The “Legend”ary Johnny Horton (VIDEO)
The late Johnny Horton recorded the song, The Battle Of New Orleans in 1959. Even though many previous artists had recorded the song, penned by Jimmie Driftwood; it would be Johnny's version that most will remember.
He took the song to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 that same year. It was a hit on both the country and pop charts, and it even reached #16 in Britain, despite being banned by the BBC for the lyrics, "the bloody British."
A few facts about Johnny Horton:
--He was a star athlete and was offered basketball scholarships by 26 schools.
--He played pinball well enough to earn roughly $200 a day.
--He had premonitions of his own death.
--He married Hank William's widow, Billie Jean, less than a year after Hank's death.
--He was also known as "The Singing Fisherman."
--He made some great music.