Johnny Horton was a singer songwriter & musician who started out performing traditional country & rockabilly songs. But he is best known for a series of history-inspired narrative country saga songs. "The Battle Of New Orleans" was a hit in 1959. Other songs he is famous for are "North To Alaska", "Sink The Bismarck", "When It's Springtime In Alaska (It's Forty Below)", "Honky-Tonk Man", "I'm Ready If You're Willing", "All For The Love Of A Girl" etc.
Loved this song. A slightly embarrassing victory because they had already signed the peace treaty. Nobody knew because word hadn't arrived from across the ocean. Another note: British used bags of sand for cover that deflated when bullets hit them. Americans crouched behind bales of cotton that just absorbed the bullets.
Technically after the war but had the US not won it is believed the Britts would have kept going and backed out of the treaty. Word of the treaty had yet to reach either sides' forces. Also we had just bought New Orleans from Napoleon so U.S. while in possession had yet to really secure most of that territory west of the port.
I never realized he was singing about fighting the British, while wearing a US Cavalry uniform from the post Civil War era, and holding a blunderbus rifle from the days of the Pilgrims. Some history! LOL. This was a very popular song when I was a kid.
Suggestions: Snoopy vs The Red Baron ...Royal Guardsmen (around Christmas time would be my recommendation) Whispering Pines...Johnny Horton Saginaw, Michigan....Johnny Horton
The War of 1812 was officially over with the Treaty of Ghent in December 1814, but news traveled slowly in those days so fighting continued until February 1815. This battle was in January. The outnumbered Americans suffered 60 or 70 casualties in this battle. The British, about 2000. Johnny Horton was killed by a drunk driver in 1960, at the peak of his popularity.
Part of the reason for the difference in casualties was the US method of fighting (getting behind cover instead of marching into the opposing sides position) and partly because when the British did take cover they chose poorly. The Americans hid behind big bales of cotton which sucked up the bullets fired at them, while the British hid behind barrels of molasses which punctured when shot, leaked out the molasses and then you were hiding behind less than one half of an inch of wood. There was also a difference in weapons but that has been discussed elsewhere.
DougRayPhillips - From the Treaty of Ghent: "All hostilities both by sea and land shall cease as soon as this Treaty shall have been ratified by both parties as hereinafter mentioned." It makes no difference when the Treaty of Ghent (ending the War of 1812) was signed. It was not ratified by the United States (and therefore did not take effect) until February 16, 1815. The Battle of New Orleans took place on January 8th, 1815. The United States was still at war with Great Britain.
@ It doesn’t matter what the treaty says you can’t follow it if you don’t know about it and unfortunately neither side was aware of the treaty being signed. Another senseless chapter in the history of war.
Is there a Johnny Horton song NOT worth the listen? NO!! Don't forget "Comanche (The Brave Horse)" or "Johnny Freedom"......and yes, "North to Alaska" and "Whispering Pines" as everyone else is mentioning here! Grew up listening to Horton as he was one of my father's favorites, and I don't regret learning all his songs as a wee child!
This is how we got our history lessons before Schoolhouse Rock came along. Released in April of 1959, Horton won a Grammy for Best Country and Western Performance and for Song of the Year. Tragically, in November of 1960, Johnny Horton was killed in a traffic accident at the age of 35. Thankfully the music he gave us is timeless.
Our mom bought this album years ago when our oldest brother was struggling with history. Us three kids were educated in history listening to Johnny Horton. I loved Comanche and Jim Bridger off of this same album.
The venue in which Johnny is singing this song was the very popular TV show “American Bandstand” hosted by the legendary Dick Clark who can be seen in part of the video. Both he and Ed Sullivan helped to jump start and propagate many musical artists of that time who themselves became iconic and legendary!
British General Pakenham's assaults' on New Orleans consumed 3,326 men. 828 killed, 2,468 wounded with more than half of them considered permanently disabled. American causalities were less than 100 killed or wounded. Sad thing was the war was already over, the treaty of Ghent having been signed 2 weeks earlier in Paris. Neither side knew it. New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Last battle of the war if 1812 and totally unnecessary. Funny song for Americans. But alas, what a waste! I was in elementary school when the song was released. In spite of the tragedy, it was a catchy tune
OcotilloTom - From the Treaty of Ghent: "All hostilities both by sea and land shall cease as soon as this Treaty shall have been ratified by both parties as hereinafter mentioned." It makes no difference when the Treaty of Ghent (ending the War of 1812) was signed. It was not ratified by the United States (and therefore did not take effect) until February 16, 1815. The Battle of New Orleans took place on January 8th, 1815. The United States was still at war with Great Britain.
These semi historical songs by Johnny Horton were " tounge in cheek " because he was a teacher, and sang them to the kids in his class. He thought it would help them remember the events.
This song was on the radios when I was 8 years old. I memorized all the lyrics and would sing along. I thought I was pretty special. Oh, the golden years of childhood.
Good one! My favorite Johnny Horton song is "Whispering Pines". It's not historical or rockabilly, but just a beautiful love song. Another favorite is "All For The Love Of A Girl".
Many years ago, I worked for a lady who moved from Britain to South Carolina. She would get so mad if this song played on the overhead.... LOL. glad your sense of humor is more intact. I really enjoy your reactions!
This song was written by an Arkansas school teacher and folk song gatherer and musician named Jimmy Driftwood. He also wrote several other folk songs that were covered by different artists. I believe his location in Arkansas where he performed and had folk music gatherings is still operational. If one is interested, there are several of Driftwood's songs on RUclips and his version of The Battle of New Orleans is one of my favorites. Our high school History teacher introduced us to Driftwood and several of us became fans because of the authenticity of the music.
Horton sang what was written…North to Alaska is fairly accurate in the description of life in Alaska in 1892…the actual Battle of New Orleans was complicated…the war had officially been over for a few weeks…so innocent lives were lost…the City of New Orleans, being the home base of pirate Lafayette…along with local military..(Andrew Jackson and his regulars) used bales of cotton..for firing positions to fire on the British columns…and in the early morning fog….cut them down like wheat…and the fog was so thick…visibility was near 20 feet…so the English were almost on top of them before anyone realized they were under attack…also Horton’s Sink the Bismarck are mostly accurate…in all this good fortune doesn’t come from planning, but sheer luck…both dealing with foggy conditions…once the German battleship as well as the English became visible coming out of the fog…it was all over…
This came out the year I was born. I have known it forever, but it was so funny when I learned it was about a real event. What do y’all call that war? For us, it’s the War of 1812.
"The Battle of New Orleans" was written by Jimmy Driftwood, an Arkansas schoolteacher who often wrote songs to help teach his students history. Driftwood recorded a version of the song in 1957,
Wildly popular song all through the 60s, glad you played it. That was back when people had pride with who we were. North To Alaska was probably his most popular, Honkey Tonk Man, Springtime in Alaska,
The Battle of New Orleans was fought on January 8, 1815 between the British Army under Major General Sir Edward Pakenham and the United States Army under General Andrew Jackson. It took place 5 miles east-southeast of the city of New Orleans, close to the town of Chalmette, Louisiana, and it was a U.S. victory.
JanBear - From the Treaty of Ghent: "All hostilities both by sea and land shall cease as soon as this Treaty shall have been ratified by both parties as hereinafter mentioned." It makes no difference when the Treaty of Ghent (ending the War of 1812) was signed. It was not ratified by the United States (and therefore did not take effect) until February 16, 1815. The Battle of New Orleans took place on January 8th, 1815. The United States was still at war with Great Britain.
Flashback and mystery: Flashback: When I was about 13, my mom, her cousin and two daughters and I stayed in these tent cabins at Yosemite. I remember the three of us girls laying on our bed singing this song at the top of our lungs word for word. Mystery: I have no idea how we knew this song. This was many years before I got hooked on country music. I still sing it to this day.
From a historical perspective, the sad thing about the battle of New Orleans was that it took place quite some time after a peace treaty was signed with Great Britain. Communications were slow back then. The Treaty of Ghent, which ended the War of 1812, was signed on December 24, 1814. However, due to slow communication, the news of the treaty had not reached the United States before the Battle of New Orleans took place. That battle occurred on January 8, 1815, about two weeks after the treaty was signed. The treaty was officially ratified by the U.S. Senate on February 17, 1815, formally concluding the war. Unfortunate for the participants.
A real throwback to a time when news was spread by traveling minstrels that sang songs and told tales to spread news. No Books, no newspapers, just songs.
We listened to this all the time when we were kids in the 70’s. It’s history and funny too! Funny good song! Johnny Hortons songs are always great and he has a fantastic voice and can sing a story well!
Mr. Taylor, you could check out the British version that Johnny recorded as well in order to give homage to both sides. It was a courtesy to the Brits. ruclips.net/video/O5K6HfFCbY4/видео.html Two other beautiful songs he recorded was Whispering Pines and Comanche The Brave Horse.
I love this song, and Johnny Horton. But I find it funny that he’s wearing a Civil War, Union soldier’s attire for a battle that took place in the 1812 war. 😂😂
Hey great music singer for sure! Love this video! Could you also react too Ferlin Husky ( Wings of a Dove ) it's a old live black and white video version from the Grand Ole Oprey.
There is a 7+ minute older version of this song that had a couple more verses about them returning home, plus there is also an English version about loosing to them
I first heard this song on a Braniff flight to Hawaii. That was October of 1970. I looked forward to it on rotation the entire flight there and the flight back. I loved it!
One of Johnny's best songs is North to Alaska. You definitely need to listen to it.
I love his unique voice and his history lessons. One of his lessons with a more serious tone is “YOU FOUGHT ALL THE WAY JOHNNY REB”
I grew up with this song and know every word. My parents both loved it so I remember hearing it as a baby on
Whispering Pines, Comanche, North to Seattle, all the songs he sung...his voice was so unique!!!
JH. Johnny Reb ... Or Comanche... His "Davey Crockett" ... "whispering Pines" ... There's so many... "North to Alaska"
Johnny Horton was a singer songwriter & musician who started out performing traditional country & rockabilly songs. But he is best known for a series of history-inspired narrative country saga songs. "The Battle Of New Orleans" was a hit in 1959. Other songs he is famous for are "North To Alaska", "Sink The Bismarck", "When It's Springtime In Alaska (It's Forty Below)", "Honky-Tonk Man", "I'm Ready If You're Willing", "All For The Love Of A Girl" etc.
Loved this song.
A slightly embarrassing victory because they had already signed the peace treaty. Nobody knew because word hadn't arrived from across the ocean.
Another note:
British used bags of sand for cover that deflated when bullets hit them. Americans crouched behind bales of cotton that just absorbed the bullets.
North to Alaska is another great song by him, from a movie of the same name
The
The battle of New Orleans was during the war of 1812
So glad we're staunch allies now!! Love your site!! 😊
Technically after the war but had the US not won it is believed the Britts would have kept going and backed out of the treaty. Word of the treaty had yet to reach either sides' forces. Also we had just bought New Orleans from Napoleon so U.S. while in possession had yet to really secure most of that territory west of the port.
I never realized he was singing about fighting the British, while wearing a US Cavalry uniform from the post Civil War era, and holding a blunderbus rifle from the days of the Pilgrims. Some history! LOL. This was a very popular song when I was a kid.
North to Alaska is one his great song it is also a great movie with John Wayne. I don't know which came first
..must have been the movie.
Johnny was a history teacher before he got big in singing
He was a history teacher after all. He taught his students with his songs and it worked well. I mean who wouldn't like to learn from music??❤
Jimmie Driftwood was the teacher that wrote this song to help his kids with History. he also wrote tennesee stud
Always loved this song. Thankfully we are all friends now 😀❤
I was 11 yrs old 😮❤
Johnny had one of the best voices. His ballad voice was even better IE, All For The Love Of A Girl.
Suggestions:
Snoopy vs The Red Baron ...Royal Guardsmen (around Christmas time would be my recommendation)
Whispering Pines...Johnny Horton
Saginaw, Michigan....Johnny Horton
yeah North to Alaska also
His songs helped get me through history class a couple of times
😂😂😂
Aren't his history lessons great?!
The War of 1812 was officially over with the Treaty of Ghent in December 1814, but news traveled slowly in those days so fighting continued until February 1815. This battle was in January. The outnumbered Americans suffered 60 or 70 casualties in this battle. The British, about 2000.
Johnny Horton was killed by a drunk driver in 1960, at the peak of his popularity.
Part of the reason for the difference in casualties was the US method of fighting (getting behind cover instead of marching into the opposing sides position) and partly because when the British did take cover they chose poorly. The Americans hid behind big bales of cotton which sucked up the bullets fired at them, while the British hid behind barrels of molasses which punctured when shot, leaked out the molasses and then you were hiding behind less than one half of an inch of wood. There was also a difference in weapons but that has been discussed elsewhere.
DougRayPhillips -
From the Treaty of Ghent:
"All hostilities both by sea and land shall cease as soon as this Treaty shall have been ratified by both parties as hereinafter mentioned."
It makes no difference when the Treaty of Ghent (ending the War of 1812) was signed. It was not ratified by the United States (and therefore did not take effect) until February 16, 1815. The Battle of New Orleans took place on January 8th, 1815. The United States was still at war with Great Britain.
@ It doesn’t matter what the treaty says you can’t follow it if you don’t know about it and unfortunately neither side was aware of the treaty being signed. Another senseless chapter in the history of war.
stevedavis5704 -
Of course it matters.
Being related to a bunch of Cajuns I wouldn't put it past a bayou man to use a gator as a cannon. 😂😂
I love Johnny Horton. He had so many good story telling songs. My favorites were Comanche (it's NOT about an Indian), Rock Island Line and Johnny Reb.
Old Hickory was Andrew Jackson future US President
Johnny Horton was always a favorite of mine growing up. My favorite song by him was Jim Bridger, which was also a good history lesson put to music.
Is there a Johnny Horton song NOT worth the listen? NO!! Don't forget "Comanche (The Brave Horse)" or "Johnny Freedom"......and yes, "North to Alaska" and "Whispering Pines" as everyone else is mentioning here! Grew up listening to Horton as he was one of my father's favorites, and I don't regret learning all his songs as a wee child!
EXACTLY RIGHT! 👍
This is how we got our history lessons before Schoolhouse Rock came along.
Released in April of 1959, Horton won a Grammy for Best Country and Western Performance and for Song of the Year. Tragically, in November of 1960, Johnny Horton was killed in a traffic accident at the age of 35. Thankfully the music he gave us is timeless.
Our mom bought this album years ago when our oldest brother was struggling with history. Us three kids were educated in history listening to Johnny Horton. I loved Comanche and Jim Bridger off of this same album.
The venue in which Johnny is singing this song was the very popular TV show “American Bandstand” hosted by the legendary Dick Clark who can be seen in part of the video. Both he and Ed Sullivan helped to jump start and propagate many musical artists of that time who themselves became iconic and legendary!
I had this album when I was a kid loved the whole thing ,a history lesson I remember a song Johnny Reb
Got this album still. Enjoy it once in a while.
I love Johnny Horton and have Battle of New Orleans and North to Alaska on my phone.
British General Pakenham's assaults' on New Orleans consumed 3,326 men. 828 killed, 2,468 wounded with more than half of them considered permanently disabled. American causalities were less than 100 killed or wounded. Sad thing was the war was already over, the treaty of Ghent having been signed 2 weeks earlier in Paris. Neither side knew it.
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Last battle of the war if 1812 and totally unnecessary. Funny song for Americans. But alas, what a waste! I was in elementary school when the song was released. In spite of the tragedy, it was a catchy tune
OcotilloTom -
From the Treaty of Ghent:
"All hostilities both by sea and land shall cease as soon as this Treaty shall have been ratified by both parties as hereinafter mentioned."
It makes no difference when the Treaty of Ghent (ending the War of 1812) was signed. It was not ratified by the United States (and therefore did not take effect) until February 16, 1815. The Battle of New Orleans took place on January 8th, 1815. The United States was still at war with Great Britain.
These semi historical songs by Johnny Horton were " tounge in cheek " because he was a teacher, and sang them to the kids
in his class. He thought it would help them remember the events.
Love Johnny Horton! This is one of my FAVOURITES! I was 2 yrs old when this came out! Thank you for your great reaction!
This song was on the radios when I was 8 years old. I memorized all the lyrics and would sing along.
I thought I was pretty special. Oh, the golden years of childhood.
I was 4 years old when this song was released. I always loved it. I like all of Johnny Horton's music, but this was my fave.
North to alaska is another johnny Horton
I love that song
Good one! My favorite Johnny Horton song is "Whispering Pines". It's not historical or rockabilly, but just a beautiful love song. Another favorite is "All For The Love Of A Girl".
I was in grade school when this was popular, all of us kids got the questions right about this battle on a test, as we knew the song by heart! LOL
I learned so much history from his songs when I was a child!
Many years ago, I worked for a lady who moved from Britain to South Carolina. She would get so mad if this song played on the overhead.... LOL. glad your sense of humor is more intact. I really enjoy your reactions!
Horton's version that became a hit in 1959. The song was the biggest song of 1959 and made Horton a national sensation
My parents had the LP. I was lucky because my parents were diverse. Growing up in Reno, Nevada. 1959 -- 1968.
This song was written by an Arkansas school teacher and folk song gatherer and musician named Jimmy Driftwood. He also wrote several other folk songs that were covered by different artists. I believe his location in Arkansas where he performed and had folk music gatherings is still operational. If one is interested, there are several of Driftwood's songs on RUclips and his version of The Battle of New Orleans is one of my favorites. Our high school History teacher introduced us to Driftwood and several of us became fans because of the authenticity of the music.
Horton sang what was written…North to Alaska is fairly accurate in the description of life in Alaska in 1892…the actual Battle of New Orleans was complicated…the war had officially been over for a few weeks…so innocent lives were lost…the City of New Orleans, being the home base of pirate Lafayette…along with local military..(Andrew Jackson and his regulars) used bales of cotton..for firing positions to fire on the British columns…and in the early morning fog….cut them down like wheat…and the fog was so thick…visibility was near 20 feet…so the English were almost on top of them before anyone realized they were under attack…also Horton’s Sink the Bismarck are mostly accurate…in all this good fortune doesn’t come from planning, but sheer luck…both dealing with foggy conditions…once the German battleship as well as the English became visible coming out of the fog…it was all over…
The pirate was Lafitte, not Lafayette.
OMG!! I haven't heard this in ages! I remember listening to this with my dad when I was small. I miss him! What a sweet memory!
Horton WAS a hiistory teacher!
I've known this song my whole life, wore out countless 45's. Thank you!
Johnny Horton - "North to Alaska". We grew up listening to his stuff.
This came out the year I was born. I have known it forever, but it was so funny when I learned it was about a real event. What do y’all call that war? For us, it’s the War of 1812.
My high school history teacher turned us on to this guy. Any current performer that covered events of the past. I still like story telling songs.
For what it's worth, the battle of new orleans took place 2 full weeks after the war had ended officially
I sang this in school program when i was 8 yrs old so much fun great memory
"The Battle of New Orleans" was written by Jimmy Driftwood, an Arkansas schoolteacher who often wrote songs to help teach his students history. Driftwood recorded a version of the song in 1957,
I have always loved this song
I was 8 when this came out.
His voice was so unique for the time and genre.
He had some grit, and he could do that little yodel inflection in country that I like.
This song is actually on my playlist list. It came out the year I was born.
Johnny is still one of my all time fave singers. My fave song of his is All For The Love Of the world A Girl.
The blunderbuss was from an earlier period in the show, KY long riffles was the primary weapon.
My dad had his greatest hits album, I played it many times when I was a kid in the early 70s. Another is Sink the Bismarck.
I'm 69, my dad had a Johnny Horton album with this and Sink the Bismark among others. I must have heard this hundreds of times growing up.
My favourite song by him is Whispering Pines. He was married to Hank Williams Sr. widow.
If you like this, you’ll like North to Alaska.
Wildly popular song all through the 60s, glad you played it. That was back when people had pride with who we were. North To Alaska was probably his most popular, Honkey Tonk Man, Springtime in Alaska,
The Battle of New Orleans was fought on January 8, 1815 between the British Army under Major General Sir Edward Pakenham and the United States Army under General Andrew Jackson. It took place 5 miles east-southeast of the city of New Orleans, close to the town of Chalmette, Louisiana, and it was a U.S. victory.
The Battle of New Orleans happened six weeks after the signing of the treaty that ended the war.
JanBear -
From the Treaty of Ghent:
"All hostilities both by sea and land shall cease as soon as this Treaty shall have been ratified by both parties as hereinafter mentioned."
It makes no difference when the Treaty of Ghent (ending the War of 1812) was signed. It was not ratified by the United States (and therefore did not take effect) until February 16, 1815. The Battle of New Orleans took place on January 8th, 1815. The United States was still at war with Great Britain.
@@JanBear It was an exclamation point.
Flashback and mystery:
Flashback: When I was about 13, my mom, her cousin and two daughters and I stayed in these tent cabins at Yosemite. I remember the three of us girls laying on our bed singing this song at the top of our lungs word for word.
Mystery: I have no idea how we knew this song. This was many years before I got hooked on country music.
I still sing it to this day.
Had his album and wore it out playing it incessantly.
North to Alaska was very popular, as was the movie. Whispering Pines is my favorite JH song.
My dad used to listen to this. I like it!
From a historical perspective, the sad thing about the battle of New Orleans was that it took place quite some time after a peace treaty was signed with Great Britain. Communications were slow back then. The Treaty of Ghent, which ended the War of 1812, was signed on December 24, 1814. However, due to slow communication, the news of the treaty had not reached the United States before the Battle of New Orleans took place. That battle occurred on January 8, 1815, about two weeks after the treaty was signed. The treaty was officially ratified by the U.S. Senate on February 17, 1815, formally concluding the war. Unfortunate for the participants.
Now you need to listen to North to Alaska by Johnny.
Omg one of my greats greats was in this war. Always loved this song. Thanks
A history lesson with a bit of humor. 👍👍
He has many historical songs
War of 1812...same one that burned the white house and bombarded fort McHenry...the sight that inspired our national anthem.
Love the history lessons. They are great
The 'gator' received a medal for going above and beyond the call of duty. Prove me wrong. 😉
I REALLY ❤️ LOVE this song!!! Thank you so much!!!
I'm from New Orleans and been to that battle field a many of times..
You are a good sport friend.
he's got another version from the British perspective
A real throwback to a time when news was spread by traveling minstrels that sang songs and told tales to spread news. No Books, no newspapers, just songs.
Another song that he made was "North to Alaska."
Yeah, he was a history teacher who believed these songs would his kids remember their lessons. Have you checked out his North to Alaska?
We listened to this all the time when we were kids in the 70’s. It’s history and funny too! Funny good song! Johnny Hortons songs are always great and he has a fantastic voice and can sing a story well!
If you want a lesson im history, Marty Robbins Ballad of the Alamo is a good one.
When I was a little girl we used to sing this on the playground 😅☮️
Mr. Taylor, you could check out the British version that Johnny recorded as well in order to give homage to both sides. It was a courtesy to the Brits. ruclips.net/video/O5K6HfFCbY4/видео.html
Two other beautiful songs he recorded was Whispering Pines and Comanche The Brave Horse.
I love this song, and Johnny Horton. But I find it funny that he’s wearing a Civil War, Union soldier’s attire for a battle that took place in the 1812 war. 😂😂
Hey great music singer for sure! Love this video! Could you also react too Ferlin Husky ( Wings of a Dove ) it's a old live black and white video version from the Grand Ole Oprey.
There is a 7+ minute older version of this song that had a couple more verses about them returning home, plus there is also an English version about loosing to them
I first heard this song on a Braniff flight to Hawaii. That was October of 1970. I looked forward to it on rotation the entire flight there and the flight back. I loved it!
My father's favorite song. If he was still with us, he would be 110yrs old. We would sing along.
I LOVE this song! I have since I was 5 years old around 1980/81.
Johnny was a great storyteller!
❤ Johnny Horton and his songs.
lol, my Mom had the 45 of this song and I used to listen to it all the time.
My father had an LP with his songs, so I grew up with them. He had several great ones, but sadly he passed away young.
Using alligators as cannon replacements was resourceful and a perfect example of American ingenuity. Bet that surprised the Brits! ;-)