City of New Orleans is a country song written by Steve Goodman and originally recorded by Arlo Guthrie in 1972. The song has been covered by many artists, including Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Emmylou Harris. The Highwaymen’s version was released in 1985 on their album Highwayman.
The song is a ballad about a train ride from Chicago to New Orleans. The narrator sings about the sights and sounds he sees along the way, including the Mississippi River, the French Quarter, and the Superdome. The song’s lyrics are poetic and evocative, and they paint a vivid picture of the city of New Orleans.
City of New Orleans is a classic country song that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful and moving song about a city that is full of life and history. The Highwaymen’s version is the definitive version of the song, and it features some of the best vocals from all four members of the group. If you are a fan of country music or if you are simply looking for a beautiful and moving song to listen to, then I highly recommend City of New Orleans.
Background and writing
Steve Goodman wrote City of New Orleans in the early 1970s. He was inspired to write the song after taking a train ride from Chicago to New Orleans. Goodman has said that the song is about “the feeling of being in a new place and seeing new things.”
Recording and production
The Highwaymen recorded City of New Orleans in 1985 at the Sound Emporium in Nashville, Tennessee. The song was produced by Chips Moman. Moman is a Grammy Award-winning producer who has worked with some of the biggest names in country music, including Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson.
Release and commercial performance
City of New Orleans was released in 1985 as the second single from The Highwaymen’s album Highwayman. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart in late 1985 and became the group’s second number-one single. It also reached number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
City of New Orleans was a critical and commercial success. The song was praised by critics for its beautiful lyrics and The Highwaymen’s impeccable harmonies. The song was also a commercial success, reaching number one on the country charts and selling over two million copies.
Impact and legacy
City of New Orleans is a classic country song that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful and moving song about a city that is full of life and history. The Highwaymen’s version is the definitive version of the song, and it features some of the best vocals from all four members of the group. If you are a fan of country music or if you are simply looking for a beautiful and moving song to listen to, then I highly recommend City of New Orleans.
The Highwaymen were a country music supergroup consisting of Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, and Waylon Jennings. The group released three albums between 1985 and 1995. Highwayman is considered one of the most important country music albums of all time. It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2004.
City of New Orleans is one of The Highwaymen’s signature songs. It is a classic country song that has stood the test of time. The song is a beautiful and moving ballad about a city that is full of life and history. The Highwaymen’s version is the definitive version of the song, and it features some of the best vocals from all four members of the group. If you are a fan of country music or if you are simply looking for a beautiful and moving song to listen to, then I highly recommend City of New Orleans.