I typically have between twenty and fifty Sons of the Pioneers songs on my mp3 player at any given time. It’s nice when your favorite group has a large discography, isn’t it? I figured the simplest way to identify my real favorites was to look at which ones I listen to most, and sure enough, the results are accurate. I couldn’t get it down to ten, and fifteen was likewise impossible—because I had about ten candidates for the last three spots and couldn’t decide which ought to go in. So I left it at a nice round dozen. These are loosely in order, some with commentary and some without. [Note: I originally embedded all the videos of the songs, but as a result my blog was loading so slowly that I switched ’em to plain old links.]
“Tumbleweed Trail” (Bob Nolan)
Not to be confused with “Tumbling Tumbleweeds.” This was a song that became a favorite without my knowing how or why—but now I love everything about it: the melody, the vocals, the gentle melancholy with the uplifting note of hope at the end.
“Blue Prairie” (Bob Nolan/Tim Spencer)
Possibly holds a record for use of the word “blue” in one set of lyrics—and deserves an award for sheer atmosphere too.
Possibly holds a record for use of the word “blue” in one set of lyrics—and deserves an award for sheer atmosphere too.
“Chant of the Wanderer” (Bob Nolan)
I don’t know what everybody else’s definition of “cool” is, but I call this pretty darn cool. The catchy rhythm, clever poetic lyrics and echoes—it’s just unique.
I don’t know what everybody else’s definition of “cool” is, but I call this pretty darn cool. The catchy rhythm, clever poetic lyrics and echoes—it’s just unique.
“Song of the Bandit” (Bob Nolan)
Trivia: songwriter Bob Nolan, who was strongly influenced by English and American poets (who else referenced Keats and Poe in cowboy songs?) said that this song was inspired by Alfred Noyes’ “The Highwayman.” There’s various other recordings at a slightly slower pace, but I think it’s best with the galloping rhythm of this one.
“Out California Way” (Carling Foster/Jack Meakin)
I typically don’t care for the mid-1940s RCA recordings, where I think the sometimes cheesy instrumental accompaniment obscure the vocal harmonies. This is one of the exceptions. The smooth vocals, swinging rhythm and unobtrusive instrumentals are perfect, and it always puts a smile on my face.
I typically don’t care for the mid-1940s RCA recordings, where I think the sometimes cheesy instrumental accompaniment obscure the vocal harmonies. This is one of the exceptions. The smooth vocals, swinging rhythm and unobtrusive instrumentals are perfect, and it always puts a smile on my face.
“The Lilies Grow High” (Stan Jones)
Best “gunfighter” song I’ve ever heard. I listened to this one a lot when I was writing “Single-Handed.”
Best “gunfighter” song I’ve ever heard. I listened to this one a lot when I was writing “Single-Handed.”
“The Prairie Sings a Lullaby” (Glenn Spencer)
Incredibly, the only time this beautiful song was ever recorded was in the 1940 movie The Durango Kid. Fortunately there were no other noises on the soundtrack to interrupt it, so we get to enjoy it to the full.
“When the Moon Comes Over Sun Valley” (Tim Spencer/Roy Rogers)
“Trail Dreamin’ “ (Bob Nolan)
“Ridin’ Down the Canyon” (Smiley Burnette)
“At the Old Barn Dance” (Tim Spencer/Carl Winge)
A rare example of two-part harmony that gives us a chance to hear better the Pioneer method of passing the melody back and forth between the different voices. And just a lovely little song.
These are, of course, strictly my personal favorites—it’s not a best-of or introduction-to list or anywhere near a comprehensive one. It doesn’t have any of the big hits (“Tumbling Tumbleweeds,” “Cool Water,” “Way Out There”), or examples of the famous harmony yodel (“Sagebrush Symphony,” “One More Ride”), or the cattle-driving ballads (“Hold That Critter Down,” “Move On, You Lazy Cattle”), or the pioneer songs (“Wagons West,” “Following the Sun All Day”). I didn’t get in “Ridin’ Home” or “Rocky Mountain Express” or “Love Song of the Waterfall.” It looks like I could easily make a dozen more lists if I tried…
Hanne-col says
I love the Sons of the Pioneers. I have been able to find two records of their music so far and hope to find more. "Tumbleweed Trail" is definitely a favorite. "My Old Pal" and "A Cowboy Has to Sing" have always been favorites as well. I've always enjoyed "We're Heading For the Home Corral" too. Trying to remember the name of the film they sang that in…. Okay, I just Googled it and I think it was "South of Sante Fe" (1942). Sometimes the titles of those movies were too similar.
Neil Waring says
Love this old cowboy music. Thanks for posting.
Annie says
These songs were great to listen to, I would be afraid to attempt a "Top 12 Sons of The Pioneers Songs" list. I'm sure my list would be much longer! 🙂
Of all of the singing groups that I have heard none of them come close to the incredible harmony that The Sons Of The Pioneers had!
A delightful jaunt through the west!