The country song “Almost Persuaded” has been recorded by some great singers. Two of the greatest country singers of all time — George Jones and Tammy Wynette — each recorded wonderful versions. But Etta James, not usually thought of for country music, has the greatest version of the song.
“Almost Persuaded” was written by Glenn Sutton and the famous country producer Billy Sherrill. David Houston first released the song in 1966, and his version of “Almost Persuaded” was a number one country hit. It also was top 40 on the pop charts.
The song’s topic is somewhat unusual, as it is not celebrating love or reporting a heartbreak. In “Almost Persuaded,” the singer is married but finds an attraction to another. The singer considers having an affair, but ultimately sees the wedding ring and remembers to be faithful to his or her spouse.
In Houston’s version, the song is slow and sort of sad. In the version by Etta James, she takes the song and stretches out the anguish in the tale while also finding empowerment.
James released her version two years after Houston scored a hit, releasing her version of “Almost Persuaded” in December 1968.
What is interesting about the lyrics is the singer’s decision to be faithful is based on more than one reason. There is the obvious reason, that the singer does not want to lose the “sweet love” she has. But she also recognizes that cheating will change her.
And I was almost persuaded to strip myself of my pride;
Almost persuaded to push my conscience aside.
“Almost Persuaded” is a beautiful song, maybe the best one about struggling to be faithful to the one you love. Some have noted the song’s connection to gospel music, noting also that the title comes from a hymn from the ninth century, “Almost Persuaded” by Philip Bliss
Interestingly, the song started out as a B-side. When David Houston recorded a song called “We Got Love” as his A-side, he didn’t have a B-side song. So his producer Billy Sherill worked with Glenn Sutton to write the B-side song (although another source reports that the song was originally written for Charlie Walker). They came up with “Almost Persuaded.” But after the single was released, a DJ in Atlanta started playing Houston’s B-side and soon “Almost Persuaded” became the hit.
Sometimes a great song finds its own way. And sometimes a great song finds another great version in an artist like Etta James.
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