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The Ballad of Paladin
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Wikipedia article
"'The Ballad of Paladin'" is a song written by Johnny Western, Richard Boone, and Sam Rolfe and performed by Duane Eddy. The song reached #10 on the UK Singles Chart and #33 on the 'Billboard' Hot 100 in 1962.[http://www.musicvf.com/song.php?title=The+Ballad+of+Paladin+by+Duane+Eddy&id=13115 Duane Eddy, "The Ballad of Paladin" Chart Positions] Retrieved April 28, 2014 Members of the Western Writers of America chose it as one of the Top 100 Western songs of all time. Eddy's flip side was the theme to 'The Wild Westerners'.
The song was produced by Lee Hazlewood and arranged by Bob Thompson.[http://www.45cat.com/record/478047 Duane Eddy, "The Ballad of Paladin" single release] Retrieved April 28, 2014 Drummer Earl Palmer played on the session.Scherman, Tony, Backbeat: The Earl Palmer Story, foreword by Wynton Marsalis, Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington D.C., 1999 p. 176
It was used heavily in the film 'Stand by Me'.
Other versions
*Johnny Western recorded the original version in 1958 that was the regular theme to the television show 'Have Gun Will Travel' from the second season on--it was used at least four times in season 1, including episodes 33 & 34. His co-writers were the show's star and creator. Years later, he recorded a parody, "The Ballad of Palindrome", with the western swing and comedy group Riders in the Sky.
*Al Caiola released a version as part of an EP in 1962.[http://www.45cat.com/record/uax1503 Al Caiola, "The Ballad of Paladin" EP release] Retrieved April 28, 2014
*Faron Young released a version as part of an EP in 1963.[http://www.45cat.com/record/dj122 Faron Young, "The Ballad of Paladin" EP release] Retrieved April 28, 2014
References
Category:1962 songs
Category:1962 singles
Category:Duane Eddy songs
Category:Faron Young songs
Category:Song recordings produced by Lee Hazlewood
Category:RCA Records singles
Category:Television drama theme songs
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