Lynn Anderson Dies at 67; Here Are Five Versions of 'Rose Garden'

Lynn Anderson, the country singer best known for her recording of "(I Never Promised You a) Rose Garden," died of a heart attack Thursday night at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The 67-year-old was hospitalized for pneumonia following a trip to Italy. She is survived by her father, her partner Mentor Williams, three children and four grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home; we'll post more details as they become available.

Anderson's hit take on "Rose Garden" was far from her first chart success, but her rendition, which won the Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance in 1971, is easily the definitive one, influencing a variety of takes including the opener from Morrissey's July 3 show at the Ryman. After the jump, hear Anderson's track, the original recording by songwriter Joe South and four other takes that more — or less — take their cues from Anderson.

For comparison, here's the original, performed by the songwriter, Joe South:

Here's Johnny Mathis, crooning away:

And the irrepressible guitar man Jerry Reed's instrumental take from The Porter Wagoner Show:

It even translates to Indonesian, in a performance by Aida Mustafa:

And to play us out, The Suicide Machines' ska-punk take from the SLC Punk soundtrack: