<Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> <Ul> <Li> file </Li> <Li> help </Li> </Ul> </Td> </Tr> <Ul> <Li> file </Li> <Li> help </Li> </Ul> <P> "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 sung in a gruff blue - eyed soul style by Alex Chilton . The song was the group's first and biggest record chart hit, reaching number one in the United States and Canada . It was also an international success and reached the top ten in several other countries . </P> <P> "The Letter" 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 of the song, which also reached the record charts . </P>

Who sings my baby wrote me a letter