[2] His recent success prompted RCA Victor to release additional studio material of Locklin's, including Softly.

The album was recorded in November 1968 at the RCA Victor Studio, located in Nashville, Tennessee.

The album's eventual lead single was also a cover of the hit, notably recorded by Bing Crosby.

[5] Softly spent six weeks on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and peaked at number 32 in March 1969.

[7] The single spent ten weeks on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and peaked at number 34 in March 1969.

[8] It was Locklin's final top 40 entry on the Billboard country songs chart.