Shannon (song)

"Shannon" is a popular song written and performed by American musician Henry Gross. Released in 1976, it reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming Gross's biggest hit.

The song is a heartfelt tribute to a deceased Irish Setter dog named Shannon, who belonged to Gross's childhood friend Carl Wilson of The Beach Boys. While Gross never personally owned Shannon, he was deeply moved by Wilson's grief after the dog's accidental death. The lyrics reflect a sense of loss and mourning, depicting a poignant farewell to a beloved animal companion.

"Shannon" is characterized by its gentle melody, simple acoustic arrangement, and emotive vocals. Its themes of friendship, loss, and the connection between humans and animals resonated with a wide audience, contributing to its commercial success. The song remains a popular choice for animal lovers and is frequently played on "soft rock" and "oldies" radio stations.

While initially receiving positive reception, "Shannon" has also faced some criticism for its perceived sentimentality. Nevertheless, it stands as a significant example of a pop song dedicated to the memory of a specific animal, and it continues to evoke emotional responses from listeners decades after its release.