A true Glen Campbell classic.
From his 1977 album Southern Nights, the title track is arguably one of Glen Campbell’s most well-known songs and one of his biggest hits aside from “Rhinestone Cowboy.”
The hit single was written and first recorded by Allen Toussaint in 1975 and appeared on his album, also titled Southern Nights.
The lyrics for the song were inspired by visits to the Louisiana backwoods from his childhood. When Toussaint released his version, Campbell heard it for the first time and strongly resonated with the song’s meaning as it reminded him of his childhood in Billstown, Arkansas.
Glen Campbell knew that he wanted to record a cut of this tune, with slightly modified lyrics that highlighted the beauty of growing up in a rural community and the beauty that comes with that.
This is told spot in the lyric:
“Southern skiesHave you ever noticed Southern skies? (In southern skies)Its precious beauty liesJust beyond the eye, it goes running through your soulLike the stories told of old.”
When Campbell released his cut, it instantly took off. It ended up as number one on three separate charts: The single spent two weeks in the number one spot on the Billboard Hot Country Singles Chart, and following that, it spent four weeks in the top spot on the Hot Adult Contemporary Chart. Last but not least, it landed on the Hot 100 chart making “Southern Nights” Campbell’s second pop hit.
The single continued to succeed in the year beyond all charts. The Country Music Association nominated the tune for Song of the Year.
Most recently, “Southern Nights” made a resurgence among a younger audience from a viral TikTok trend.
@plasticsporkzLet’s go girls
“Southern Nights” is indeed a staple song. As soon as the weather begins to warm, this song is added to all of my playlists.
Whether a Glen Campbell fan or not, “Southern Nights” is sure to please a crowd.