What inspired Tammy Wynette to write the song “Divorce”?
Who Wrote “Divorce” by Tammy Wynette?
Country music legend Tammy Wynette is known for her poignant ballads about love and heartbreak, and one of her most iconic songs is “D-I-V-O-R-C-E.”
But who wrote this classic tune that still resonates with audiences today?
The Songwriters
Contrary to popular belief, Tammy Wynette did not write “D-I-V-O-R-C-E.”
The song was actually written by Bobby Braddock and Curly Putman, two accomplished songwriters in the country music industry.
Braddock had already written hits for artists like George Jones and Tammy Wynette herself, while Putman had penned songs for the likes of Dolly Parton and Ray Charles.
The Story Behind “Divorce”
The inspiration for “D-I-V-O-R-C-E” came from Putman’s personal life. He had just gone through a divorce himself and noticed how his daughter would spell out words to avoid upsetting her mother during phone calls.
He brought this idea to Braddock, who helped him craft the song’s emotional lyrics about a couple going through a heartbreaking separation.
Together, they created a song that struck a chord with audiences dealing with similar situations, and it became one of Tammy Wynette’s biggest hits.
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On April 5th, 1968, a song written by Billy Sherrill and first performed on the Grand Ole Opry by Tammy Wynette forever changed the conversation about divorce in America and around the world. Her iconic song, “D-I-V-O-R-C-E,” touched on a personal theme for Wynette—she had experienced a troubled marriage to her first husband, Don Chapel.
The original lyrics were penned by Sherrill and South African-born English lyricist Norro Wilson, who was a young producer for Epic Records at the time. Tamy had been an instant fan of the song, saying that it was the most real and heartbreaking she’d ever heard.
It was the pair’s faithfulness to the song’s original concept that made it a hit. In an interview, Sherrill recalled that, “Tamy said, ‘Don’t change it. It’s too sad. Leave it like it is.’… And poor old Tammy just about burst into tears at the end of it.”
The song became a number one for Tammy Wynette, reaching the top of the Hot Country Songs. It became a major crossover hit, appearing on both Country and Billboard Hot 100, and made a significant impact on the pop music landscape. To this day, “D-I-V-O-R-C-E” is regarded as one of the most powerful songs of its time.
In writing the lyrics, Sherrill and Wilson captured the narrative of a relationship gone wrong, providing a voice to those whose stories were not often spoken of openly. The song serves as a reminder that divorce is a part of many people’s lives, even if it is not always easy to talk about. Tamy Wynette and Billy Sherrill revolutionized the discussion of divorce, making it a topic open for discussion.