Cut fifty years ago, in mid-September 1970, Lynn Anderson’s “Rose Garden” had been recorded several times before she interpreted it, including versions by three pop stars: Billy Joe Royal in 1967; the song's writer, Joe South, on his debut solo album in 1968; and Dobie Gray in 1969. Two of them released the song as a single, but those versions never became hits. Anderson heard South’s version and loved the song. At first, her husband and producer, Glenn Sutton, didn’t want her to cut “Rose Garde

"ROSE GARDEN (I Never Promised You A Rose Garden)" A song written in 1967 by American singer-songwriter Joe South. It was first recorded by Billy Joe Royal on his 1967 studio album. Versions by South himself and Dobie Gray appeared shortly after the original. Gray's version became a minor hit in North America in 1969. In 1970, Lynn Anderson recorded "Rose Garden" after hearing South's original version. However, Anderson's producer rejected the song's recording because he did not consider it to b