1. Elvira
One of Dallas Frazier‘s best-known songs was none other than “Elvira,” which he wrote in 1966 and released as the title track of his solo debut album that year. While Rodney Crowell recorded the song over a decade later, it only became a smash hit with Oak Ridge Boys’ version in 1981. The country quartet’s recording of “Elvira” even won Single of the Year at the Country Music Association Awards.
Contrary to what most people believe, the song’s title was actually not inspired by a woman’s name but by one of the streets in East Nashville, Tennessee.
2. If My Heart Had Windows
George Jones recorded this country song written by Frazier on his album of the same name, which peaked at No. 7 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. Over a decade later, Patty Loveless recorded her version, which was also a Top 10 country hit – the first of her career. Loveless also performed “If My Heart Had Windows” during her induction into the Grand Ole Opry.
3. Beneath Still Waters
One morning Frazier woke up to look out a window overlooking a river and was fascinated by how peaceful it looked under the fog that covered its surface. But then he remembered a friend who told him about its tides and undercurrents. The idea came to Frazer of how treacherous the water can be under that surface.
He found it similar to love, which he thought often looks great on the facet but underneath, it’s falling apart. That’s how “Beneath Still Waters” came to life, one of the biggest songs Frazier has ever written. It was covered by various artists, most notably George Jones and Emmylou Harris.
4. What’s Your Mama’s Name
“What’s Your Mama’s Name” is about a man named Buford Wilson, who traveled as a young man searching for his old lover in New Orleans. He spent the next decade asking people about the woman’s whereabouts until he slowly became a drunkard old man. Sadly, the song ended when Wilson was found dead.
The poignant ballad was such a hit for Tanya Tucker, becoming her first No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.
5. I Can’t Get There from Here
The song is one of the long lists of tunes written by Frazier that was recorded by George Jones. Fascinatingly, “I Can’t Get There from Here” seems like it was torn from the pages of Jones’ diary. “It’s almost like he’s lived every minute of every word he sings,” country star Travis said. “There’s very few people who can do that.”
Indeed, Jones earned the reputation of filling Frazier’s words with a jaded authenticity.
6. Fourteen Carat Mind
The moment Gene Watson heard the demo tape for “Fourteen Carat Mind,” which was recorded by Frazier himself, he knew he needed to cut it. It went on to become his only No. 1 hit on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.
7. I’m a People
The song was perhaps one of the oddest novelties Frazier has ever written. “I’m a People” actually compares the apparently cheery way of life of monkeys at a zoo with the tedious human activity of securing employment.
The song was recorded by George Jones, and it reached No. 6 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.
8. There Goes My Everything
This song has now been considered a country music standard. It tells the story of a couple who are about to go their separate ways. However, the husband came to realize how much she meant to him now that he was about to lose her.
The poignant ballad has since been recorded by many artists, with Jack Greene being the most notable one. His version won several awards, including Single of the Year and Song of the Year at the first-ever Country Music Association Awards.
