This past Saturday, I was visiting my parents when their neighbor pulled up in a golf cart. I went out to talk with him and noticed a couple of fishing poles in the back of the cart. He wanted to spend some time fishing in the pond behind the house.
We talked for a few minutes, and he talked about the beauty of the land around us. I thanked him and told him how much I liked the farm from which he had just moved. I told him that I remembered my parents taking me on Sunday drives when I was a kid and how we used to drive by his place.
He asked me if I remembered when Paul McCartney lived on his farm in the early 1970s. I was too young to remember that, but I told him that I have heard a bunch of stories about it. He was also glad to hear that the Country Music Hall of Fame has a panel about McCartney’s time on the farm in their latest exhibit.
I was talking to Curly Putman, and his farm was immortalized by Paul McCartney in a song called “Junior’s Farm.” However, Mr. Putman is more than just a man who sold his farm and moved close to my parents. He is also one of the music’s most accomplished and successful songwriters.
Not long after we started talking, my parents came out to visit, and I drove to the pond to open the gate. On the way back, I stopped and talked some more with Mr. Putman. We talked about how many people consider his song “He Stopped Loving Her Today” to be the greatest Country song of all time. However, “Green, Green Grass of Home” has always been my favorite.
Mr. Putman said that it is also one of his favorites because it has been recorded by more than 700 artists. A song that was not a big hit when it first came out has stood the test of time.
I did not want to keep Mr. Putman from fishing. I pulled away as he rode toward the pond. However, I hope that I get to talk to him again and find out how he can sit down and write a song.
SBI: A Thinning Crowd 
I love these little encounters. They stay in your memory forever. I hope you get to repeat the experience and have at least one more conversation.
I’m going to see if I can visit with him and ask some questions.
I have not heard Green Green Grass Of Home in many, many years. I had to listen to the Tom Jones version, that’s what I heard growing up because my parents liked him. Thanks for reminding me of this song – brought back some great memories. š
You’re welcome. Porter Wagoner recorded it first, but Tom Jones is probably the best known version.
Good song, thanks for letting me listen to it again. Have a good day! š
I have a Dean Martin album with a version of GGGOH!
It’s a great song. I think everyone recorded it.
Amazing. Quite an artist and a nice gent too.
Sounds like someone I could learn something from.
He is a nice man. Now, he is retired and laid back.
Reblogged this on SBI: A Thinning Crowd and commented:
A few days ago, Curly Putman passed away. He was a citizen of our city and a songwriting legend. A few months ago, I wrote about a conversation I had with him.