Vietnam's Singing Soldier

Barry Sadler’s "Ballad of the Green Berets" reached number one in the Billboard Hot 100 on 5th March, 1966 - the only pro-Vietnam War hit to ever top the charts.

Before it even hit radio stations, Sadler had been performing the song at military bases and patriotic events, setting the stage for its massive success. RCA pushed it hard, knowing that in early ‘66, America’s support for the war was still strong. It wasn’t just a pop song—it was an anthem, played on news programmes and variety shows alike, capturing the hearts of those who wanted to stand with the troops.

The song sold millions, making Sadler a household name. But unlike charity-driven tributes, the money didn’t go to war relief—it went straight into Sadler’s pocket.

In this episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly consider why this single is no longer associated with the Vietnam War, despite being the biggest hit of the year; discover how Sadler was injured in the field by a booby trap; and tour through the bar fights, failed country music dreams, and, in one particularly dramatic moment, deadly love triangle that made up Sadler’s final act... 

Further Reading:

• ’War's Song’ (History Net, 2017): https://www.historynet.com/wars-song/

• ‘I Served in Vietnam. Here’s My Soundtrack’ (The New York Times, 2018): https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/13/opinion/vietnam-war-rock-music.html?searchResultPosition=3

• ‘The Ed Sullivan Show: The Ballad of the Green Berets’ (CBS, 1966): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5WJJVSE_BE

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