Johnny Horton - 16 Biggest Hits

Though it was relatively short, Johnny Horton's career may have been too broad based to make a bare-bones package like this work, but it sure comes close. Horton is best known for the saga songs ("The Battle of New Orleans," "Sink the Bismark") he scored with when Nashville latched onto the early-'60s folk revival. But the rockabilly set often claims him for the heated trucker's romp "I'm Coming Home," and his first hit was an uptown arrangement of the relaxed, swaying "Honky-Tonk Man." The main thing binding all his material was his smooth, flexible voice, which could go from a low, light growl to a high hic. It was also smooth enough that Horton could make the countryest material sound pop when he wanted to. This isn't the best introduction to his glory days, but it ain't bad. --John Morthland Amazon.com

Outstanding Memories

I have listened to Johnny Hortons songs for years when they were played on the radio. Now I can listen anytime with my greatest hits CD. Great songs by a great singer and storyteller. Even my teenage boys like most of the songs! June 12, 2008

Memorable Tunes Abound

Well, half of the tunes on this CD will conjure up pleasant memories for those around at the time of Johnny Horton's time in the limelight. "I'm a Honkytonk Man", "Sink the Bismarck", my classmates' favorite, "All for the Love of a Girl", "I'm a One Woman Man", the list goes on. Johnny Horton was married to Billie Jean Williams, Hank, Sr.'s widowed wife. Just a few years earlier, he had lived in Alaska which may have inspired him to sing "When It's Springtime in Alaska (It's Forty Below") and the theme song to John Wayne's "North to Alaska" which I believe is his signature song. This CD recalls all those great songs of the 50s and 1960. Interestingly enough, the day after Johnny's fatal car accident November 4, 1960, John Wayne's old friend, character actor Ward Bond, died of a heart attack. This CD is recommended as it is an important tribute to the time. November 2, 2004

Nice mix of his two major styles...

Mr. Horton died too young, but the tracks he left behind are great to hear. Known first as a honky-tonk type country singer in the mold of Hank Williams, but often with a Cajun flavor, Johnny got really famous for historical saga songs such as "Battle of New Orleans." (See the CD of "Johnny Horton Makes History" for all of those.) Here there are five in that style, and 11 in the love song vein. All are worthy choices for a 40-minute sample of Johnny's vocal gifts. His is a voice I have never tired of, and I've been a fan of his since about 1960. September 21, 2004

I love this man's voice!

Not only do I love this man's voice, I love the stories that he tells. I grew up listening to Johnny Horton and was absolutely thrilled to find this cd. Brings back warm fuzzy memories from my childhood. October 27, 2003

Excellent introduction to Horton's hits

Enjoying Johnny Horton's vocal style and songs might be a learned taste, but once you develop it, it's a difficult habit to break. This genre of song is almost totally extinct today, but Horton was a master at the historical narrative put to catchy melodies. Who else sang songs about such historical events as the sinking of the Bismarck, Andrew Jackson and the war of 1812 or the Alaskan gold rush? Horton's musical style bridges the gulf of generations: it's easy to see a child loving these songs, or an elderly retired person.

Horton's plaintive wail in his songs is one of his trademarks, notice the way there's a tremor in the way he phrases, "*North* to Alaska," and in Jim Bridger, "Lift your glasses *high!*" Some amazing tenor notes in these two standards. This is a lovely collection of songs which are catchy and fun to listen to. They also bear endless repetition, it's hard to listen to "Battle of New Orleans" and not want to heat it endlessly repeated. Great stuff here. July 13, 2003

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