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| length = 3:05
| length = 3:05
| label = [[Columbia Records|Columbia]] <small>4-41384</small>
| label = [[Columbia Records|Columbia]] <small>4-41384</small>
| writer = [[Marijohn Wilkin]] and [[Danny Dill]]
| writer = [[Marijohn Wilkin]], [[Danny Dill]]
| producer = [[Don Law]]
| producer = [[Don Law]]
| prev_title = Cigarettes and Coffee Blues
| prev_title = Cigarettes and Coffee Blues
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It is told from the point of view of a man falsely accused of murder and executed. He refuses to provide an [[alibi]], since on the night of the murder he was having an [[extramarital affair]] with his best friend's wife, and would rather die and take their secret to his grave than admit the truth. The chorus describes the woman's mourning visits to his gravesite, wearing a long black veil and enduring a wailing wind.
It is told from the point of view of a man falsely accused of murder and executed. He refuses to provide an [[alibi]], since on the night of the murder he was having an [[extramarital affair]] with his best friend's wife, and would rather die and take their secret to his grave than admit the truth. The chorus describes the woman's mourning visits to his gravesite, wearing a long black veil and enduring a wailing wind.


In 2019, Frizzell's version of "Long Black Veil" was selected by the [[Library of Congress]] for preservation in the [[National Recording Registry]] for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".<ref>{{cite news |last=Andrews |first=Travis M. |date=March 20, 2019 |title=Jay-Z, a speech by Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and 'Schoolhouse Rock!' among recordings deemed classics by Library of Congress |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/jay-z-a-speech-by-sen-robert-f-kennedy-and-schoolhouse-rock-among-recordings-deemed-classics-by-library-of-congress/2019/03/19/f7eb08ea-4a58-11e9-9663-00ac73f49662_story.html?|work= The Washington Post|access-date=March 25, 2019}}</ref>
In 2019, Frizzell's version of "Long Black Veil" was selected by the [[Library of Congress]] for preservation in the [[National Recording Registry]] for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".<ref>{{cite news |last=Andrews |first=Travis M. |date=March 20, 2019 |title=Jay-Z, a speech by Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and 'Schoolhouse Rock!' among recordings deemed classics by Library of Congress |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/jay-z-a-speech-by-sen-robert-f-kennedy-and-schoolhouse-rock-among-recordings-deemed-classics-by-library-of-congress/2019/03/19/f7eb08ea-4a58-11e9-9663-00ac73f49662_story.html?|newspaper= The Washington Post|access-date=March 25, 2019}}</ref>


==Background==
==Background==
The writers later stated that they drew on three sources for their inspiration: [[Red Foley]]'s recording of "God Walks These Hills With Me", a contemporary newspaper report about the unsolved murder of a priest, and the legend of a mysterious veiled woman who regularly visited [[Rudolph Valentino]]'s grave. Dill himself called it an "instant folksong."
The writers later stated that they drew on three sources for their inspiration: [[Red Foley]]'s recording of "God Walks these Hills with Me", a contemporary newspaper report about the unsolved murder of a priest, and the legend of a mysterious veiled woman who regularly visited [[Rudolph Valentino]]'s grave. Dill himself called it an "instant folksong".


Wilkin played piano on the original recording by Frizzell. The song was a departure from Frizzell's previous [[honky tonk]] style and was a deliberate move toward the then current popularity of folk-styled material and the burgeoning [[Nashville sound]].
Wilkin played piano on the original recording by Frizzell. The song was a departure from Frizzell's previous [[honky tonk]] style and was a deliberate move toward the then-current popularity of folk-styled material and the burgeoning [[Nashville sound]].


==Success==
==Success==
Recorded in [[Nashville, Tennessee|Nashville]] in 1959 by [[Lefty Frizzell]] and produced by [[Don Law]], the single reached No. 6 on ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' [[Hot Country Songs|Hot C&W Sides]] chart. In the process, the song became Frizzell's best-performing single in five years.
Recorded in [[Nashville, Tennessee|Nashville]] in 1959 by [[Lefty Frizzell]] and produced by [[Don Law]], the single reached #6 on ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' [[Hot Country Songs|Hot C&W Sides]] chart. In the process, the song became Frizzell's best-performing single in five years.


===Cover versions===
===Cover versions===
"Long Black Veil" has become a [[Standard (music)|standard]] and has been [[cover version|covered]] by a variety of artists in country, folk and rock styles. The highest charting cover version was a No. 26 country hit by [[Sammi Smith]] in 1974.
"Long Black Veil" has become a [[Standard (music)|standard]] and has been [[cover version|covered]] by a variety of artists in country, folk and rock styles. The highest charting cover version was a #26 country hit by [[Sammi Smith]] in 1974.


[[Johnny Cash]] performed the song on the first episode of ''[[The Johnny Cash Show (TV series)|The Johnny Cash Show]]'' in 1969, duetting with [[Joni Mitchell]]. The song has also appeared on landmark albums by Johnny Cash and [[The Band]] in 1968 (see list below), and charted again in 1999 with the [[Dave Matthews Band]], who performed the song live with [[Emmylou Harris]] at a Johnny Cash tribute concert. Early in her career, [[Joan Baez]] incorporated the song into her live repertoire, and recorded it twice (see list below).
[[Johnny Cash]] performed the song on the first episode of ''[[The Johnny Cash Show (TV series)|The Johnny Cash Show]]'' in 1969, duetting with [[Joni Mitchell]]. The song has also appeared on landmark albums by Johnny Cash and [[The Band]] in 1968 (see list below), and charted again in 1999 with the [[Dave Matthews Band]], who performed the song live with [[Emmylou Harris]] at a Johnny Cash tribute concert. Early in her career, [[Joan Baez]] incorporated the song into her live repertoire, and recorded it twice (see list below).
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[[The Band]] performed the song at the [[Woodstock|1969 Woodstock Festival]], and it appears on their first studio album, ''[[Music From Big Pink]]''.
[[The Band]] performed the song at the [[Woodstock|1969 Woodstock Festival]], and it appears on their first studio album, ''[[Music From Big Pink]]''.


[[Bob Dylan]] performed a version of the song in 1970, as an outtake to the [[Self Portrait]]/[[New Morning]] sessions. This version was finally officially released on the Bob Dylan 1970 compilation in 2020, fifty years after the recording. Dylan also played the song in a live performance in 1997.
⚫
The song appears on [[David Allan Coe]]'s 1984 compilation ''20 Greatest Hits'' and on [[Marianne Faithfull]]'s ''[[Rich Kid Blues (Marianne Faithfull album)|Rich Kid Blues]]'', recorded in 1971 but shelved until 1985.<ref name="Richkid">{{cite web|url=http://www.discogs.com/Marianne-Faithfull-Rich-Kid-Blues/master/294402 |title=Rich Kid Blues |publisher=Discogs |access-date=15 June 2014}}</ref>

⚫
The song appears on [[David Allan Coe]]'s 1984 compilation ''20 Greatest Hits'' and on [[Marianne Faithfull]]'s ''[[Rich Kid Blues (Marianne Faithfull album)|Rich Kid Blues]]'', recorded in 1971 but shelved until 1985.<ref name="Richkid">{{cite web|url=http://www.discogs.com/Marianne-Faithfull-Rich-Kid-Blues/master/294402 |title=Rich Kid Blues |year=1998 |publisher=Discogs |access-date=15 June 2014}}</ref>


[[Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds]] recorded a version for the 1986 covers album ''[[Kicking Against the Pricks]]''.
[[Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds]] recorded a version for the 1986 covers album ''[[Kicking Against the Pricks]]''.


The song was performed by [[Bruce Springsteen]] on his 2006 [[Bruce Springsteen with The Seeger Sessions Band Tour|Seeger Sessions Band Tour]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkA7PObD-sw |title=Long Black Veil - Bruce Springsteen & the Seeger Sessions |publisher=YouTube |access-date=15 June 2014}}</ref> The chorus is frequently sung by [[Bruce Hornsby]] during live performances of his song "White Wheeled Limousine", including the version on the retrospective box set ''[[Intersections (1985-2005)]]''.
The song was performed by [[Bruce Springsteen]] on his 2006 [[Bruce Springsteen with The Seeger Sessions Band Tour|Seeger Sessions Band Tour]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkA7PObD-sw |title=Long Black Veil - Bruce Springsteen & the Seeger Sessions |date=6 February 2007 |publisher=YouTube |access-date=15 June 2014}}</ref>
The chorus is frequently sung by [[Bruce Hornsby]] during live performances of his song "White Wheeled Limousine", including the version on the retrospective box set ''[[Intersections (1985-2005)]]''.

In 1992 the British band [[Diesel Park West]] covered the song (along with other cover versions) on their series of ‘God Only Knows’ EPs that were released on the EMI/Food record label.


[[Mick Jagger]] recorded a version with [[The Chieftains]] for that group's 1995 album ''[[The Long Black Veil (album)|The Long Black Veil]]''.<!--"of the same name" here is confusing as it could be the same name as the band-->
[[Mick Jagger]] recorded a version with [[The Chieftains]] for that group's 1995 album ''[[The Long Black Veil (album)|The Long Black Veil]]''.<!--"of the same name" here is confusing as it could be the same name as the band-->
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[[Jerry Garcia]], [[David Grisman]] and [[Tony Rice]] cover the song on the 2000 ''[[Pizza Tapes]]'' recordings.
[[Jerry Garcia]], [[David Grisman]] and [[Tony Rice]] cover the song on the 2000 ''[[Pizza Tapes]]'' recordings.


It has been covered by [[Harry Manx]], including a version on the compilation ''[[Johnny's Blues: A Tribute to Johnny Cash]]'', and in October 2009, by [[Rosanne Cash]] on her album ''[[The List (album)|The List]]''. A version by [[Scotland|Scottish]] rock band [[Nazareth (band)|Nazareth]] was never released on an album, but is played at live concerts<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2C9wJSPVdkg |title=Nazareth - Long Black Veil (Ekaterinburg, 29.10.2008) |via= YouTube |access-date=15 June 2014}}</ref>
It has been covered by [[Harry Manx]], including a version on the compilation ''[[Johnny's Blues: A Tribute to Johnny Cash]]'', and in October 2009, by [[Rosanne Cash]] on her album ''[[The List (album)|The List]]''. A version by [[Scotland|Scottish]] rock band [[Nazareth (band)|Nazareth]] was never released on an album, but is played at live concerts.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2C9wJSPVdkg |title=Nazareth - Long Black Veil (Ekaterinburg, 29.10.2008) |date=11 November 2008 |via= YouTube |access-date=15 June 2014}}</ref>


On the 2011 album ''[[Rancho Alto]]'' by [[Jason Boland & the Stragglers]], the song "False Accuser's Lament" is a follow up to "Long Black Veil", describing a witness's view of the events and the role that he played.
On the 2011 album ''[[Rancho Alto]]'' by [[Jason Boland & the Stragglers]], the song "False Accuser's Lament" is a follow-up to "Long Black Veil", describing a witness's view of the events and the role that he played.


[[Phil Lesh]] of the [[Grateful Dead]] performed the song several times, with a variety of musicians, in his rotating line-ups of [[Phil Lesh and Friends]] at his venue [[Terrapin Crossroads]]. [[Jamey Johnson]] has covered the song on tour.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZdekM-Gea8 |title=Jamey Johnson Long Black Veil July 4th picnic at Billy Bob's Fort Worth Texas |publisher=YouTube |access-date=15 June 2014}}</ref> [[Black Rebel Motorcycle Club]] occasionally perform the song during their live shows.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8kZ2QJ4DGE |title= BRMC "Long Black Veil/A Fine Way To Lose" @ High Noon Saloon |publisher=YouTube |access-date=15 June 2014}}</ref> [[The Black Crowes]] have covered the song, for instance during their December 17, 2010 performance at The Fillmore in San Francisco.
[[Phil Lesh]] of the [[Grateful Dead]] performed the song several times, with a variety of musicians, in his rotating line-ups of [[Phil Lesh and Friends]] at his venue [[Terrapin Crossroads]]. [[Jamey Johnson]] has covered the song on tour.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZdekM-Gea8 |title=Jamey Johnson Long Black Veil July 4th picnic at Billy Bob's Fort Worth Texas |date=25 July 2012 |publisher=YouTube |access-date=15 June 2014}}</ref> [[Black Rebel Motorcycle Club]] occasionally perform the song during their live shows.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8kZ2QJ4DGE |title= BRMC "Long Black Veil/A Fine Way To Lose" @ High Noon Saloon |date= 7 May 2008 |publisher=YouTube |access-date=15 June 2014}}</ref> [[The Black Crowes]] have covered the song, for instance during their December 17, 2010, performance at [[The Fillmore]] in [[San Francisco]].


[[Richard Hawley]] covered the song as a B-side to "Just Like the Rain".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/just-like-the-rain-mw0001898950|title=Just Like the Rain - Richard Hawley {{!}} Songs, Reviews, Credits {{!}} AllMusic|website=AllMusic|access-date=2016-08-31}}</ref>
[[Richard Hawley]] covered the song as a B-side to "Just Like the Rain".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/just-like-the-rain-mw0001898950|title=Just Like the Rain - Richard Hawley {{!}} Songs, Reviews, Credits {{!}} AllMusic|website=AllMusic|access-date=2016-08-31}}</ref>

[[The Proclaimers]]' version is included as a bonus track on the 2001 release of their 1988 album ''[[Sunshine on Leith (album)|Sunshine on Leith]]''. <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/sunshine-on-leith-mw0000653180|title = Sunshine on Leith - the Proclaimers &#124; Songs, Reviews, Credits &#124; AllMusic|website = [[AllMusic]]}}</ref>


===Hit singles===
===Hit singles===
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*1968 [[Johnny Cash]], ''[[Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison]]'' - US Pop album #13, US Country album #1, UK album #8
*1968 [[Johnny Cash]], ''[[Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison]]'' - US Pop album #13, US Country album #1, UK album #8
*1968 [[The Band]], ''[[Music from Big Pink]]'' - US Pop album #30
*1968 [[The Band]], ''[[Music from Big Pink]]'' - US Pop album #30
*1970 [[Joan Baez]], ''[[One Day at a Time (album)|One Day at a Time]]'' - US Pop album #80
*1970 [[Joan Baez]], ''[[One Day at a Time (Joan Baez album)|One Day at a Time]]'' - US Pop album #80
*1972 [[New Riders of the Purple Sage]], ''[[Gypsy Cowboy]]'' - US Pop album #85
*1972 [[New Riders of the Purple Sage]], ''[[Gypsy Cowboy]]'' - US Pop album #85
*1983 [[John Anderson (musician)|John Anderson]], ''[[Wild & Blue]]'' - US Pop album #58, US Country Albums # 3
*1983 [[John Anderson (musician)|John Anderson]], ''[[Wild & Blue]]'' - US Pop album #58, US Country Albums #3
*1995 [[The Chieftains]] with [[Mick Jagger]] (vocal), ''[[The Long Black Veil (album)|The Long Black Veil]]'' - US Pop album #22, UK album #17
*1995 [[The Chieftains]] with [[Mick Jagger]] (vocal), ''[[The Long Black Veil (album)|The Long Black Veil]]'' - US Pop album #22, UK album #17
*1999 [[Mike Ness]], ''[[Cheating at Solitaire]]'' - US Pop album #80
*1999 [[Mike Ness]], ''[[Cheating at Solitaire]]'' - US Pop album #80
*1999 [[Dave Matthews Band]], ''[[Listener Supported]]'' - US Pop album #15
*1999 [[Dave Matthews Band]], ''[[Listener Supported]]'' - US Pop album #15
*2015 [[Robert Earl Keen, Jr.]], ''Happy Prisoner: The Bluegrass Sessions'' - US Pop album #109, US Top Bluegrass Albums 1, US Country Albums # 10, US Top Top Independent Albums # 6
*2015 [[Robert Earl Keen, Jr.]], ''Happy Prisoner: The Bluegrass Sessions'' - US Pop album #109, US Top Bluegrass Albums 1, US Country Albums #10, US Top Top Independent Albums #6


===Other versions===
===Other versions===
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*1960 [[Carl Mann]], included on the 1997 compilation ''Rockin' Mann''
*1960 [[Carl Mann]], included on the 1997 compilation ''Rockin' Mann''
*1960 [[The Country Gentlemen]], ''[[Country Songs, Old and New]]''
*1960 [[The Country Gentlemen]], ''[[Country Songs, Old and New]]''
*1961 [[Burl Ives]], ''The Versatile Burl Ives''
*1962 [[Johnny Rivers]]
*1962 [[Johnny Rivers]]
*1963 [[The Country Gentlemen]], ''[[On the Road (Country Gentlemen album)|On The Road]]'' (live album)
*1963 [[The Country Gentlemen]], ''[[On the Road (Country Gentlemen album)|On The Road]]'' (live album)
*1964 Jerry & Sara, ''Live at The Tangent, Palo Alto, CA'', Jerry Garcia and his first wife Sara<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.deaddisc.com/disc/Jerry_And_Sara_1963.htm |title=May 4, 1964, The Tangent, Palo Alto, CA |publisher=The Grateful Dead Family Discography |access-date=15 June 2014}}</ref>
*1964 Jerry & Sara, ''Live at The Tangent, Palo Alto, CA'', Jerry Garcia and his first wife Sara<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.deaddisc.com/disc/Jerry_And_Sara_1963.htm |title=May 4, 1964, The Tangent, Palo Alto, CA |publisher=The Grateful Dead Family Discography |access-date=15 June 2014}}</ref>
*1964 Johnny Williams and The Jokers<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.discogs.com/Johnny-Williams-15-And-Jokers-Long-Black-Veil/release/3671151 |title=Johnny Williams and The Jokers - The Long Black Veil |publisher=Discogs |access-date=15 June 2014}}</ref>
*1964 Johnny Williams and The Jokers<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.discogs.com/Johnny-Williams-15-And-Jokers-Long-Black-Veil/release/3671151 |title=Johnny Williams and The Jokers - The Long Black Veil |year=1964 |publisher=Discogs |access-date=15 June 2014}}</ref>
*1968 [[The Move]], ''The BBC Sessions''<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.discogs.com/Move-The-BBC-Sessions/release/1560019 |title=The Move - The BBC Sessions |publisher=Discogs |access-date=15 June 2014}}</ref>
*1968 [[The Move]], ''The BBC Sessions''<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.discogs.com/Move-The-BBC-Sessions/release/1560019 |title=The Move - The BBC Sessions |year=1995 |publisher=Discogs |access-date=15 June 2014}}</ref>
*1968 [[The Wolfe Tones]], ''[[Wolfe Tones discography|The Rights of Man]]''
*1968 [[The Wolfe Tones]], ''[[Wolfe Tones discography|The Rights of Man]]''
*1969 [[The Byrds]], ''Live in Boston 1969'', unofficial release<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.discogs.com/Byrds-Live-In-Boston-1969/release/4663973 |title=The Byrds - Live In Boston 1969 |publisher=Discogs |access-date=15 June 2014}}</ref>
*1969 [[The Byrds]], ''Live in Boston 1969'', unofficial release<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.discogs.com/Byrds-Live-In-Boston-1969/release/4663973 |title=The Byrds - Live In Boston 1969 |year=1992 |publisher=Discogs |access-date=15 June 2014}}</ref>
*1969 [[The Small Faces]], bootleg album, recorded live in [[Vienna|Vienna, Austria]], on 12 January 1969.<ref>[http://www.guitars101.com/forums/f90/the-small-faces-january-12-1969-vienna-austria-66261.html Guitars 101 Forum] discloses the "unnamed" track 3 of that recording. [http://www.guitars101.com/forums/f90/the-small-faces-january-12-1969-vienna-austria-66261.html Track 3 is ''Long Black Veil'']. Retrieved 28 July 2013.</ref><!-- City of recording was previously in German and misspelled: Wein (sic). Corrected by switching to its English name: Vienna, Austria, per WP:WIAN and this sentence from its preceding paragraph: "When a widely accepted English name, in a modern context, exists for a place, we should use it." Wein (sic, actually Wien) is not part of the album name. -->
*1969 [[The Small Faces]], bootleg album, recorded live in [[Vienna|Vienna, Austria]], on 12 January 1969.<ref>[http://www.guitars101.com/forums/f90/the-small-faces-january-12-1969-vienna-austria-66261.html Guitars 101 Forum] discloses the "unnamed" track 3 of that recording. [http://www.guitars101.com/forums/f90/the-small-faces-january-12-1969-vienna-austria-66261.html Track 3 is ''Long Black Veil'']. Retrieved 28 July 2013.</ref><!-- City of recording was previously in German and misspelled: Wein (sic). Corrected by switching to its English name: Vienna, Austria, per WP:WIAN and this sentence from its preceding paragraph: "When a widely accepted English name, in a modern context, exists for a place, we should use it." Wein (sic, actually Wien) is not part of the album name. -->
*1970 [[Bill Monroe|Bill Monroe and his Blue Grass Boys]], ''Kentucky Bluegrass''<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.discogs.com/Bill-Monroe-And-His-Blue-Grass-Boys-Kentucky-Blue-Grass/release/4302043 |title=Bill Monroe And His Blue Grass Boys - Kentucky Bluegrass |publisher=Discogs |access-date=15 June 2014}}</ref>
*1970 [[Bill Monroe|Bill Monroe and his Blue Grass Boys]], ''Kentucky Bluegrass''<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.discogs.com/Bill-Monroe-And-His-Blue-Grass-Boys-Kentucky-Blue-Grass/release/4302043 |title=Bill Monroe And His Blue Grass Boys - Kentucky Bluegrass |year=1970 |publisher=Discogs |access-date=15 June 2014}}</ref>
*1971 [[Hank Williams, Jr.]], ''Sweet Dreams''<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.discogs.com/Hank-Williams-Jr-With-Mike-Curb-Congregation-The-Sweet-Dreams/release/1561583 |title=Hank Williams Jr. With The Mike Curb Congregation |publisher=Discogs |access-date=15 June 2014}}</ref>
*1971 [[Hank Williams, Jr.]], ''Sweet Dreams''<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.discogs.com/Hank-Williams-Jr-With-Mike-Curb-Congregation-The-Sweet-Dreams/release/1561583 |title=Hank Williams Jr. With The Mike Curb Congregation |year=1971 |publisher=Discogs |access-date=15 June 2014}}</ref>
*1971 [[Marianne Faithfull]], ''Rich Kid Blues'',<ref name="Richkid" /> released in 1985
*1971 [[Marianne Faithfull]], ''Rich Kid Blues'',<ref name="Richkid" /> released in 1985
*1980 [[Jimmy "Orion" Ellis]], ''Country''
*1980 [[Jimmy "Orion" Ellis]], ''Country''
*1983 [[:cs:Greenhorns|Zelenáči (Greenhorns)]] as "Dlouhý černý závoj" (lyrics by [[:cs:Jan Vyčítal]]) on "Pod Liščí skálou"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.greenhorns.cz/hpodlisc.htm |title=Archived copy |access-date=2014-08-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070107033502/http://www.greenhorns.cz/hpodlisc.htm |archive-date=2007-01-07 }}</ref>
*1983 [[:cs:Greenhorns|Zelenáči (Greenhorns)]] as "Dlouhý černý závoj" (lyrics by [[:cs:Jan Vyčítal]]) on "Pod Liščí skálou"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.greenhorns.cz/hpodlisc.htm |title=LP Pod li??? Sk?lou |access-date=2014-08-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070107033502/http://www.greenhorns.cz/hpodlisc.htm |archive-date=2007-01-07 }}</ref>
*1985 Baby Opaque, featuring [[Ian Mackaye]], ''Fugue In Cow Minor''<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.discogs.com/Baby-Opaque-Fugue-In-Cow-Minor/release/2235955 |title=Baby Opaque - Fugue In Cow Minor |publisher=Discogs |access-date=15 June 2014}}</ref>
*1985 Baby Opaque, featuring [[Ian Mackaye]], ''Fugue In Cow Minor''<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.discogs.com/Baby-Opaque-Fugue-In-Cow-Minor/release/2235955 |title=Baby Opaque - Fugue In Cow Minor |year=1985 |publisher=Discogs |access-date=15 June 2014}}</ref>
*1986 [[Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds]], ''[[Kicking Against the Pricks]]''
*1986 [[Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds]], ''[[Kicking Against the Pricks]]''
*1988 [[The Proclaimers]], ''King of the Road EP''<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.discogs.com/Proclaimers-King-Of-The-Road/release/1244263 |title=The Proclaimers - King Of The Road |publisher=Discogs |access-date=15 June 2014}}</ref>
*1988 [[The Proclaimers]], ''King of the Road EP''<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.discogs.com/Proclaimers-King-Of-The-Road/release/1244263 |title=The Proclaimers - King Of The Road |year=1990 |publisher=Discogs |access-date=15 June 2014}}</ref>
*1989 [[The Walkabouts]], ''[[Cataract (Walkabouts album)]]''
*1989 [[The Walkabouts]], ''[[Cataract (Walkabouts album)]]''
*1992 [[Michael Nesmith]], ''Live At The Lone Star Roadhouse'', bootleg recording
*1992 [[Michael Nesmith]], ''Live At The Lone Star Roadhouse'', bootleg recording
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*1995 [[Don Walser]], ''The Archive Series Volume 2''<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.donwalser.com/albums.htm |title=Don Walser: Official Website |publisher=DonWalser.com |access-date=16 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710144553/http://www.donwalser.com/albums.htm |archive-date=10 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*1995 [[Don Walser]], ''The Archive Series Volume 2''<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.donwalser.com/albums.htm |title=Don Walser: Official Website |publisher=DonWalser.com |access-date=16 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710144553/http://www.donwalser.com/albums.htm |archive-date=10 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*1995 [[Don Williams]], ''Borrowed Tales''
*1995 [[Don Williams]], ''Borrowed Tales''
*1997 [[Sally Timms]], ''Cowboy Sally''<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.discogs.com/Sally-Timms-Cowboy-Sally/release/2324969 |title=Sally Timms - Cowboy Sally |publisher=Discogs |access-date=16 June 2014}}</ref>
*1997 [[Sally Timms]], ''Cowboy Sally''<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.discogs.com/Sally-Timms-Cowboy-Sally/release/2324969 |title=Sally Timms - Cowboy Sally |year=1997 |publisher=Discogs |access-date=16 June 2014}}</ref>
*2002 [[Daryle Singletary]], ''[[That's Why I Sing This Way]]''
*2002 [[Daryle Singletary]], ''[[That's Why I Sing This Way]]''
*2002 [[Jason & the Scorchers]], ''Wildfires + Misfires''<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.discogs.com/Jason-The-Scorchers-Wildfires-Misfires/master/651650 |title=Jason & The Scorchers - Wildfires + Misfires |publisher=Discogs |access-date=18 June 2014}}</ref>
*2002 [[Jason & the Scorchers]], ''Wildfires + Misfires''<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.discogs.com/Jason-The-Scorchers-Wildfires-Misfires/master/651650 |title=Jason & The Scorchers - Wildfires + Misfires |publisher=Discogs |access-date=18 June 2014}}</ref>
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*2002 [[Dave Matthews Band]], ''[[The Gorge (album)|The Gorge]] (6-Disc Special Edition).''
*2002 [[Dave Matthews Band]], ''[[The Gorge (album)|The Gorge]] (6-Disc Special Edition).''
*2003 [[Johnny Cash]], opening track on ''[[Unearthed (Johnny Cash album)|Unearthed]]'' box set released just after his death
*2003 [[Johnny Cash]], opening track on ''[[Unearthed (Johnny Cash album)|Unearthed]]'' box set released just after his death
*2003 [[Deadstring Brothers]], ''Deadstring Brothers''<ref>{{citation|url=https://www.bloodshotrecords.com/album/deadstring-brothers |title=Deadstring Brothers - Deadstring Brothers |date=20 December 2013 |publisher=Bloodshot Records |access-date=18 June 2014}}</ref>
*2003 [[Deadstring Brothers]], ''Deadstring Brothers''<ref>{{citation |url=https://www.bloodshotrecords.com/album/deadstring-brothers |title=Deadstring Brothers - Deadstring Brothers |date=20 December 2013 |publisher=Bloodshot Records |access-date=18 June 2014 |archive-date=31 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130331085954/http://bloodshotrecords.com/album/deadstring-brothers |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*2003 [[Jon Langford]] and [[Pine Valley Cosmonauts|The Pine Valley Cosmanauts]], ''The Executioner's Last Songs: Volume 3''<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.discogs.com/Jon-Langford-2-And-Pine-Valley-Cosmonauts-The-The-Executioners-Last-Songs-Vol-2-3/release/1685583 |title=Jon Langford And The Pine Valley Cosmanauts |publisher=Discogs |access-date=18 June 2014}}</ref>
*2003 [[Jon Langford]] and [[Pine Valley Cosmonauts|The Pine Valley Cosmanauts]], ''The Executioner's Last Songs: Volume 3''<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.discogs.com/Jon-Langford-2-And-Pine-Valley-Cosmonauts-The-The-Executioners-Last-Songs-Vol-2-3/release/1685583 |title=Jon Langford And The Pine Valley Cosmanauts |publisher=Discogs |access-date=18 June 2014}}</ref>
*2003 Rob Coffinshaker, "Fairytales from the Dungeon" single<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.discogs.com/Rob-Coffinshaker-Fairytales-From-The-Dungeon/release/1734731 |title=Rob Coffinshaker = Fairytales From The Dungeon |publisher=Discogs |access-date=18 June 2014}}</ref>
*2003 Rob Coffinshaker, "Fairytales from the Dungeon" single<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.discogs.com/Rob-Coffinshaker-Fairytales-From-The-Dungeon/release/1734731 |title=Rob Coffinshaker = Fairytales From The Dungeon |publisher=Discogs |access-date=18 June 2014}}</ref>
*2003 [[Harry Manx]], ''[[Johnny's Blues: A Tribute To Johnny Cash]]'' (compilation tribute album)
*2003 [[Harry Manx]], ''[[Johnny's Blues: A Tribute To Johnny Cash]]'' (compilation tribute album)
*2004 [[Dave Gunning]] and [[Charlie A'Court]] from Gunning's CD Two-Bit World
*2004 [[Dave Gunning]] and [[Charlie A’Court|Charlie A'Court]] from Gunning's CD Two-Bit World
*2005 [[Tim O'Brien (musician)|Tim O'Brien]], ''Fiddler's Green'' <ref>{{citation|url=http://www.discogs.com/Tim-OBrien-Fiddlers-Green/release/4717507 |title=Tim O'Brien - Fiddler's Green |publisher=Discogs |access-date=13 July 2014}}</ref>
*2005 [[Tim O'Brien (musician)|Tim O'Brien]], ''Fiddler's Green'' <ref>{{citation|url=http://www.discogs.com/Tim-OBrien-Fiddlers-Green/release/4717507 |title=Tim O'Brien - Fiddler's Green |publisher=Discogs |access-date=13 July 2014}}</ref>
*2005 Bruce Hornsby, ''[[Intersections (1985-2005)]]'' (cameoed in the middle of "White-Wheeled Limousine")
*2005 Bruce Hornsby, ''[[Intersections (1985-2005)]]'' (cameoed in the middle of "White-Wheeled Limousine")
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*2006 Crooked Fingers, ''Like a Version 2'',<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.discogs.com/Various-Like-A-Version-Two/release/1704779| title=Various - Like A Version Two| publisher=Discogs |access-date=6 September 2014}}</ref> an Australian covers album
*2006 Crooked Fingers, ''Like a Version 2'',<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.discogs.com/Various-Like-A-Version-Two/release/1704779| title=Various - Like A Version Two| publisher=Discogs |access-date=6 September 2014}}</ref> an Australian covers album
*2006 [[Richard Hawley]], B-side of "Just Like The Rain"
*2006 [[Richard Hawley]], B-side of "Just Like The Rain"
*2007 [[Stoney LaRue]], ''[[Live at Billy Bob's Texas (Stoney LaRue album)|Live at Billy Bob's Texas]]''
*2007 [[Stoney LaRue]], ''Live at Billy Bob's Texas''
*2007 [[David Gray (musician)|David Gray]],"[[A Thousand Miles Behind]]" live USA
*2007 [[David Gray (British musician)|David Gray]],"[[A Thousand Miles Behind]]" live USA
*2007 [[Chip Taylor]] & [[Carrie Rodriguez]] ''Live From The Ruhr Triennale''
*2007 [[Chip Taylor]] & [[Carrie Rodriguez]] ''Live From The Ruhr Triennale''
*2007 Professor Louis and the Crowmatix (The Spirit of Woodstock)
*2007 Professor Louis and the Crowmatix (The Spirit of Woodstock)
Line 154: Line 163:
==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*{{MetroLyrics song|band|long-black-veil}}


{{Lefty Frizzell}}
{{Lefty Frizzell}}
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[[Category:United States National Recording Registry recordings]]
[[Category:United States National Recording Registry recordings]]
[[Category:1950s ballads]]
[[Category:1950s ballads]]
[[Category:Song recordings produced by Don Law]]
[[Category:Mike Ness Songs]]

Latest revision as of 03:28, 28 May 2024

"The Long Black Veil" redirects here. For the Chieftains album, see The Long Black Veil (album).
"Long Black Veil"
Single by Lefty Frizzell
B-side"When It Rains the Blues"
ReleasedApril 20, 1959 (US)
RecordedMarch 3, 1959
GenreLand
Length3:05
LabelColumbia 4-41384
Songwriter(s)Marijohn Wilkin, Danny Dill
Producer(s)Don Law
Lefty Frizzell singles chronology
"Cigarettes and Coffee Blues"
(1958) 		"Long Black Veil"
(1959) 		"Forbidden Lovers"
(1963)

"Long Black Veil" is a 1959 country ballad, written by Danny Dill and Marijohn Wilkin and originally recorded by Lefty Frizzell.

It is told from the point of view of a man falsely accused of murder and executed. He refuses to provide an alibi, since on the night of the murder he was having an extramarital affair with his best friend's wife, and would rather die and take their secret to his grave than admit the truth. The chorus describes the woman's mourning visits to his gravesite, wearing a long black veil and enduring a wailing wind.

In 2019, Frizzell's version of "Long Black Veil" was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Recording Registry for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".[1]

Background

[edit]

The writers later stated that they drew on three sources for their inspiration: Red Foley's recording of "God Walks these Hills with Me", a contemporary newspaper report about the unsolved murder of a priest, and the legend of a mysterious veiled woman who regularly visited Rudolph Valentino's grave. Dill himself called it an "instant folksong".

Wilkin played piano on the original recording by Frizzell. The song was a departure from Frizzell's previous honky tonk style and was a deliberate move toward the then-current popularity of folk-styled material and the burgeoning Nashville sound.

Success

[edit]

Recorded in Nashville in 1959 by Lefty Frizzell and produced by Don Law, the single reached #6 on Billboard Hot C&W Sides chart. In the process, the song became Frizzell's best-performing single in five years.

Cover versions

[edit]

"Long Black Veil" has become a standard and has been covered by a variety of artists in country, folk and rock styles. The highest charting cover version was a #26 country hit by Sammi Smith in 1974.

Johnny Cash performed the song on the first episode of The Johnny Cash Show in 1969, duetting with Joni Mitchell. The song has also appeared on landmark albums by Johnny Cash and The Band in 1968 (see list below), and charted again in 1999 with the Dave Matthews Band, who performed the song live with Emmylou Harris at a Johnny Cash tribute concert. Early in her career, Joan Baez incorporated the song into her live repertoire, and recorded it twice (see list below).

The Band performed the song at the 1969 Woodstock Festival, and it appears on their first studio album, Music From Big Pink.

Bob Dylan performed a version of the song in 1970, as an outtake to the Self Portrait/New Morning sessions. This version was finally officially released on the Bob Dylan 1970 compilation in 2020, fifty years after the recording. Dylan also played the song in a live performance in 1997.

The song appears on David Allan Coe's 1984 compilation 20 Greatest Hits and on Marianne Faithfull's Rich Kid Blues, recorded in 1971 but shelved until 1985.[2]

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds recorded a version for the 1986 covers album Kicking Against the Pricks.

The song was performed by Bruce Springsteen on his 2006 Seeger Sessions Band Tour.[3]

The chorus is frequently sung by Bruce Hornsby during live performances of his song "White Wheeled Limousine", including the version on the retrospective box set Intersections (1985-2005).

In 1992 the British band Diesel Park West covered the song (along with other cover versions) on their series of ‘God Only Knows’ EPs that were released on the EMI/Food record label.

Mick Jagger recorded a version with The Chieftains for that group's 1995 album The Long Black Veil.

Mike Ness, principal songwriter and guitarist of punk-rock band Social Distortion, covered the song on his 1999 debut solo album Cheating at Solitaire.

Jerry Garcia, David Grisman and Tony Rice cover the song on the 2000 Pizza Tapes recordings.

It has been covered by Harry Manx, including a version on the compilation Johnny's Blues: A Tribute to Johnny Cash, and in October 2009, by Rosanne Cash on her album The List. A version by Scottish rock band Nazareth was never released on an album, but is played at live concerts.[4]

On the 2011 album Rancho Alto by Jason Boland & the Stragglers, the song "False Accuser's Lament" is a follow-up to "Long Black Veil", describing a witness's view of the events and the role that he played.

Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead performed the song several times, with a variety of musicians, in his rotating line-ups of Phil Lesh and Friends at his venue Terrapin Crossroads. Jamey Johnson has covered the song on tour.[5] Black Rebel Motorcycle Club occasionally perform the song during their live shows.[6] The Black Crowes have covered the song, for instance during their December 17, 2010, performance at The Fillmore in San Francisco.

Richard Hawley covered the song as a B-side to "Just Like the Rain".[7]

The Proclaimers' version is included as a bonus track on the 2001 release of their 1988 album Sunshine on Leith. [8]

Hit singles

[edit]

Tracks on hit albums

[edit]

Other versions

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Andrews, Travis M. (March 20, 2019). "Jay-Z, a speech by Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and 'Schoolhouse Rock!' among recordings deemed classics by Library of Congress". The Washington Post. Retrieved March 25, 2019.
  2. ^ a b "Rich Kid Blues". Discogs. 1998. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
  3. ^ "Long Black Veil - Bruce Springsteen & the Seeger Sessions". YouTube. 6 February 2007. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
  4. ^ "Nazareth - Long Black Veil (Ekaterinburg, 29.10.2008)". 11 November 2008. Retrieved 15 June 2014 – via YouTube.
  5. ^ "Jamey Johnson Long Black Veil July 4th picnic at Billy Bob's Fort Worth Texas". YouTube. 25 July 2012. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
  6. ^ "BRMC "Long Black Veil/A Fine Way To Lose" @ High Noon Saloon". YouTube. 7 May 2008. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
  7. ^ "Just Like the Rain - Richard Hawley | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved 2016-08-31.
  8. ^ "Sunshine on Leith - the Proclaimers | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic". AllMusic.
  9. ^ May 4, 1964, The Tangent, Palo Alto, CA, The Grateful Dead Family Discography, retrieved 15 June 2014
  10. ^ Johnny Williams and The Jokers - The Long Black Veil, Discogs, 1964, retrieved 15 June 2014
  11. ^ The Move - The BBC Sessions, Discogs, 1995, retrieved 15 June 2014
  12. ^ The Byrds - Live In Boston 1969, Discogs, 1992, retrieved 15 June 2014
  13. ^ Guitars 101 Forum discloses the "unnamed" track 3 of that recording. Track 3 is Long Black Veil. Retrieved 28 July 2013.
  14. ^ Bill Monroe And His Blue Grass Boys - Kentucky Bluegrass, Discogs, 1970, retrieved 15 June 2014
  15. ^ Hank Williams Jr. With The Mike Curb Congregation, Discogs, 1971, retrieved 15 June 2014
  16. ^ "LP Pod li??? Sk?lou". Archived from the original on 2007-01-07. Retrieved 2014-08-15.
  17. ^ Baby Opaque - Fugue In Cow Minor, Discogs, 1985, retrieved 15 June 2014
  18. ^ The Proclaimers - King Of The Road, Discogs, 1990, retrieved 15 June 2014
  19. ^ Don Walser: Official Website, DonWalser.com, archived from the original on 10 July 2011, retrieved 16 June 2014
  20. ^ Sally Timms - Cowboy Sally, Discogs, 1997, retrieved 16 June 2014
  21. ^ Jason & The Scorchers - Wildfires + Misfires, Discogs, retrieved 18 June 2014
  22. ^ Bastard Sons Of Johnny Cash - Distance Between, Discogs, retrieved 18 June 2014
  23. ^ Deadstring Brothers - Deadstring Brothers, Bloodshot Records, 20 December 2013, archived from the original on 31 March 2013, retrieved 18 June 2014
  24. ^ Jon Langford And The Pine Valley Cosmanauts, Discogs, retrieved 18 June 2014
  25. ^ Rob Coffinshaker = Fairytales From The Dungeon, Discogs, retrieved 18 June 2014
  26. ^ Tim O'Brien - Fiddler's Green, Discogs, retrieved 13 July 2014
  27. ^ Charming Hostess - Punch, Discogs, retrieved 13 July 2014
  28. ^ Various - Like A Version Two, Discogs, retrieved 6 September 2014
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