Unveiling the Captivating Stories Behind Jack Greene’s Chart-Topping Hits: “All the Time” and “You Are My Treasure” – A Harmonious Journey of Love and Musical Destiny
Jack Greene, the acclaimed country artist, left an indelible mark on the music scene with his heartfelt melodies. After his debut chart-topper, “There Goes My Everything,” Jack continued his ascent with two more sensational hits: “All the Time” and “You Are My Treasure.” These songs not only showcased Jack’s exceptional talent but also held intriguing tales behind their creation.
The enchanting ballad “All the Time” had its origins in a composition by the esteemed duo Mel Tillis and Wayne Walker. Initially recorded by Kitty Wells in 1959 as the “B” side of her hit “Mommy for a Day,” the song had a modest chart performance, reaching #18. However, Jack saw the potential in this remarkable piece and decided to give it new life.
During the recording session for “All the Time,” an unexpected shortage of material emerged. Fortunately, Jack had previously recorded another compelling track, “Wanting You But Never Having You,” written by Dallas Frazier. Although deemed strong enough to be released as an “A” side on its own, it was paired with “All the Time” due to the shortage. Sadly, “Wanting You But Never Having You” only reached #63, as most of the attention was focused on the captivating charm of “All the Time.”
With its captivating piano accompaniment by Floyd Cramer, “All the Time” ascended to the #1 position on the country singles chart, dominating the charts for five consecutive weeks starting on June 17, 1967. The heartfelt composition, adorned with a concerto-like piano sound, caught the attention of Billboard Magazine, earning the prestigious title of the number one country single for the entire year of 1967.
Following this remarkable success, Jack Greene experienced a near-miss with Vic McAlpin’s “What Locks the Door,” reaching #2. However, he swiftly regained his throne with another mesmerizing track, “You Are My Treasure.” This exceptional piece held a special place in Jack’s heart, as it was crafted specifically for him by renowned songwriter Cindy Walker.
Impressed by Jack’s voice during an interview on WSM-AM, Cindy Walker was inspired to create a song tailored to his unique vocal qualities. With a spoken-word segment at its core, “You Are My Treasure” showcased Jack’s artistry in a distinctive way. Despite initial doubts, Owen Bradley at Decca finally agreed to record the song with Jack, assembling a remarkable ensemble of thirty musicians, including a string section, all present in the studio simultaneously.
Released on April 13, 1968, “You Are My Treasure” claimed the coveted #1 spot on Billboard’s country singles chart. Written by the prolific Cindy Walker, whose compositions have graced the voices of legendary artists, the song epitomized Jack Greene’s musical prowess and cemented his status as a country music icon.
In the end, the stories behind Jack Greene’s hits “All the Time” and “You Are My Treasure” unveil a captivating narrative of musical destiny and love. These chart-topping melodies not only touched the hearts of listeners but also paved the way for Jack’s enduring legacy in the world of country music.
Single by Jack Greene
Album- All the Time
B-side- “Wanting You But Never Having You”
Released- April 1967
Genre- Country
Label- Decca
Songwriters- Mel Tillis, Wayne P. Walker
Producer- Owen Bradley
Lyrics
All the time
Yes darling all the time
Tenderly
Constantly
I’ll love you
Every day
I’ll prove it every way
In happiness
Or in loneliness
I’ll love you
Other arms may tempt me
But don’t let that bother you
For even if they tempt me
II’ll never be untrue
All the time
Yes darling all the time
Through the years
Through smiles or tears
I’ll love you
Other arms may tempt me
But don’t let that bother you
For even if they tempt me
I’ll never be untrue
All the time
Yes darling all the time
Through the years
Through smiles and tears
I’ll love you