Entertainment Tonight: Alex Chilton of The Box Tops talks "The Letter" (1987)

Step-by-Step Tutorial: The Story of "The Letter" by The Box Tops

1. Introduction to The Box Tops and "The Letter"

   • The Box Tops were a band known for their hit song "The Letter," which was one of the shortest songs ever to hit number one on the singles chart.
   • The song "The Letter" was released during a difficult period and held significant meaning, especially for servicemen in Vietnam.

2. Origin of "The Letter"

   • The Box Tops got the opportunity to record "The Letter" because a local Memphis DJ supported them and introduced them to American recording studios.
   • The band worked with producer Dan Penn and 16-year-old singer Alex Chilton to bring the song to life.

3. Recording "The Letter"

   • Alex Chilton initially sang softly, but the producer encouraged him to sing with more intensity and growl in his voice, which added a soulful quality to the song.
   • Despite doubts about Chilton's age and appearance, his voice resonated with listeners, and the song stayed at number one for four weeks.

4. Success of "The Letter"

   • "The Letter" became a massive hit, resonating with people during the Vietnam War era, as it symbolized a ticket out of the challenging situation and back home.
   • The song's unique sound, including airplane sound effects and soulful vocals, contributed to its success.

5. Legacy of The Box Tops and "The Letter"

   • "The Letter" was the first gold record for producer Dan Penn, who added strings, horns, and airplane sound effects to the song.
   • The Box Tops had only one other top-10 hit with "Cry Like a Baby" before disbanding in 1970.

6. Variations of "The Letter"

   • The song "The Letter" saw success beyond The Box Tops, with covers by other artists like The Arbors and Joe Cocker, reaching high positions on the charts.

7. Conclusion

   • "The Letter" by The Box Tops remains a classic hit that captured the essence of its time and continues to be celebrated for its unique sound and impact on listeners.

By following these steps, you can gain a deeper understanding of the story behind "The Letter" by The Box Tops and its significance in music history.