Johnny Horton Live Recordings From The Louisiana Hayride CD

Recorded live at the Louisiana Hayride, Shreveport, Louisiana between 1956 & 1960.

Though country singer Johnny Horton (1925-1960) is remembered primarily for his history-inspired hits "Battle of New Orleans" and "Sink The Bismarck," he contributed much more to country music's legacy. His previous hits "Honky Tonk Man" and "One Woman Man" (famously covered by Dwight Yoakam and George Jones, respectively) have become standards. In his tragically short career (he died in an auto accident), Horton synthesized the influences of Hank Williams, honky-tonk country, rockabilly, folk, and pop into a distinctive, exuberant style that was straightforward, robust, and fun.

LIVE RECORDINGS collects radio broadcasts from Shreveport, Louisiana, from 1956-1960, and all capture him at his best. Backed by a tight, spirited band, Horton performs inspired versions of most of his hits, but the real revelations are the covers. He rocks up Hank Williams's "My Bucket's Got A Hole In It," and renders inspired versions of a few folk standards, including "John Henry" and a truly affecting "Whispering Pines." Horton's entry in the LIVE RECORDINGS FROM THE LOUISIANA HAYRIDE series goes a long way toward giving the neglected innovator his due.

Liner Note Author: Paul Kingsbury.

Recording information: Red River Studios, Bossier City, LA (04/28/1956/04/16/1960).