Revisionist History: Encore – The King of Tears

Episode Release Date: July 10, 2025
Host: Malcolm Gladwell
Produced by Pushkin Industries

Introduction: A Young Malcolm and Country Music

Malcolm Gladwell opens the episode by reminiscing about his early fascination with country music. Growing up as a British Jamaican in rural Ontario during the 1970s, Malcolm found solace in the melancholic tunes of Nashville legends like Johnny Cash, George Jones, and Tammy Wynette. He recounts how songs like George Jones’s "The Grand Tour" captivated him with their emotional depth:

“[00:50] ... 'Some things I know will chill you to the bone.' To my maudlin 13-year-old heart, that line was so fantastic, so over the top, so bonkers.”

This early connection set the stage for his exploration into why country music, particularly its sad songs, holds such emotional power.

The Heart of Sad Songwriting: Meeting Bobby Braddock

Gladwell delves into his encounter with Bobby Braddock, a revered Nashville songwriter known as the "King of Tears." Braddock, described as a wiry man with intense blue eyes, embodies the soul of country music:

“[02:00] I met him on Music Row in Nashville. We had lunch and then we sat in one of the writers' rooms in the Sony building...”

Braddock’s reputation for crafting deeply emotional songs is highlighted through his breakthrough hit "D I V O R C E," performed by Tammy Wynette. Initially dismissed for its gimmicky spelling out of the word "divorce," the song found success after collaboration with Curly Putman, who helped infuse genuine sadness into the melody:

“[04:55] 'D I V O R C E' went to number one. It was Bobby Braddock's first great exercise in how to make people cry.”

The Science of Sadness: Specificity and Emotion in Lyrics

Gladwell explores the mechanics behind why certain songs make listeners cry, emphasizing the role of specificity. He contrasts country music with rock and other genres, arguing that country’s detailed storytelling allows listeners to form a deeper emotional connection:

“[26:30] ... 'Anne Frank in the bathtub to the tune of a Sousa march with the horrors of the Holocaust outside her door.'”

This combination of vivid imagery and authentic emotion creates a powerful impact, making listeners empathize and feel the intended sadness.

Iconic Moments: "He Stopped Loving Her Today" and George Jones

A pivotal moment in the episode centers on the song "He Stopped Loving Her Today," written by Bobby Braddock and performed by George Jones. Malcolm describes the profound effect the song had on him and its place in country music history:

“[12:18] Bobby Braddock: 'Smoky Mountain Greyhound. She bows her head down, humming lullabies...'”

The song’s narrative about enduring love and ultimate loss resonates deeply, especially when performed at George Jones's memorial service. The emotional finale, featuring Alan Jackson singing the song with heartfelt sincerity, underscores its timeless impact:

“[46:41] Bobby Braddock: 'He stopped loving her today.'
[47:20] Malcolm Gladwell: 'And if you aren't crying, I can't help you.'”

Cultural Reflections: Country vs. Rock and Hip-Hop

Gladwell contrasts the emotional expressions in country music with those in rock and hip-hop. He notes that while rock often relies on repetitive clichés due to its diverse origins, country music thrives on rich, specific storytelling:

“[37:06] Country music makes people cry because it's not afraid to be specific.”

This specificity allows country songs to tackle complex emotions and real-life dramas, fostering a deeper connection with the audience.

Bobby Braddock’s Turbulent Journey and Songwriting

The episode delves into Braddock's personal life, illustrating how his tumultuous experiences—from the tragic loss of his son to his tumultuous relationships—influence his songwriting. His memoir, "A Life on Nashville's Music Row," is described as an exhaustive yet compelling account of his emotionally charged life:

“[28:20] ... 'We've lived this incredibly tumultuous, emotionally tumultuous life.'”

Braddock’s ability to channel his pain and experiences into his music is portrayed as both his greatest strength and a source of personal struggle.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Sad Songs

Malcolm wraps up the episode by reflecting on the profound legacy of songs like "He Stopped Loving Her Today." He emphasizes that the emotional depth and specificity of country music’s sad songs not only define the genre but also bridge cultural and emotional divides:

“[42:42] Bobby Braddock: 'He stopped loving her today.'
[43:06] Advertiser: [Skipped]
[47:09] Bobby Braddock: 'He stopped loving her today.'
[47:20] Malcolm Gladwell: 'And if you aren't crying, I can't help you.'”

This powerful conclusion underscores the unique ability of country music to evoke deep emotions through authentic storytelling and specific lyrical content.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Malcolm Gladwell [00:50]: “Some things I know will chill you to the bone.”
• Bobby Braddock [03:15]: “I think I always had the reputation as being kind of a quirky writer, maybe a little left field.”
• Malcolm Gladwell [04:55]: “‘D I V O R C E’ went to number one. It was Bobby Braddock's first great exercise in how to make people cry.”
• Bobby Braddock [08:12]: “She came to see him one last time.”
• Malcolm Gladwell [37:06]: “Country music makes people cry because it's not afraid to be specific.”
• Malcolm Gladwell [42:42]: “He stopped loving her today.”
• Malcolm Gladwell [47:20]: “And if you aren't crying, I can't help you.”

Final Thoughts:

In "Encore: The King of Tears," Malcolm Gladwell masterfully dissects the emotional potency of country music's sadder tunes, spotlighting Bobby Braddock’s remarkable talent for storytelling through heartbreak. By juxtaposing country music's specificity with the broader, often less emotionally rich rock genre, Gladwell provides a compelling narrative on why certain songs resonate profoundly, leaving listeners moved and reflective.