“(Ghost) Riders In the Sky” is a Western song written by Stan Jones in 1948. The song was originally recorded by Vaughn Monroe and His Orchestra in 1949 and became a hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song has been covered by many artists, including Bing Crosby, Johnny Cash, and The Highwaymen.
The song tells the story of a group of cowboys who are riding through the sky. They are led by a mysterious figure known as the “Ghost Rider.” The cowboys are on a mission to round up a herd of wild cattle. The song is a classic Western ballad that captures the spirit of the American frontier.
The Highwaymen’s version of “(Ghost) Riders In the Sky” was recorded live at Nassau Coliseum in 1990 and released on their album American Outlaws: Live at Nassau Coliseum, 1990. It is considered one of the definitive versions of the song.
Background and Recording
“(Ghost) Riders In the Sky” was written by Stan Jones in 1948. Jones was inspired to write the song after seeing a group of cowboys riding through the sky in a dream. He wanted to write a song that would capture the feeling of freedom and adventure.
The Highwaymen recorded their version of “(Ghost) Riders In the Sky” in 1990. The song was produced by Don Was and recorded live at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. It was released as the second single from their album American Outlaws: Live at Nassau Coliseum, 1990.
Personnel
- Johnny Cash – vocals
- Willie Nelson – vocals
- Waylon Jennings – vocals
- Kris Kristofferson – vocals
- Don Was – producer
Legacy
“(Ghost) Riders In the Sky” is a classic Western ballad that has stood the test of time. It is a song about freedom, adventure, and the American frontier. The song has been covered by many artists and has been featured in several films and television shows.
In 2004, “(Ghost) Riders In the Sky” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. The song was recognized for its “cultural, historical, or aesthetic significance.”
“(Ghost) Riders In the Sky” is a beautiful and moving song that continues to touch the hearts of listeners. It is a reminder of the beauty and freedom of the American frontier and the spirit of adventure that lives on in the hearts of all Americans.
Other notable covers
- Bing Crosby (1949)
- Johnny Cash (1962)
- The Beach Boys (1965)
- The Doors (1967)
- Grateful Dead (1970)
- Bruce Springsteen (1984)
- U2 (1991)
- Metallica (1998)
In popular culture
“(Ghost) Riders In the Sky” has been featured in several films and television shows, including:
- The Sons of Katie Elder (1965)
- Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
- The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)
- Easy Rider (1969)
- Thelma and Louise (1991)
- The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
- O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)
- The Notebook (2004)
- Grey’s Anatomy (2005)
- The Office (2006)
- How I Met Your Mother (2007)
- Glee (2009)
- Nashville (2012)
- The Voice (2013)
- American Idol (2014)
Critical reception
“(Ghost) Riders In the Sky” has been praised by critics for its beautiful melody, heartfelt lyrics, and the Highwaymen’s sincere vocals. The song has been called a “classic Western ballad,” a “timeless