanders, The) (Stop # ST-117)Country. Draft. Civil war song - released in Vietnam era.
Nashville, Tennessee.
Notes
Stop label with stop-sign design, ST-117 (SoN 42652); "Yankee Soldiers" (C. Trantham-G. Trantham), time 2:44, Window Music, Inc., BMI; produced by Pete… #576 Jimmy Lumsden Childs Postcard to God Single · Childs Postcard to God / Because She's Mine · Jim-Co # J.C. 1001 · USA
Notes
Childs Postcard to God (Lumsden, Jimmy)Notes
Jim-Co "Featuring The Country Ace", J.C. 1001, side one, 45 RPM (T4KM-5194), "Broadcast Clearance Granted"; "Childs Postcard to God", 3:00, written and… #577 Adrian Miller Joe and Me Single · Joe and Me / Heartbreak Inn · Pixie # 338 · USA
#578 John & Margie Cook Oh God, Please Bring My Daddy Back Single · Oh God, Please Bring My Daddy Back / Cabin in the Mountain · Blake # 2-201 · USA
Notes
Oh, Please Bring My Daddy Back (Cook, John & Margie)Man drafted to Vietnam, son prays for him to return.
End with gunfire - KIA?
Bluegrass.
Memphis,…
Notes
Blake Records, 498 Lundee, Memphis, Tenn., 2-201-A; "Oh God, Please Bring My Daddy Back" (Orville Adams), 2:22, John Cook Music (BMI). [From the record… #579 Brad, Dave & Donna I'm an Unknown Soldier Single · I'm an Unknown Soldier / Freedom's Flower · Linjo # LINJO 107 · USA
Notes
I'm an Unknown Soldier (Brad, Dave & Donna)Contemporary folk.
Soldier in the jungle.
References to protesters and demonstrations, draft card burning.
Patrioti…
Notes
Linjo Records, 427 W. San Antonio, El Paso, Texas, LINJO 107-A, pale blue label stamped "Sample — Not for Sale"; "I'm an Unknown Soldier" (Dave Kahne &… #580 Cal Davis Three Letters From a Soldier Single · Another Ticket, Another City, Another Room / Three Letters From a Soldier · Lan Co # 4549 · USA
Credited on the record as Cal Davis, Billy Lang Orch..
Notes
Three Letters From a Soldier (Davis, Cal)Traditional pop.
Three letters:
Man received letter from the draft board.
Man wrote a letter from a hospital bed -…
Notes
Lan Co 4549, shown in two label designs: a pale-blue "LAN CO" label marked Side 2, 4549-A, and a black-and-silver "Lan-Co Records" label marked Side 1,… #581 Melody Rose Dear Uncle Sam Answer Single · Dear Uncle Sam Answer / My Heart Would Surely Die · Starlite # 869S-5691 · USA
Notes
Dear Uncle Sam Answer (Rose, Melody)Country, patriotic, impact of war at home.
Soldier drafted - proud to serve. But KIA in Vietnam.
His sweetheart wrote to…
Notes
Starlite 869S-5691 (T4KM-5692), 45 RPM, "Plug", "D. J. Copy – Not for Sale"; "Dear Uncle Sam Answer" (W. Chapman), vocal with instrumental. [From the… #582 Earl Killian The Renaissance Red Neck Single · The Renaissance Red Neck / Just Call Me Crazy · Leapin' Lena # NR-18115 · USA
Notes
Renaissance Red Neck, The (Killian, Earl)Country. Draft song. Reference to Nixon. North Carolina, USA.
Grew up in small southern town, shooting pool.
Graduat…
Notes
Leapin' Lena Records NR 18115-2; "The Renaissance Red Neck" (Earl Killian), time 2:51, Renaissance Red Necked Music, ASCAP; Earl Killian; produced by Earl… #583 Dominion Bluegrass Boys America's President Single · America's President / I'll Be Home Again · Grassound # 2120 · USA
Notes
America's President (Dominion Bluegrass Boys)Bluegrass, anti-protest.
Riots in the street and cities.
But give some credit to the president
25 year old man…
Notes
Grassound 2120, stereo, cream label with green lettering; "America's President" (J. Cecil Hall), Grassound Pub., BMI, time 2:18; Grassound, 120 Old Piney… #584 Charlie Stewart G.I. Joe Single · G.I. Joe / Kangaroo Court · Janet # JDTR A30 · USA
Notes
G.I. Joe (Stewart, Charlie)Country, patriotic, anti-protest.
Charlestown, Indiana, USA.
Soldiers are backbone of the nation.
Keeping peace from their bunkers…
Notes
Janet Records, "Division of Derby Town Records", JDTR A30 (SRPC 021), Side 1, yellow label; "G. I. Joe" (D. Wagers–Charlie Stewart), CUZZ Pub. Co., BMI,… #585 The Mayor of Wragg Swamp The Demonstration Walk EP · The Demonstration Walk / Super-Sneak Double-Aught-Naught · Potshot # 101 · USA
Notes
Demonstration Walk, The (Mayor of Wragg Swamp, The)Novelty, piano, comedy about protesting.
Vietnam-era: demonstrations sweeping the land.
Reference to…
Notes
Potshot Productions 101, Side A (29941), 45 EP, "Recorded During Actual Performance"; "The Demonstration Walk" (Lawrence), "as seen by The Mayor of Wragg… #586 Tom O'Neil Our Flag Will Wave Forever Single · Signs of Leaving / Our Flag Will Wave Forever · Cheatham # C-124 · USA
Credited on the record as Tom O'Neal.
Notes
Our Flag Will Wave Forever (O'Neil, Tom)Country, soldier's perspective, draft, KIA.
Dallas, Texas, USA.
Stood at your grave - we were always together, from…
Notes
Cheatham Records C-124 (T4KM-2446, 721C-2445), white label printed in red, 2016 N. Prairie, Dallas 4, Texas; "Our Flag Will Wave Forever" (Juanita Mack),… #587 Chad Chadwell I'm Home From Viet Nam Single · I'm Home From Viet Nam / The Shadow of Phantom 309 · Wilco # W-190 · USA
Credited on the record as Chad Chadwell with The Country Buddies.
Notes
I'm Home From Viet Nam (Chadwell, Chad)Country. Patriotic, anti-protest. Soldier's perspective, disabled veteran.
Bakersfield, California, USA -…
Notes
Wilco Records, 700 North Chester Ave., Bakersfield, Calif. 93308, W-190 (W-190-1), side 1, 45 RPM, red label; "I'm Home From Viet Nam" (Chad Chadwell),… #588 Gene Wyatt Fightin' for the Free Land Single · Fightin' for the Free Land / Searching for a New Love Affair · Dollie # 502 · USA
Notes
Fightin' for the Free Land (Wyatt, Gene)Country, patriotic, anti-protest. Draft card burning. Nashville, Tennessee.
Baby doesn't know father has died in…
Notes
Dollie Records, Record No. 502 (TK4M-1929), light-blue label; "Fightin' for the Free Land" (Dee Marais), Cedarwood-Heads Up, BMI, 2:28; Heads Up… #589 Hazel Duncan Mr. President Single · Mr. President / Is This All You Want · Crossfire # CF-104 · USA
Credited on the record as Hazel Duncan with Roy and the So and So's.
Notes
Mr. President (Duncan, Hazel)Country, anti-protest, patriotic.
Lake Elsinore, California
Letter to the president about Vietnam
Is it true people are…
Notes
CrossFire CF 104-A, yellow and red label, CrossFire Records, Rte. 2, Box 75, Lake Elsinore, Calif. 92330; "Mr. President" (Hazel E. Duncan), Rolling… #590 Jimmy Chapel I Was Called Single · Concentrate / I Was Called · Horoscope # H-160 · USA
Notes
I Was Called (Chapel, Jimmy)Rockabilly, soldier's perspective, disabled veteran
Hollywood, California, USA
Combat - long nights, blood and sweet. Shot in…
Notes
Horoscope Records H-160-B, yellow label, 1610 No. Argyle, Hollywood, Calif.; "I Was Called" (Chapel), Commander Publications–Oran White Music Co. (ASCAP),… #591 Roy Roberts The Living and the Dying Single · The Living and the Dying / Melancholy Guitar · Patriotic # A-500 · USA
Notes
Living and the Dying, The (Roberts, Roy)Narration, fanfare, patriotic, anti-protest, pro-soldiers
Criticism of peace marchers, draft card burning
Protest to…
Notes
Label: Patriotic Productions Inc., side 1, A-500; ASCAP; 1:43. "The Living and the Dying", author unknown, narration by Roy Roberts, with "God Bless… #592 Wayne Moore Off to Viet-Nam Single · Off to Viet-Nam / Ballad of the White Dress Shirt · Wa-Mo # 100 · USA
Notes
Received draft papersNotes
Label: Wa-Mo Records 100 A, 45 RPM, time 3:25, by Wayne Moore — "Off to Viet-Nam" is the A-side. [From the record label] #593 Jan Snyder The Last Letter From Heartbreak Viet Nam Single · Goodbye My Darling / The Last Letter From Heartbreak Viet Nam · Air # S-2515 · USA
Notes
Last Letter From Heartbreak Viet Nam (Snyder, Jan)Song poem, traditional pop. Patriotic, soldier's perspective. Civil right
Miami, Florida, USA
Soldier…
Notes
Air Records S-2515-2 (SoN 83932), 45 RPM, red label with radio-tower and AM/FM logo, 3170 S.W. 8th St., Miami, Florida; "The Last Letter From Heartbreak… #594 Paul Really A Soldier's Letter to Congress Single · A Soldier's Letter to Congress / Ode to Sugar Creek · Sable # 45-104 · USA
Credited on the record as Paul Really with Jimmy Mullen Music.
Notes
Paul Really - Soldier's Letter to Congress, A (Really, Paul) (Sable # 45-104)Jackson, Mississippi. Spoken-word narration to marching drums
Draft…
Notes
Sable Record No. 45-104-A, yellow label, "2224 Belvedere Dr., Box 10542, Jackson, Miss. 39209"; "A Soldier's Letter to Congress" (Houston Davis & Dave… #595 Johnny Prytko Henderick the Hippie Single · Henderick the Hippie / Here We Come · Glo # 5240 · USA
Credited on the record as Johnny Prytko & the Conn.-Hi-Tones.
Annotation
Henderick the Hippie (Prytko, Johnny)Novelty - making fun of hippies. Polka.
Reference to protesters, sit-ins, love-ins.
Draft board. 1960s vietnam-era.
Annotation by Justin A. Brummer
Notes
Glo Records #5240, black-and-silver label; "Henderick the Hippie" (J. Prytko), Vannell Music (ASCAP); Johnny Prytko & the Conn.-Hi-Tones. [From the record… #596 Johny Starr (We the Dead Of) VIET-NAM Single · (We the Dead Of) VIET-NAM / Color of My Skin · Campus # 1 · USA
Notes
We the Dead Of) Viet-Nam (Starr, Johnny)Teen pop. Anti-war.
Narrated by a dead soldier - drafted and dead before he could vote.
All that people at home hear…
Notes
Campus Records No. 1-A, 45 RPM, 2805 86th St., Port Arthur, Texas 77640, phone 713-722-2112 or 962-7040; "(We the Dead Of) Viet-Nam" (E. D. & R. R.… #597 Dick Kapusta Is This Free? Single · Is This Free? / A Forgotten People · Sara # J-1508 · USA
Credited on the record as Dick Kapusta and His Troubled Mind.
Notes
Is This Free? (Kapusta, Dick)Wisconsin, USA, contemporary folk, protest.
Economic inequalities, religious criticism, hypocrisy.
Teach never to kill, but the…
Notes
Sara J-1508, yellow label with script logo; "Is This Free?" (Kapusta — Waefler), Kirchstein Pub. Co., BMI; credited to Dick Kapusta and His Troubled Mind.… #598 Ronnie Lee A Soldier's Letter Single · Crazy Heart / A Soldier's Letter · Peake # 45-002 · USA
Notes
Country, soldier's perspective, P.O.W., draft.I'm so lonesome, want to leave this prison.
Why wars and battles? [leans anti-war?]
Only just married when I…
Notes
Peake Records 45-001 / 45-002 (one number per side).Label (title printed "A Soldiers Letter"): 45 RPM, 45-002-B; written by Ronnie J. Giles; pub. by…
#599 Jimmie Grant Amnesty Single · Amnesty / Judgement Day · Ma Bell # MBR-45-001 · USA
Notes
Criticism of draft dodgers and amnesty.Narrated from perspective of disabled Vietnam veteran.
Had to fight, right or wrong.
Those that ran shouldn't get…
Notes
Label: MBR-45-001 (VPMF-4358); written by J. L. Grant; Riviera Music, BMI (2:32); producers J. B. Henderson, H. R. Bain, J. L. Grant; Ma Bell Records,… #600 Shades Let Us Vote Single · Let Us Vote / Sower and His Seeds · Out of Sight # 2454 · USA
Notes
- Garage, folk rock, anti-war, vote, draft, generation gap- Uncle Sam give us the vote
- Receive our induction, given a gun, and learn to kill
- But unable…
#601 Jim Hughes A P.O.W.'s Prayer Single · A P.O.W.'s Prayer / Yesterdays Memories · Yoe-Del # 656 · USA
Notes
- P.O.W., country, draft- probably post-war, no date, released Dallas, Texas
- help my loved one understand that I'm the same man
- I was not able to write…
#602 Naomi Cohen Hell No, We Won't Go Single · Hell No, We Won't Go / Saigon Waitress · New Vista Arts # NVA 801 · USA
Notes
- contemporary folk, peace / anti-war, draft, Nixon- no date, but post the collapse of Saigon, referenced in the b-side
- released New York City
- A-side:…
#603 Randy Rudolph We Are the Guys That Win Wars Single · We Are the Guys That Win Wars / Stop Your Wishing · Preview # 1565 · USA
Notes
- "We Are the Guys Who Win Wars"- Label: Preview Records # 1565
- Songwriter: Capt. Steven A. Antonelli (military)
- Traditional pop, military perspective,…
Lyric theme data
Lyric content themes tagged on the songs in this collection — parent themes with their sub-themes (number of records). Click a theme for its definition and all records carrying it.
Show all 41 themes ▾Key stats
603 songs · 550 releases · 517 artists · 406 labels · 1961–2020
Time period
- 1966 is the peak year, with 79 songs.
- 1966–69 holds 233 of the 489 dated songs — nearly one in three in four years.
- 514 were released during the war years (to 1975); 89 came after.
- 114 records are undated.
Artists
- 517 artists for 603 songs — almost every act appears exactly once. The most represented is Don Henderson, with eight.
- 186 of the artists are still unidentified beyond the record: no line-up, no biography.
- Two are credited to various artists — compilations and cast recordings.
Songwriters
- Songwriter gender is recorded for 333 of the 603 songs: 294 by men, 29 by women and ten by mixed teams — women wrote 9% of those.
- By performer: 515 men, 62 women, 18 mixed groups and eight not identified (recorded for 603).
- 503 named songwriters. The most often credited is Arlo Guthrie, with twelve.
Labels
- 322 of the 406 labels appear exactly once; Columbia has the most, with 13.
- 160 sit on a major or well-known imprint — Columbia, Capitol, Decca, RCA Victor, Vanguard, CBS, Elektra, Warner Bros.. The other 443 are on independent, regional or private labels.
- 23 are private pressings with no label at all.
- 15 45s put both of their sides into this list.
Locations
- 540 of the 603 are American. California leads with 75, then New York 72 and Texas 33.
- New York City accounts for 65 records, more than any other city; Los Angeles has 24, Hollywood 23.
- 63 come from outside the US: 32 Australian, eleven British, three Canadian, three Swedish, two Cuban, two German, and others.
Themes
- By perspective: 214 peace, protest and anti-war; 168 home front or soldier's perspective; 131 patriotic, pro-government or anti-protest; 89 post-war.
- 216 distinct sub-themes across 603 songs.
- Anti-War is the single biggest subject — 193 songs, nearly one in three.
- Next come Soldier's Perspective (148), Patriotic (134), Draft Card Burning (75) and Draft Dodger (65).
- 32 are answer records, most of them to “Open Letter”.