During 1960, Horton had two other successes with "North to Alaska" for John Wayne's movie, North to Alaska, and "Sink the Bismarck". Horton is a member of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.
Johnny Horton had several top ten songs in the late 50's and early 60's and was on the verge of becoming one of the top stars of the 60's when he met with tragedy.
He was born John Gale Horton in Los Angeles in 1925. He was raised in Tyler, Texas. Horton worked in the fishing industry in Alaska and California, and attended Seattle University. He worked for a while as a carpenter, and played basketball at Baylor University. He worked at a local radio station in East Texas and at the Hometown Jamboree in California. He did some recording with little success for the Abbott, Mercury, and Dot labels and picked up the nickname the Singing Fisherman. Horton became a regular on the Louisiana Hayride.
Johnny married Billie Jean Jones, the widow of country music legend Hank Williams. He sang country songs and signed a recording contract with Columbia, where he would achieve his greatest success. Some of his first hits included Honky Tonk Man, I'm A One-Woman Man in 1956, Coming Home in 1957 and All Grown Up in 1958. He topped the country charts in 1959 with When It's Springtime In Alaska.
Johnny Horton then began to record a series of saga songs that crossed over to the pop charts. He covered Jimmy Driftwood's The Battle Of New Orleans in 1959. The song topped the country charts and it reached number one on the pop charts, where it remained for a solid six weeks. The song was a tribute to the final battle of the War of 1812. He also recorded Sink The Bismarck in 1960, a song that was suggested by the film of the same title; it went top ten country and pop. Johnny Horton was a star. He sang the title song for the John Wayne movie North To Alaska and it too made the top ten in both charts during the same year.
On November 5, 1960, while North To Alaska was still climbing the charts, Horton was killed in an automobile accident in Milano, Texas following an appearance at the Skyline Club in Austin. He is buried in Hillcrest Cemetary in Haughton, LA.
Following Horton's death some of his earlier hit songs made the charts once again. Albums of his recordings were compiled and issued in the 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's, and they are still selling.
His biography was published in 1983 under the title Your Singing Fisherman.
Johnny Freedom
Johnny Horton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Is was he who had a party tossin' tea in Boston Bay
It was he who braved the winter in the days of Valley Forge
Fightin' side by side together with a fella name of George
Johnny Freedom, Johnny Freedom
You can meet him on each page of history
He's the spirit of a bear cub
Hats off to Johnny Freedom, Johnny Freedom
That's our boy
When our country started growin' and the wagons headed West
When our country called for pioneers his name led all the rest
What a figure in his raw hide coat and hat made of raccoon
Wonder what there was about him made you think of Dana Boone
Johnny Freedom, Johnny Freedom
You can meet him on each page of history
He's the spirit of America
Our country's pride and joy
Hats off to Johnny Freedom, Johnny Freedom
That's our boy
If we need a mess of thinkin' he's the Lincoln of the day
If we're fixin' fer a tussle it's his muscle all the way
If we need a handsome fella so the ladies hearts can throb
There's a Yankee Doodle Dandy always handy for the job
Johnny Freedom, Johnny Freedom
You can meet him on each page of history
He's the spirit of a bear cub
Our country's pride and joy
Hats off to Johnny Freedom, Johnny Freedom
Thatâ??s our, thatâ??s our, thatâ??s our boy
The song "Johnny Freedom" by Johnny Horton celebrates the spirit of American patriotism and the legacy of the country's heroes. The lyrics are a tribute to a significant figure who played a vital role in shaping the history of the United States since its inception. In the first verse, it is evident that Johnny was present at the birth of the country and took part in the revolt against the British. He is described as a character who threw tea in Boston Bay and fought during the Valley Forge times. The mention of George hints that Johnny might be a reference to John Paul Jones, the Revolutionary War hero, who fought the British side by side with George Washington.
The second verse talks about the period of expansion and westward movement in America. Johnny Freedom's name is invoked as a pioneer who led the way for others, and the lyrics describe a character who wore a rawhide coat and a coonskin hat. The mention of Daniel Boone also points towards the frontier legend among the settlers who represented the adventurous spirit of the time. The chorus continues to celebrate Johnny as an integral part of the country's identity, depicted as a bear cub and a source of pride for the nation.
Overall, the song conveys a sense of pride in American identity through the mythical figure of Johnny Freedom, who embodies the various phases of the country's history from the revolutionary period to the frontier times.
Line by Line Meaning
When our country was a baby and the Redcoats had their way
During the early days of America and the Revolutionary War, the British Redcoats held control.
It was he who had a party tossin' tea in Boston Bay
He is referring to the Boston Tea Party, when colonials protested by throwing British tea into the harbor.
It was he who braved the winter in the days of Valley Forge
He references Valley Forge as the military encampment where American soldiers faced brutal winter conditions during the Revolutionary War.
Fightin' side by side together with a fella name of George
George Washington was an American general and the leader of the revolution, who fought alongside Johnny Freedom for independence.
When our country started growin' and the wagons headed West
As America expanded through the Westward movement, Johnny Freedom became a symbol of pioneering and exploration.
When our country called for pioneers his name led all the rest
Johnny Freedom's name was synonymous with the idea of pioneering and going west to build a new life.
What a figure in his raw hide coat and hat made of raccoon
Johnny Freedom's appearance was rustic and rugged, exemplified by his clothing made from animal hides.
Wonder what there was about him made you think of Dana Boone
His appearance and rugged lifestyle evoke comparisons to Daniel Boone, another famous frontier figure.
If we need a mess of thinkin' he’s the Lincoln of the day
Just as Abraham Lincoln was known for his intelligence and thoughtful leadership, Johnny Freedom is seen as a guiding force during times of great change in America.
If we're fixin' fer a tussle it's his muscle all the way
Johnny Freedom is a warrior figure, whose strength and toughness can lead America to victory in times of conflict or war.
If we need a handsome fella so the ladies’ hearts can throb
Even beyond his skills in leadership and combat, Johnny Freedom is remembered for his handsome appearance, which makes him popular with women.
There's a Yankee Doodle Dandy always handy for the job
As a symbol of American patriotism and freedom, Johnny Freedom is always ready to step up and do what needs to be done.
He's the spirit of a bear cub
Johnny Freedom represents the young, eager spirit of America, much like a bear cub embodies youth and vitality.
Our country's pride and joy
Johnny Freedom is a national treasure and a source of great pride for Americans, representing their aspirations and dreams.
Hats off to Johnny Freedom, Johnny Freedom
A salute to this great American hero, recognizing his contributions to the nation and people of America.
That's our boy
Johnny Freedom embodies everything that is good about America, and Americans feel a sense of kinship with him.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GEORGE DAVID WEISS, JULE STYNE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sanguis
on I Hate Niggers
John Gale "Johnny" Horton did NOT write or sing the song "I Hate Niggers". That song was by Johnny Rebel and not written or released for some years after Johnny Horton died.