Hebb's parents, William and Ovalla Hebb, were both blind musicians. Hebb and his older brother, "Harold" performed as a song-and-dance duo in Nashville.
It’s Just a “B” Side
Hebb’s parents, William and Ovalla Hebb, were both blind musicians. Hebb and his older brother, “Harold” performed as a song-and-dance duo in Nashville, beginning when Bobby was three and Harold was nine. Hebb performed the song on a TV show hosted by country music record producer, Owen Bradley.
Hebb wrote the song in the 48 hours following a double tragedy on November 22, 1963: the day U.S. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, and Hebb’s older brother Harold was also stabbed to death outside a Nashville nightclub. Hebb was devastated by both events and many critics say that they, and critically the loss of his older brother, inspired the lyrics and tune. According to Hebb, he merely wrote the song as an expression of a preference for a “Sunny” disposition over a “terrible” disposition following the murder of his brother.
My friend, publisher and executive producer, Jerry Ross recorded this song as its producer, along with two other songs in a three-hour recording session which took place at Bell Sound Studios in June of 1966. This was one time that Ross totally underestimated the value of a song. He called it, a “B” side. It was the last of three songs recorded that day. They ran through it quickly and it ended up at a major hit. It was selected as one of the top 100 songs of the 20th Century.
I submit that this particular song will always be an inspiration for all who have seen bad times, sudden catastrophe and issues in their lives.
Jerry Ross will always be one of the greatest creators and innovators of the record marketplace during the period from 1960 to 1980, when I was fully invested in the same marketplace.