The Inspiration Behind These Famous Songs Show That A Great Idea Can Come From Anywhere

A Boy Named Sue

Alice Ochs / Contributor

Another one of Johnny Cash’s most recognizable hits is “A Boy Named Sue.” Cash recorded the tune in early 1969 and it quickly became his biggest hit on the Billboard Hot 100, spending three weeks in the number two spot.

It’s surprising enough that Cash only has one top-ten single throughout his career — but what may be more surprising is how “A Boy Named Sue” came to be. The song was written by poet and humorist Shel Silverstein. Silverstein was inspired by his close friend Jean Shepherd who was taunted as a child for his feminine name.

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