My Son

"My Son" is a song written and recorded by American country music singer Jan Howard. It is among several songs recorded by country artists during this period that related to the Vietnam War. The song is based on a letter Howard wrote to her son, Jimmy, who was drafted into the war. After writing the letter, she was inspired by family and friends to put it to music. Recording the song in a single take, it was released as a single in 1968. Howard sent the song to her son in 1968 after its release. Before he could write back, he was killed in battle. At the same time, "My Son" became a major hit on the country charts in the United States. The recording later appeared on Howard's 1969 self-titled studio album. Since its release, "My Son" has been considered among Howard's signature songs. In later years, the song also has also been featured in documentaries that discuss the Vietnam War. Background In 1968, Howard's oldest son, Jimmy, was drafted and soon serving in the Vietnam War. In her autobiography Howard said that she frequently wrote letters to her son to keep him updated on things happening at home. At some points, she was writing to him as much as two to three times per week. In one particular letter Howard described a feeling of "no control" over what she was composing. She remembered feeling that the letter was important and she shared it with other son, Carter. "Mom, you need to put that to music," he said to Howard. After spending more time thinking about it, she showed it to Bill Anderson, Howard's duet partner while recording for Decca Records. Anderson encouraged Howard to record it. Anderson and several session musicians helped create a musical background for the letter. With their assistance, a demo of the song was recorded in a studio. With Anderson's encouragement, Howard presented the demo to her producer, Owen Bradley.