Jimmy Dean was the first to record "My Heart Is An Open Book" (Hal David - Lee Pockriss) with the Ray Ellis Orchestra in late 1958. It was the flip of the A side "Shark in the Bathtub". Neither tune appeared on an album for many years and remained as single releases. This was several years prior to his smoked sausage career.

Cincinnati's Carl Dobkins Jr. cover was recorded in 1959 and although it took six months to take off, it sold a million after hitting the nation's top five singles. "My Heart Is An Open Book" was cut in Nashville at the Owen Bradley studios.