Ferlin Husky – “Wings Of A Dove”
Few country songs blend faith, hope and traditional country music quite like Ferlin Husky’s “Wings of a Dove.” Released in 1960, the song became one of Husky’s signature recordings and one of the biggest country crossover hits of its era.
“Wings of a Dove” was written by Bob Ferguson, who would go on to become an important Nashville producer, working with artists including Porter Wagoner, Dolly Parton and Connie Smith. Ferguson wrote the song in 1958, and its spiritual message drew heavily on biblical imagery. The dove represents peace, hope and divine reassurance, with the song referencing the story of Noah and the flood in the Book of Genesis. The title also echoes the imagery of Psalm 55.
Husky recorded “Wings of a Dove” on May 24, 1960, at Bradley Studios in Nashville. The session was produced by legendary Capitol Records producer Ken Nelson, who played an enormous role in shaping country music during the 1950s and ’60s. Rather than overwhelming the song with elaborate production, the recording allowed Husky’s distinctive voice and the uplifting melody to carry the message.
Released by Capitol in July 1960, “Wings of a Dove” became a phenomenon. It reached No. 1 on Billboard’s country chart and stayed there for an impressive 10 nonconsecutive weeks. Even more remarkable was its crossover success: the record climbed all the way to No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100, bringing Husky’s voice to listeners far beyond the country audience.
The success was especially significant because Husky was already an established star. His 1957 recording of “Gone” had topped the country chart and crossed over to the pop audience as well. But “Wings of a Dove” became perhaps the song most closely associated with him. It would also be his third and final No. 1 country hit.
The song’s appeal has lasted for generations. Artists including George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Charley Pride, Ricky Skaggs and Dolly Parton have recorded it, while Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette and Loretta Lynn included a version on their 1993 album Honky Tonk Angels. Robert Duvall also sang the song in the acclaimed 1983 film Tender Mercies.
Its staying power was recognized in 1987 when BMI honored songwriter Bob Ferguson after “Wings of a Dove” reached one million broadcast performances.
Ferlin Husky was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2010, just months before his death in 2011. His career stretched across honky-tonk, country-pop, gospel, television and film, but “Wings of a Dove” remains one of his defining performances. More than six decades later, its simple message of finding hope and comfort during troubled times still gives the song the same warmth that made it a hit in 1960.
