First recorded by Johnny Darrell (1965).
Hit versions by Porter Wagoner (C&W #4 1965), Tom Jones (US #11/MOR #12/CAN #5/UK #1/IRE #1/AUS #1/NOR #1/NETH #2 1970).
Also recorded by Jerry Lee Lewis (1965).
From the wiki: “‘Green, Green Grass of Home’ was written by Claude ‘Curly’ Putman Jr. in 1964, a poignant song-story of a condemned man longing for his hometown before his impending execution.
“The song was first recorded by Johnny Darrell in 1965 and achieved moderate success on the country charts. Within a year another 15 arrangements of the song were recorded and released, with Porter Wagoner’s cover achieving Top 5 Country Singles chart success. However, it was Tom Jones’ rendition – learned from Jerry Lee Lewis’ 1965 recording – that catapulted the song to international fame in 1966. Jones’ powerful delivery and emotive interpretation struck a chord with listeners, propelling the song to the top of the charts in multiple countries, including the U.K.
“Since then, ‘Green, Green Grass of Home’ has been covered by a multitude of artists across various genres, including Elvis Presley, Merle Haggard, Bobby Bare, and Joan Baez, among others. Each rendition brings a unique perspective to the song’s themes of nostalgia, regret, and the yearning for home.
“Despite its melancholic subject matter, ‘Green, Green Grass of Home’ remains a beloved classic, resonating with audiences around the world and solidifying its place in the pantheon of iconic country songs.
“In September 2006, Jones performed the song as a duet with Jerry Lee Lewis during the taping of the latter’s Last Man Standing TV special in New York City, and credited Lewis with providing the inspiration for his own recording.”
Jerry Lee Lewis, “Green, Green Grass of Home” (1965):
Porter Wagoner, “Green, Green Grass of Home” (1965):
Tom Jones, “Green, Green Grass of Home” (1966):