Norma Jean Sings Porter Wagoner is a studio album by American singer, Norma Jean. It was released in March 1967 by RCA Victor and was her fifth studio album. The project paid tribute to Porter Wagoner, who helped Norma Jean rise to fame in the country genre. On the album, she sings Wagoner's best-known material, along with some of his more recent music. It reached the top-20 on the US country albums survey in 1967.
Background Norma Jean found commercial success in country music after being cast on Porter Wagoner's television show in 1960. This led to a solo recording contract with RCA Victor and a string of top-40 country singles during the decade, including several that made the top-10. She then paid tribute to Wagoner by recording an album of his best-known songs and hits. The collection was produced by Bob Ferguson and were engineered by Jim Malloy. Malloy also wrote the project's liner notes and explained that Wagoner was not aware of the album's recording until they surprised him on his birthday by inviting him to a recording session. A total of 12 tracks comprised Norma Jean Sings Porter Wagoner, including popular Wagoner songs like "A Satisfied Mind" and a recent recording called "I Just Came to Smell the Flowers".
Release, critical reception and chart performance Norma Jean Sings Porter Wagoner was released by RCA Victor in March 1967 and was her sixth studio album. It was distributed as a vinyl LP, offered in either monaural or stereo formats. Cash Box magazine gave it a positive review, calling it "a heartfelt tribute to Porter Wagoner". A written review was not provided by AllMusic, however, the publication gave it 4.5 out of 5 stars. The disc reached number 19 on the US Billboard Top Country Albums chart in 1967, becoming her fifth album to reach the survey. It was also her fourth album to reach the chart's top-20 as well.
Track listing
Charts Chart (1967) Peakposition US Top Country Albums (Billboard)19
Release history + Release history and formats for Norma Jean Sings Porter Wagoner Region Date Format Label Ref. Various March 1967 RCA Victor Circa 2020 Sony Music Entertainment
References