who wrote a boy named sue

The song “A Boy Named Sue” was written by Shel Silverstein, and made famous by Johnny Cash’s 1969 recording.

Quick Scoop

• Songwriter: Shel Silverstein, an American poet, cartoonist, and songwriter who also wrote children’s classics like The Giving Tree and Where the Sidewalk Ends.

• Made famous by: Johnny Cash, who performed it live at California’s San Quentin State Prison; this version became a major country and pop hit in 1969.

• Inspiration for the story: Silverstein was inspired by a real man named Sue K. Hicks, a male lawyer whose first name “Sue” struck him as unusual and humorous, and by stories from his friend Jean Shepard about being teased for having a “girl’s” name.

• Follow‑up piece: Silverstein later wrote a companion song called “The Father of a Boy Named Sue,” telling the story from the father’s point of view.

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