The Surprising Story Behind John Wayne’s Spoken Word Album
John Wayne—an American icon, a Hollywood legend, and a symbol of rugged individualism. We all know him for his tough-guy roles in Westerns, but did you know he once released a spoken word album? That’s right, in 1973, "The Duke" stepped out of his comfort zone to record America, Why I Love Her , a deeply patriotic collection of spoken word poetry. And here’s the kicker—it wasn’t even his idea.
Also Read:- CBS Cancels Two FBI Spinoffs—What’s Next for the Franchise?
- DWP’s New Powers to Check Bank Accounts Spark Major Privacy Concerns
The inspiration came during the filming of Chisum (1970), when actor John Mitchum—who wrote the poems—was reciting one on set. Fellow actor Forrest Tucker was so moved that he insisted Mitchum share it with Wayne. When Wayne heard Why Are You Marching, Son? for the first time, he was visibly emotional. And despite never recording anything in his life, he made a bold decision: he wanted to create an entire album of Mitchum’s poetry.
Wayne’s powerful delivery, combined with the deep patriotic themes, struck a chord with audiences. The album was a hit, even earning him a Grammy nomination for Best Spoken Word Album in 1974. And it didn’t just disappear into history—after his passing in 1979, the album was re-released, and then again after the tragic events of September 11, 2001, as a reminder of American resilience.
His favorite tracks? The People and Why I Love Her . They weren’t just performances for him—they were personal. Wayne, a man who valued country, honor, and tradition, saw these poems as an extension of himself. Today, his legacy continues with The Little Duke series, children's books inspired by the album, teaching American values to a new generation.
So, whether you knew John Wayne as a cowboy, a war hero, or just a classic Hollywood star, there’s another side to him that might surprise you—a man with a deep love for his country, willing to try something completely new just to share that love with the world.
Read More:
0 Comments