Cartoonist, humorist and songwriter Shel Silverstein (1930-1999) was an unlikely figure to make his mark in country music, but he became a one-man pop-culture juggernaut in the '60s and '70s, with numerous artists in both country and rock covering his songs. Several of his novelty numbers became standards in the 1970s, particularly the numerous songs covered by Bobby Bare. Silverstein also scored several rock hits, notably hit songs recorded by the band Dr. Hook, and of course he was also popular as an author of children's books and poems. Here's a quick look at his work...
Shel Silverstein & The Red Onions "Hairy Jazz" (Elektra Records, 1959) (LP)
Shel Silverstein "Inside Folk Songs" (Atlantic Records, 1962) (LP)
Shel Silverstein "I'm So Good That I Don't Have To Brag" (Cadet Records, 1965) (LP)
Shel Silverstein "Boy Named Sue And Other Country Songs" (RCA Victor, 1969) (LP)
Shel Silverstein "Ned Kelly" (Soundtrack) (United Artists, 1970) (LP)
Shel Silverstein "Who Is Harry Kellerman And Why Is He Saying Those Terrible Things About Me?" (Soundtrack) (Columbia/CBS Records, 1971) (LP)
Shel Silverstein "Freakin' At The Freakers Ball" (Columbia/CBS Records, 1972) (LP)
Shel Silverstein "Songs And Stories" (Parachute Records, 1978) (LP)
Shel Silverstein "The Great Conch Train Robbery" (Flying Fish Records, 1980) (LP)
Shel Silverstein "Where The Sidewalk Ends" (Columbia/CBS Records, 1984)
Shel Silverstein "A Light In The Attic" (Columbia/CBS Records, 1985)
Shel Silverstein & Pat Dailey "Underwater Land" (Olympia Records, 2002)
Shel Silverstein "The Best Of Shel Silverstein: His Words His Songs His Friends" (Columbia-Legacy, 2005)
This best-of collection combines his own recordings (which have a very unique feel) with popular recordings by other artists, such as "The Cover Of Rolling Stone," by Dr. Hook, "A Boy Named Sue," by Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson's version of "The Taker." Highlights from the bard himself include the poem, "Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout Would Not Take the Garbage Out," which is both fondly remembered and eternal. An acquired taste, perhaps, but Silverstein's sly sense of humor seems to be standing the test of time.
Shel Silverstein "Crouchin' On The Outside" (Janus Records, 1973)
A sideways best-of that combines tracks from two of his albums on the Cadet label, 1965's I'm So Good That I Don't Have To Brag and Drain My Brain, from 1967.
