The Tale Unveiled: Ricky Van Shelton‘s “From a Jack to a King”
Once upon a time in the realm of country music, an enigmatic figure emerged, captivating hearts and leaving a trail of confusion in his wake. His name was Ricky Van Shelton, a renowned singer known for his chart-topping hits, but also for the perplexing mystery surrounding his name.
You see, dear readers, Ricky’s last name was not “Van Shelton” as many assumed; it was simply “Shelton.” The tale of the misplaced “Van” began when he was just a young lad residing in the quaint town of Grit, Virginia. Back then, Ricky faced a predicament – there was another Ricky Shelton living on the same rural route, and their mail often got entangled. To escape this postal entanglement, he decided to adopt his middle name, “Van,” to distinguish himself.
Though the mail dilemma was resolved, the misadventures of the misfiled records began. Ricky’s music could often be found under the erroneous category of “V” for “Van Shelton” in stores. Alas, such are the whims of fate!
But Ricky Van Shelton was more than just a name, for he possessed a unique talent for recreating classic melodies. Each of his initial four chart-toppers had already graced the airwaves in the past, beautifully reimagined by this “remake king.” And so it was with his fifth triumphant hit, “From a Jack to a King,” a timeless gem originally penned by the gifted Ned Miller.
Long before basking in the glory of country stardom, Ricky stumbled upon Miller’s 1963 recording of “From a Jack to a King” during his blossoming fascination with country music. It quickly became a cherished part of his early repertoire. Interestingly, Ned Miller’s version soared to great heights, nestling at #2 on Billboard’s country chart, tantalizingly close to claiming the top spot, yet thwarted by the success of Carl & Pearl Butler’s “Don’t Let Me Cross Over.”
In the realm of musical wonders, fate took an intriguing twist when Ricky’s wife Bettye suggested revisiting “From a Jack to a King” for his second Columbia album, “Loving Proof.” She fondly recalled his spirited performances of the song at local gigs, back when he was striving to make his mark in the music world. Ricky’s producer, the discerning Steve Buckingham, readily agreed to this inspired idea. Curiously, he had not encountered Jack Greene’s #1 hit, “Statue of a Fool,” which Ricky suggested later, but he was well acquainted with the brilliance of Ned Miller’s classic.
The enchanting revival of “From a Jack to a King” danced its way onto Billboard’s country singles chart on a wintery January 7, 1989, debuting gracefully at #42. With each passing week, its melodious magic worked wonders, and by the dawn of March 18th, it crowned the #1 position, outshining Miller’s peak at #2 in ’63.
As the curtains of destiny unveiled, it became apparent that both Ned and Ricky had once toiled in the realm of pipe-fitting, long before their destiny beckoned them to the stage of country music. Fate had led Miller to various vocations, from air-conditioning and refrigeration to managing a taxi company in Vernal, Utah. In 1956, destiny guided him to California, where he composed “Dark Moon,” delighting Bonnie Guitar’s soulful voice with his creation, marking his first chart success. In 1957, his musical mastery found another admirer in Jimmy C. Newman, who embraced his masterpiece “A Fallen Star,” catapulting it to #2 on the charts.
After the glorious triumph of “From a Jack to a King,” Ned Miller’s artistic journey continued to flourish. He penned two more striking singles, “Invisible Tears” which soared to #13, enchanting Connie Smith to cover it on her 1966 RCA album “Born To Sing,” and “Do What You Do, Do Well,” a majestic #7 hit. Additionally, with the assistance of his beloved wife Sue, he crafted the poignant “Snow Flake,” a posthumous 1966 hit for the legendary Jim Reeves, reaching an impressive #2. And not to forget, the charming “Behind the Tear” that crowned the charts in the same year, a heartfelt gift for the esteemed Sonny James.
In this wondrous tale, the song “From a Jack to a King” stands as a testament to the enchantment of country music, its power to bridge generations, and the timeless artistry of Ricky Van Shelton and Ned Miller. And so, their harmonious melodies echo through the ages, serenading the hearts of all who listen.
Artist: Ricky Van Shelton
Released: 1988
Album: Loving Proof
Lyrics
From a jack to a king
From loneliness to a wedding ring
I played an ace and I won a queen
And walked away with your heart
From a jack to a king
With no regrets I stacked the cards last night
And lady luck played her hand just right
And made me king of your heart
For just a little while
I thought that I might lose the game
Then just in time I saw the twinkle in your eye
From a jack to a king
From loneliness to a wedding ring
I played an ace and I won a queen
You made me king of your heart
For just a little while
I thought that I might lose the game
Then just in time I saw the twinkle in your eye
From a jack to a king
From loneliness to a wedding ring
I played an ace and I won a queen
You made me king of your heart
