Honky Tonk Man: The Essential Johnny Horton 1956-1960

Amazon.com
For those only familiar with Johnny Horton's big hits and historical sagas, this two-disc collection presents a more complete picture of the artist. Disc 1 focuses largely on Horton's urgent rockabilly sides, falling somewhere between Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash with a tiny hint of Hank tossed in. Since he costarred on the Louisiana Hayride with Presley in the mid-1950s, it's not surprising that Horton's earliest Columbia recordings found him as sort of the label's answer to the Sun sound, especially with Grady Martin's snarling guitar licks. This set adds four cuts from a rare airplay-only LP before moving on to the saga songs for which Horton will always be beloved. --Marc Greilsamer

Tracks:

Honky Tonk Man
I'm A One Woman Man
Take Me Like I Am
I Don't Like I Did (Before)
Hooray For That Little Difference
I'm Coming Home
She Knows Why
The Woman I Need (Honky Tonk Mind)
Goodbye Lonesome (Hello, Baby Doll)
I'll Do It Every Time
Let's Take The Long Way Home
Lover's Rock
Honky-Tonk Hardwood Floor
The Wild One
Hot In The Sugarcane Field
Wise To The Ways Of A Woman
Out In New Mexico
I Love You Baby

Tracks:

All Grown Up
Got The Bull By The Horns
When It's Springtime In Alaska (It's Forty Below)
The Battle Of New Orleans
Lost Highway
Cherokee Boogie
The Golden Rocket
Words
Johnny Reb
Sal's Got A Sugar Lip
The Electrified Donkey
Sink The Bismark
Ole Slew Foot
Sleepy-Eyed John
The Mansion You Stole
North To Alaska
Evil Hearted Me
You Don't Move Me Baby Anymore

Amazon.com

For those only familiar with Johnny Horton's big hits and historical sagas, this two-disc collection presents a more complete picture of the artist. Disc 1 focuses largely on Horton's urgent rockabilly sides, falling somewhere between Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash with a tiny hint of Hank tossed in. Since he costarred on the Louisiana Hayride with Presley in the mid-1950s, it's not surprising that Horton's earliest Columbia recordings found him as sort of the label's answer to the Sun sound, especially with Grady Martin's snarling guitar licks. This set adds four cuts from a rare airplay-only LP before moving on to the saga songs for which Horton will always be beloved. --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews:

Johnny The Great.......2007-02-07

I like the Rockin' and Rollin' Johnny Horton collection better. Not that this cd is bad it just missed some of his greatest works. Once again someone saw fit to leave off Rock Island Lines. Any time you're listening to Johhny Horton it's a treat, so if you don't have it get it. And all you rock-a-billy fans it's a must have in your collection.

The Mean Eyed Cat
KNON Radio 89.3
Dallas, Texas

Great 2 CD Collection.......2005-11-19

Here is a fine collection of Johhny Horton songs; not only the more famous Historic numbers, but the equally good (or better, in my opinion) Honky Tonk numbers. I wish someone would release his entire catalog of early stuff; especially his signature, hard-driving, honky tonkin'! I do have one real criticism of this collection, and I am really perturbed that "Whispering Pines" and "All For the Love of A Girl" were not included here....it is criminal. If you are not familiar with Johnny's "drinkin" music, you owe it to yourself to hear the likes of "I'm Comin' Home" and "Honky Tonk Hardwood Floor"; both are included here, as well as many more. Forget Toby Keith, Faith & Tim Hill, or Kenny G Chesney.....here is a collection of fine country music that is worth every penny of the price.

Honky Tonk Man: The Essential Johnny Horton 1956-1960.......2004-03-04

This is a great cd. I have enjoyed music by Johnny Horton for over 15 years. It is a geat collection of music but two songs are missing. I love Whispering Pines and Comanche is the other song I would have liked to seen in this collection. Other than that, it is great music.

Honky Tonk Man.......2002-01-19

I was thrilled to get the cds. I have been trying to get the words to "The Electrified Donkey" since Johnny Horton sang it on a trip to Anchorage in 1959 or 1960(about the same time Little Jimmy Dickens was here the first time). The album is GREAT! and fun,but it says in the brochure that he was here in Alaska in 1949. It was at least ten years later that he was here. Also, unless he lied to us, HE wrote "North To Alaska" on the plane on the way up here. And "When It's Springtime in Alaska (it's 40 below)" he wrote up here, and local musician Tex Johnson helped him. I don't understand the explainations for these songs in the brochure. I can't believe he lied to us.

Jean Flynn
Anchorage, Alaska

Johnny HortonýThe Essential Honky Tonk Man Lives On!.......2000-08-14

For those country music fans who are only familiar with Johnny Horton's historical saga songs, this two CD compilation truly demonstrates that he was an original and diverse artist. Horton really shines on the "honky tonk" tunes: "Honky Tonk Man" (most recently covered by Dwight Yoakam), "I'm a One Woman Man" (most recently covered by George Jones), "Goodbye Lonesome (Hello, Baby Doll)," "Honky Tonk Hardwood Floor," "Cherokee Boogie" (most recently covered by BR5-49 and Marty Brown), and "The Golden Rocket" (nice version that would please Hank Snow). Some interesting tunes worth checking out: "Hot in the Sugarcane Field," "Lost Highway" (good version of Hank Williams, Sr. classic), "Evil Hearted Me," and "I'll Do It Every Time" (almost Everly Brothers in feel). There is some filler on these CDs, but it's mostly listenable and enjoyable in its own way. There are two notable omissions on this compilation that would render his "Greatest Hits" package unnecessary for purchase (unless your really want some of the historical saga songs)--"Whispering Pines" and "All for the Love of a Girl." These are two of the best ballads (and songs!) that Horton ever recorded. Why are they missing here? Otherwise, this is a terrific collection.

Music Album:

Music Album