Silver Threads and Golden Needles

"Silver Threads and Golden Needles", a song written by Jack Rhodes and Dick Reynolds, was first recorded by Wanda Jackson in 1956. The original lyrics, as performed by Jackson, contain a verse not usually included in later versions, which also often differed in other minor details.

Other versions

• Hawkshaw Hawkins recorded a version in 1963 as an album track for his LP The All New Hawkshaw Hawkins.
• UK folk/pop group The Springfields had a 1962 hit which peaked at #20 in Billboard, the first single by a British group to reach the American Billboard top 20.
• Skeeter Davis recorded a version in 1962 after The Springfields hit for an album track; Davis's version was released as a single by RCA in several international markets.
• Rose Maddox Silver Threads & Golden Needles Capitol 1964
• Jody Miller released a version in 1965 which peaked at #54 on the Billboard Hot 100.
• Johnny Rivers recorded a live version in 1965 on the album Meanwhile Back at the Whisky à Go Go.
• Pozo-Seco Singers (featuring Don Williams) released a version in 1966.
• An early 1960s recording by Janis Joplin is on the 1975 Janis Joplin compilation album Janis.
• The Cowsills recorded the song on their studio album IIxII. It peaked number 77 on the Billboard charts in September 1969.
• Honey Ltd. released the song as a single in 1969.
• The Grateful Dead performed the song several times between 1966 and 1970 featuring Bob Weir on the lead vocal and Phil Lesh singing harmony.
• Linda Ronstadt recorded and released two versions of the song. The first, on her 1969 solo debut album Hand Sown ... Home Grown, the second, a country-pop crossover version for her 1973 Don't Cry Now album. The second version was released as a single and was a top 20 country hit in 1973.
• English folk rock singer Sandy Denny recorded the song on her 1977 album Rendezvous and with her band Fotheringay. This version was recorded in 1970 but not completed and released until 2008. Denny significantly reworked the song into three time.
• American country singer Crystal Gayle included the song on her 1993 album Best Always
• In 1993, the country trio Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette and Loretta Lynn recorded the song together on the album Honky Tonk Angels; the song was released as a single, along with an accompanying video. It peaked at number 68 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. Parton had previously performed the song at numerous points over the years, including on her 1976-77 variety show, Dolly!, on which she was joined by guests Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris.
• In 2012, The Seekers recorded the song for their 50 year anniversary album.