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The Last Thing on My Mind
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Wikipedia article
'"The Last Thing on My Mind"' is a song written by American musician and singer-songwriter Tom Paxton in the early 1960s and recorded first by Paxton in 1964. It is based on the traditional lament song "The Leaving of Liverpool". The song was released on Paxton's 1964 album 'Ramblin' Boy', which was his first album released on Elektra Records.
The song remains one of Paxton's best-known compositions.
Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton version
'"The Last Thing on My Mind"' was covered by Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton and released as their debut duet single on October 30, 1967, by RCA Victor. Their version peaked at number seven on the 'Billboard' Hot Country Singles chart, the first of an almost uninterrupted string of top ten singles they would release over the next several years.
Critical reception
The single was well received by critics upon release. 'Billboard' gave a positive review of the single, which said that Wagoner and Parton's "initial outing should be a giant." They concluded by saying that "the folk-oriented ballad...has much pop potential." In another positive review, 'Cashbox' called the single "a very effective updating of the contemporary folk ditty," with "an appealing blending of voices" which "makes this a good bet for big chart honors."Commercial performance
"The Last Thing on My Mind" debuted at number 70 on the 'Billboard' Hot Country Singles chart. It would eventually peak at number seven and spend a total of 17 weeks on the chart. The single's B-side, "Love Is Worth Living", was successful in Canada, peaking at number four on the 'RPM' Country Singles chart.Track listing
*'7" single (RCA Victor 47-9369)'#"The Last Thing on My Mind" 2:34
#"Love Is Worth Living" 2:32
Personnel
Adapted from RCA recording session records.*Jerry Carrigan drums
*Anita Carter background vocals
*Pete Drake steel
*Dolores Edgin background vocals
*Bob Ferguson producer
*Roy M. Huskey Jr. bass
*Mack Magaha fiddle
*George McCormick rhythm guitar
*Wayne Moss electric guitar
*Dolly Parton lead vocals
*Hargus Robbins piano
*Buck Trent banjo
*Porter Wagoner lead vocals
Charts
Other recordings
The song has also been recorded by dozens of artists, including:
* Bill Anderson
* Chet Atkins
* Joan Baez
* Harry Belafonte
* Blitzen Trapper
* Pat Boone
* Dennis Brown
* Chris de Burgh
* Glen Campbell
* The Carter Family
* Johnny Cash (with Diana Trask)
* Liam Clancy
* Gene Clark
* Judy Collins
* Cry, Cry, Cry
* Rick Danko
* Joe Dassin
* Sandy Denny
* John Denver
* Neil Diamond
* The Dillards
* Danny Doyle
* The Dubliners
* Phil Everly
* Marianne Faithfull
* Jos Feliciano
* Julie Felix
* Flatt & Scruggs
* Tompall & the Glaser Brothers
* Noel Harrison
* Carolyn Hester
* Mary Hopkin
* Samuel Hui
* Joe and Eddie
* The Kingston Trio
* Hank Locklin
* Misty River
* The Chad Mitchell Trio
* Nana Mouskouri
* The Move
* Anne Murray
* Willie Nelson
* Daniel O'Donnell
* Gram Parsons
* Herb Pedersen
* Peter, Paul and Mary
* Punch Brothers
* Stu Phillips
* Charley Pride
* Paddy Reilly with The Dubliners
* Tony Rice
* The Seekers
* Jean Shepard
* Johnny Silvo
* Hank Snow
* Townes Van Zandt
* The Vejtables
* Clarence White
* Delroy Wilson
* Hannes Wader as "Ich werd' es berstehn (Last Thing On My Mind)" with German lyrics
* Doc Watson
* The Womenfolk
* Bojoura
Soundtrack
It is performed by the Punch Brothers and Stark Sands in the soundtrack of the Coen Brothers' film 'Inside Llewyn Davis' (2013).
References
Category:1967 singles
Category:RCA Victor singles
Category:Dolly Parton songs
Category:Porter Wagoner songs
Category:The Kingston Trio songs
Category:Glen Campbell songs
Category:Peter, Paul and Mary songs
Category:Joe Dassin songs
Category:Songs written by Tom Paxton
Category:Song recordings produced by Bob Ferguson (musician)
Category:Song recordings produced by Paul A. Rothchild
Category:1964 songs
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