In perhaps the early 1970's [1968-1976?] a country&western type song
received a fair amount of airplay [at least in B.C. CANADA], I believe
it was called "I OWE YOU" or "I.O.U.".  This was sung by a male, and
the song recounts the many things a son owes his mother for after a
lifetime of careing.      This is not not not the Victoria Beckham
song.   I am looking for artist's name, record lable, current
availability, covers, & lyrics and?  THANKYOU

I believe the song you remember is "I.O.U.", a sentimental classic
written and performed by Jimmy Dean. I live in Oklahoma, and this song
is still played on the radio every year on Mother's Day.

"In the 70's Dean returned to the top forty one final time on the
Casino label with I.O.U., a song he had written in gratitude to his
mother."

Tom Simon Home Page: Jimmy Dean
http://www.tsimon.com/dean.htm

"In 1976 [Jimmy Dean] had 2 hits on the country charts and his final
hit on the pop charts in 'I.O.U.' that peaked at #35 on the pop chart.
It would peak at #9 on the country chart and become his first top 10
hit in 10 years. The song was a narrative tribute to his Mother... In
1977 'I.O.U.' was re-released and stalled at #90 on the country
singles chart this time. In 1983 'I.O.U.' was re-released again and
this time peaked at #77 on the country singles chart and became his
final charting record."

Epinions: THE SMOKED SAUSAGE KING, HERE IS BIG BAD JIMMY
http://www.epinions.com/content_3866271876

"Jimmy Dean is back! trumpeted the trade ads in 1976 when Dean emerged
from his retirement, such as it was, with 'I.O.U.,' a sentimental
Mother's Day recitation that unexpectedly became a big crossover hit."

MP3.com: Jimmy Dean Albums
http://www.mp3.com/jimmy-dean/artists/54103/discography.html 

Amazon.com offers a bargain-priced CD containing the song:

Amazon.com: 
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000000DCJ

If you're interested in purchasing the song on vinyl, here are several options:

GEMM: IOU / DEAN, JIMMY
http://www.gemm.com/ddc/search.pl?&disp_ad_format_mode=0&artist=DEAN%2CJIMMY&title=IOU

You can hear the entire song (and read the lyrics onscreen) on this
website (be sure to turn up the audio on your computer):

Judy's Heaven: Mom, I Owe You
http://www.my.homewithgod.com/judysheaven/momiou/ 

My Google search strategy:

Google Web Search: "jimmy dean" iou OR "i o u"
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=%22jimmy+dean%22+iou+OR+%22i+o+u%22

I hope this is helpful! If this is not the correct song, or if
anything is unclear or incomplete, please request clarification; I'll
gladly offer further assistance before you rate my answer.

Best regards,
pinkfreud

Well thar pinkfreud ya done right well.  I guess IOU anouther $10 fer
such speed and all.        Much thanx bobberino2

Thank y'all very much for the five stars and the ten-gallon tip! :-D

~pinkfreud