Still (Bill Anderson album)

By 1963, Bill Anderson had been recording for Decca Records for five years. He signed with the label in 1958 and recorded several hits, including "The Tip of My Fingers" and "Mama Sang a Song".[2] However, a proper debut studio album by Anderson had not yet been released. With the success of the title track in 1963, Decca decided to release his first full-length studio effort. The album's recording sessions were compiled from 1961. Further sessions were added on through early 1963. Sessions were first held at the Columbia Recording Studio in 1961 and were later held at Bradley's Barn, all located in Nashville, Tennessee. The album's recordings were produced by Owen Bradley, whom Anderson had been working with since his original signing.[3]

Still consisted of 12 tracks. Five of the album's songs were written or co-written by Anderson, including the title track. Additional tracks were composed by other artists and songwriters. Further writers on the project included Ned Miller, Ernest Tubb and Fred Rose.[4] Also included were cover versions of songs first recorded by others. These tracks were "From a Jack to a King", "Take These Chains from My Heart", "Little Band of Gold", "The Reverend Mr. Black", "It's Been So Long Darling" and "Down Came the Rain".[4]

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
Allmusic

Before the album's release the first single was issued in February 1962. The single, "Get a Little Dirt on Your Hands", peaked at number 14 on the Billboard country singles chart.[5] The second single issued was the title track in February 1963. It became Anderson's second single to reach number one on the Billboard country singles chart, reaching the top spot in April 1963.[6] It also crossed over to the Hot 100 where it became a major hit and peaked at number eight in June 1963.[7] It also reached a top ten position on the Billboard adult contemporary chart, peaking at number three.[8]

Still was later given 3.5 stars from Allmusic in their review of the album.[1] Still was originally released on June 17, 1963 via Decca Records.[1] The album was first issued as a vinyl record, containing six songs on side one and six songs on side two.[4] Upon its release, Still peaked at number ten on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, becoming his first album to place on this chart.[5] It also reach a peak position on the Billboard 200 album chart, reaching number 36 in September 1963. It would be Anderson's only studio release to make an appearance on the latter chart.[9]

All credits are adapted from the liner notes of Still.[3]

Musical personnel

Technical personnel

• Owen Bradley – record producer
• Hal Buksbaum – photography