“Busted” is a song that was written by Harlan Howard in 1962…..and was recorded and first released by Johnny Cash with the Carter Family for his 1963 album Blood, Sweat and Tears.…. however, the first recording was by Burl Ives in 1962. It has subsequently been recorded by several notable artists, including Ray Charles (also in 1963) and Patty Loveless (2009)…..as the song is about a dirt-poor farmer struggling to support his family….while bemoaning a stack of bills, his family’s needs, animals that won’t produce and land that is barren. He even tries to ask his brother for assistance….but his brother was actually going to come to him for help. Finally, he admits he’s going to pack up his family and leave to find a better life.
Ray Charles reached # 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1963…..which was from his album Ingredients in a Recipe for Soul…..plus a live version with Willie Nelson was included in Charles’ 2005 duets album Genius & Friends…..and in this video herewith…..we get to see Brother Ray perform the song in 1980 live on Austin City Limits….which brings back many joyful memories to our Bone Daddy, the original Sportsphile…..as he saw this concert live.
The truth be known…..it is memories like that which remind us just how valuable this treasure chest of vintage memories is here at ImaSportsphile.
