Thanks a lot, this song was written by Don Sessions and Eddie Miller, it was recorded for the first time by Ernest Tubb and Texas Troubadours for the Decca label, on July 9, 1963, at Columbia Recording Studio, 804 16th Ave. South, Nashville, TN, in the recording were: Ernest Tubb (vocal), Grady Martin (guitar), Cal Smith (guitar), Leon Rhodes (guitar), Buddy Charleton (steel), Jack Drake (bass), Jack Greene (drums), Hargus Robbins (piano). With the production of Owen Bradley, the song was released in August 1963, on December 28, 1963, reached # 3 on the charts of U.S Hot Country Songs, and remained 23 weeks in the charts.
The song was included the album of the same name, Thanks a lot (Decca 1964), the album was released in June 1964 and on September 26, 1964, it reached number # 7 on the charts of US Top Country Albums, and He kept 21 weeks on the charts.
On December 31, 1979, live recordings were made at Long Horn Ballroom, Dallas, TX, there are several live recordings, Live from the Spanish Castle (1965 Seattle), Live At The Lonestar Cafe (1978 New York).
Although, thanks to lot, I do not get to number one, it is one of the best known topics of Ernest Tubb, and one of the most versioned.
Some versions:
Breda Lee 1965 (Decca)
David Houston 1965 (Epic)
Warner Mack 1966 (Decca)
Carl Smith 1967 (Columbia)
Billy Parker 1979 (SCR)
Ernest Tubb & Loretta Lynn 1979 (Cachet)
Hank Williams J.r 1987 (Warner)
Two Dollar Pistols 1998 (Yep Roc Records)