"The Letter" is a song written by Wayne Carson that was first recorded by the American rock band the Box Tops in 1967. It was the group's first and biggest record chart hit, reaching No. 1 in the United States and Canada. It was also an international success, achieving the top ten in several other countries.
The Box Tops lead vocalist Alex Chilton sang "The Letter" in a gruff blue-eyed soul style. The song launched Chilton's career and inspired numerous cover versions. English rock and soul singer Joe Cocker's 1970 rendition became his first top ten single in the U.S.; several other artists have recorded versions which also reached the record charts.
Rolling Stone magazine included the Box Tops original at No. 372 on its list of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time"; the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame added it to the list of the "500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll". In 2011, the single was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
"The Letter" reached No. 1 on the Hot 100 singles chart published by Billboard magazine on September 23, 1967.
It remained at the top position for four weeks and Billboard ranked the record the No. 2 song for 1967. The single sold more than one million copies and the RIAA certified it as gold.