Outlaws: (Ghost) Riders In The Sky

While several artists recorded “(Ghost) Riders in the Sky” in the year following the penning of the song by Stan Jones in 1948, Vaughan Monroe and the Moon Men’s rendition was the #1 record.

Monroe's release beat out Burl Ives’ version that hit the chart first, Bing Crosby’s top 20 cover, and Peggy Lee’s recording that was favorite by disc jockey’s – but it lack the sales for it to perform well on the primary popular music chart. Since that time numerous artists recorded “Ghost Riders” – notably the Ramrods version 1961 version was the first rock ‘n roll release of the tune.

Fast forward 31 years later to 1980 when the Outlaws released their rocking version and title cut to their “Ghost Riders” LP. The single peaked at 31 on the Hot 100 and was a favorite on AOR radio. What a great jam and it fulfils our final Halloween themed tune. Happy Halloween – watch out for the “Ghost Riders in the Sky” – it is “A Cowboy Legend” – “Yip – e – I – ay, yip – e – I – o”