About the song
Tanya Tucker’s second studio album, “What’s Your Mama’s Name,” stands as a significant milestone in her illustrious career. Released on May 21, 1973, by Columbia Records, the album showcases the exceptional production prowess of Billy Sherrill. Notably, this album features Tucker’s first two number one country singles: the titular “What’s Your Mama’s Name” and “Blood Red and Goin’ Down.” These tracks propelled Tucker to new heights, cementing her place in country music history.
The album’s commercial success is evidenced by its certification as Gold by the RIAA in 1995, signifying over 500,000 copies sold. Critics also lauded the album upon its release. A review in the June 2, 1973, issue of Cashbox highlighted the album’s diverse musical influences, ranging from rock and blues to gospel, all rooted in unmistakable country. The review praised “Blood Red and Goin’ Down” for its powerful opening on the B-side, with Tucker’s dramatic delivery complemented by sizzling mouth harp. The production, enriched by the contributions of the Jordanaires and the Nashville Edition, was described as “icing on the cake,” promising hours of listening pleasure.
Commercially, the album was a formidable success, peaking at No. 4 on the US Billboard Hot Country LP’s chart. The lead single, “What’s Your Mama’s Name,” released in March 1973, soared to No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and reached No. 86 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Its popularity extended to Canada, where it also claimed the No. 1 spot on the RPM Country Singles chart. The follow-up single, “Blood Red and Goin’ Down,” released in August 1973, mirrored this success. It too peaked at No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and climbed to No. 74 on the US Billboard Hot 100, while also securing the top position on Canada’s RPM Country Singles chart.
“What’s Your Mama’s Name” is not just an album; it is a testament to Tanya Tucker’s remarkable talent and versatility. The seamless blend of various musical genres under Sherrill’s masterful production and Tucker’s compelling vocal performances makes this album a timeless classic in country music.
Video
Lyrics
What’s your mama’s name child?
What’s your mama’s name?
Thirty some odd years ago a young man came to Memphis
Askin’ ’bout a rose that used to blossom in his world
People never took the time to mind the young man’s questions
Until one day they heard him ask a little green eyed girl
What’s your mama’s name child?
What’s your mama’s name?
Does she ever talk about a place called New Orleans?
Has she ever mentioned a man named Buford Wilson?
What’s your mama’s name child?
What’s your mama’s name?
Twenty some odd years ago a drunkard down in Memphis
Lost a month of life and labor to the county jail
Just because he asked a little green eyed girl a question
And offered her a nickel’s worth of candy if she’d tell
A year and some odd days ago an old man died in Memphis
Just another wayward soul the county had to claim
Inside the old mans ragged coat they found a faded letter
It said you have a daughter and her eyes are Wilson green
What’s your mama’s name child?
What’s your mama’s name?
Does she ever talk about a place called New Orleans?
Has she ever mentioned a man named Buford Wilson?
What’s your mama’s name child?
What’s your mama’s name?
What’s your mama’s name child?
What’s your mama’s name?