Today’s classic song of the day is “Silver Threads and Golden Needles” by the Springfields. Released in late summer of 1962, this harmony-laden track peaked at #20 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The Springfields were a folk trio from the UK consisting of Tim Feild, Dion O’Brien, and Mary Catherine O’Brien. The O’Brien siblings changed their names to Tom Springfield and Dusty Springfield. (You may have heard of her…) The trio formed in 1960 and, after “Silver Threads” and a few UK hits (including “Island of Dreams” and “Say I Won’t Be There”), broke up in 1963.
Post-Springfields, Tom Springfield wrote several hits for the Australian group the Seekers, including yesterday’s classic song of the day, “I’ll Never Find Another You.” Dusty Springfield immediately embarked on what became a very successful solo career, establishing herself as one of the top female pop vocalists of the ’60s. Her hits included “I Only Want to Be with You,” “Wishin’ and Hopin’,” “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me,” “The Look of Love,” “Son of a Preacher Man,” and “Brand New Me.” Her 1969 album Dusty in Memphis regularly ranks high on lists of the best pop albums of the modern era.
“Silver Threads and Golden Needles” was written back in the mid-50s by Dick Reynolds and Jack Rhodes. Reynolds was better known as an arranger for the Four Freshman, Frank Sinatra, and other mainstream acts. Rhodes made a name for himself as a songwriter and producer in Nashville.
What I like best about the Springfields’ recording of “Silver Threads” are Dusty’s solo breaks. Her crystal clear “And I dare not drown my sorrows in the warm glow of your mind” elevates the song from typical early-60s folk to something special—and set the stage for her following solo career.
“Silver Threads and Golden Needles” was first recorded by Wanda Jackson in 1956. After the Springfields had a hit with the tune, “Silver Threads” was covered by Skeeter Davis later in 1962, Jody Miller in 1965, the Cowsills in 1969, and Linda Ronstadt in both 1969 and 1973. That last country-rock version peaked at #20 on Billboard’s Country chart and #67 on the Hot 100. Which version is your favorite?
