1954 Top Ten: Looking Back to See (#7)

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Although this wasn’t intentional, I like the way it’s working out in this double-barreled look at songs getting “older” this year. If there’s a country song in 1954 (where most of the country songs are in this month’s list) then there’s something in the 1984 discussion to balance it out. So, if you have a headache at the mention of country music (Linda? NO!!!!!!), then go listen to Elton. Meanwhile, here’s today’s song that’s now 70 years old. #7: Looking Back to See - The Browns The Browns were best known as a trio of brother Jim Ed and sisters Maxine and Bonnie. With this, their first hit, it was just a duo of Jim Ed and Maxine, as younger sister Bonnie was still in school. The song was inspired by their youngest sister, Naomi, excitedly trying to explain something and she kept repeating “looking back to see.” A classic was born. Jim Ed and Maxine’s version of the song was a hit, as was a cover by Justin Tubb (Ernest Tubb’s son) and Goldie Hill (Carl Smith’s future wife [at the time, Smith was still married to June Carter]). Both charted in 1954. Numerous male/female duos have covered this song in country music history. Looking Back to See Written by Jim Edward Brown and Maxine Brown Recorded by the Browns Released as a single, 1954 I will sit close by your side: