Monday Music: Ghost Riders in the Sky

Today's music selection features four takes on one song. My earliest recollection of 'Ghost Riders in the Sky" is the performance by the Sons of the Pioneers. As a kid, I enjoyed that close harmony that they achieved. If I was lucky, on a Saturday morning the TV station would air a movie western featuring Roy Rogers and the Sons of the Pioneers.

The song was first recorded, however, by Burl Ives. His rendition offers a most impressive ability to hit those high notes with such a beautiful clarity. Vaughn Monroe then made the song an even bigger hit with his smooth baritone voice. Many years later, Johnny Cash turned it into a hit once again on the radio. Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson bring a raw edge to the song in a live performance which really compliments the music puts the song on another level.

So take your pick, or listen to each one.

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