First recorded by Wanda Jackson (B-side 1956).
Hit versions by The Springfields (US #20/C&W #16 1962), Linda Ronstadt (1969 |re-recorded US #68/C&W #20 1974).
From the wiki: “‘Silver Threads and Golden Needles’ was written by Jack Rhodes and Dick Reynolds. The song was first recorded by Wanda Jackson in 1956, and was released as the B-side to the single ‘Hot Dog! That Made Him Mad’ which did not chart.
“The Springfields (featuring a pre-solo Dusty Springfield) released ‘Silver Threads’ as their third UK single but it flopped in their home country. But, released as their first US single in 1962, it became a Stateside hit; their only appearance in the US Top 40 and the first single of U.K.-origin to crack the U.S. Top-20.
“Linda Ronstadt recorded and released two versions of the song: the first, on her 1969 solo debut album Hand Sown … Home Grown; the second, a country-pop crossover version for her 1973 Don’t Cry Now album. The latter resulted in a country Top-20 hit while also charting on the Billboard Hot 100.”
The Springfields, “Silver Threads and Golden Needles” (1962):
Linda Ronstadt, “Silver Threads and Golden Needles” (1969):
Linda Ronstadt, “Silver Threads and Golden Needles” re-recording (1974):