Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Here Are The Best Johnny Horton Songs That Are Still Celebrated To This Day

Johnny Horton Songs
by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

Johnny Horton was on the verge of becoming one of the top stars when he met a tragedy that caused his untimely death and cut his career short in 1960. From the late 50s and early 60s, a series of Johnny Horton songs actually topped the country charts and even crossed the pop charts. He even achieved more success with his history-inspired narratives that became international hits.

Now, we’re going to look back at some of Johnny Horton‘s greatest hits. Keep on scrolling below to find out.

1. The Battle of New Orleans

From: The Spectacular Johnny Horton (1959)

The song narrates the Battle of New Orleans that happened in 1815 between the British Army and the United States Army – as told by an American soldier. It has been recorded by many artists, but Horton’s version was the most notable and memorable one.

His recording did not only reach No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart but also earned a Grammy Award for Best Country & Western Recording and, later, a Grammy Hall of Fame Award. In 2001, it was hailed as one of RIAA’s Songs of the Century.

2. When It’s Springtime in Alaska (It’s Forty Below)

From: The Spectacular Johnny Horton (1959)

Horton earned his first No. 1 on the country chart with this downright funny song about a prospector making a trip to Fairbanks, Alaska. Its catchy storytelling revolves around the man who met a lovely lady, danced with her all night, and later engaged in a romantic night. 

“When It’s Springtime in Alaska” ended with the revelation that the woman is actually a wife-to-be of a scary man named Big E, who will absolutely be putting him six feet down under.

3. I’m A One-Woman Man

From: Honky-Tonk Man (1956)

This song narrates a man’s deep affection for his lover, swearing he will never love another even if he could, which will surely make you weak in the knees. Many country fans fell in love with the classic that it ranked No. 7 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.

George Jones recorded “I’m A One-Woman Man” twice, in which his second recording brought the song back to the country chart.

4. Honky-Tonk Man

From: Honky-Tonk Man (1956)

Released as Horton’s debut single on Columbia Records, the song went on to become one of his biggest hits. “Honky-Tonk Man” tells the story of a man whose life is filled with drinking and dancing with young women in honky-tonk bars – something that he’s been struggling to stop.

Horton re-released the song six years later, and it ranked No. 11 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. Since then, several artists have covered and released the song. This includes Dwight Yoakam, whose version reached No. 3 on the country chart.

5. North To Alaska

From: Johnny Horton’s Greatest Hits (1961)

While Horton had sung quite a few popular movie tie-in songs, “North To Alaska” marked his first song to be sung over the film’s opening titles. This song was featured in the film of the same name, in which its lyrics provided a backstory for the point where the movie stars. 

6. Sink the Bismarck

From: Johnny Horton Makes History (1960)

This marching song was based on the quest and ultimate sinking of the German battleship Bismarck during World War II in 1941. It was meant as a novelty tune for the film of the same name. “Sink the Bismarck” was used in the film’s theater trailers – however, it was never used in the film itself.

Horton recorded the song despite his concern over the subject’s relative obscurity in the United States.

7. Sal’s Got A Sugar Lip

Released as a single (1959)

What’s better than a springtime love song about young love? Well, “Sal’s Got A Sugar Lip” is a light and comical tune about a guy who wants to steal a kiss from a girl who’s rumored to give sweet kisses.

8. I Won’t Get Dreamy Eyed

Released as a single (1959)

Like most of Horton’s songs, this bluegrass-inspired ballad tells the story of a man missing someone back home. He vows to never wander despite being miles apart, and holds on through the letters she has sent him.

9. Sleepy-Eyed John

From: Honky-Tonk Man (1956)

While the song has been recorded by various artists, it was Horton’s version that became a million-selling hit. It reached No. 9 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.

The song was released as the B-side of Horton’s rendition of “They’ll Never Take Her Love from Me” by Hank Williams.

10. Johnny Reb 

From: Johnny Horton Makes History (1960)

Johnny Reb has been used to refer to veteran Confederate soldiers or the states’ white natives that once belonged to the Confederacy – and this patriotic ballad is especially dedicated to them. It showcases the Confederate soldiers’ bravery and heroism shown during the battle until the time they breathe one’s breath. 

In each verse of the song, the lyrics artistically described the historical events in which Johnny Reb played a significant role.

Some More Johnny Horton Songs That Will Surely Impress You 

After Johnny Horton’s death, his recordings were compiled, issued, and continued to sell throughout the 1960s. Here are our other picks.

  • All Grown Up
  • The Woman I Need
  • I’m Coming Home
  • Ole Slew-Foot
  • The Rest Of Your Life
  • I Won’t Forget
  • Plaid and Calico
  • Tennessee Jive
  • There’ll Never Be Another Mary
  • Journey With No End
  • Hey Sweet, Sweet Thing
  • I’ll Do It Every Time
  • You’re My Baby
  • Honky Tonk Hardwood Floor
  • They Shined Up Rudolph’s Nose

These Johnny Horton songs will truly make you wonder what his career would have been like had things been different.

Latest Stories

Josh Weathers raises over $337000 in a livestream concert fundraiser to help Texas families devastated by catastrophic floods.

Josh Weathers Raises Over $337000 in Livestream to Help Texas Families Hit by Floods

A guitar in hand and a heart the size of Texas. That’s Josh Weathers right now. While storms swallowed up gigs and highways across Central Texas, this Fort Worth native ...

Lauren Alaina fires back at trolls who mom-shame her for bottle-feeding her newborn, pictured holding baby Beni Doll Arnold.

Lauren Alaina Fires Back at Trolls Who Mom-Shame Her for Bottle-Feeding

A bottle in one hand and zero time for strangers’ opinions in the other. That’s how Lauren Alaina’s rolling and some loudmouths just found out the hard way. If you’ve ...

Kelly Clarkson seen emotional in a past photo, echoing fans’ heartbreak after she canceled her Vegas opening night due to illness.

Fans Are Heartbroken After Kelly Clarkson Cancels Vegas Opening Night Due to Illness

Nothing guts a diehard fan like standing in line for hours only to get hit with the words “Show’s off.” Kelly Clarkson found herself in that brutal spot last weekend ...

Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton perform together on stage, teaming up for a new duet that might break country radio charts.

Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton Team Up for a Duet That Might Break Country Radio

Sometimes, country music gives you a pairing that is so perfect that you wonder what the hell took so long. Well, here we are. Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton are ...

Dolly Parton smiles in a sparkling gown, proving she’ll always look glamorous on the outside to match how she feels inside.

Dolly Parton Shares Glamorous Photo Says She’ll Always Look How She Feels Inside

Some folks roll out of bed looking like they just survived a bar fight but not Dolly damn Parton. On July 1, the queen of country herself dropped a glamorous ...

Lee Greenwood performs live in a patriotic shirt, years after nearly shelving “God Bless The USA,” now America’s beloved anthem.

Lee Greenwood Almost Didn’t Release “God Bless The USA” as a Single, Now It’s America’s Anthem

Sometimes, the songs that shape a nation nearly get buried on the B side. Back in 1984, Lee Greenwood was on a solid run of hits and living out every ...

Keith Urban smiles on stage in Akron, Ohio, where he made a heartfelt gesture for a blind fan that moved the audience to tears.

Keith Urban’s Sweet Gesture for Blind Fan Leaves Sister Thanking Him for Truly Seeing Her

Some moments at a concert feel bigger than the music. This was one of them. Keith Urban‘s always been one of the good guys in country, but fans at his ...

Gracie McGraw, seen here at a past event, recently left fans laughing on Instagram comparing herself to Jurassic dinosaurs.

Tim McGraw’s Daughter Gracie Leaves Fans in Stitches Comparing Herself to Dinosaurs

Sometimes, you just need a reminder that not every celebrity kid takes themselves too seriously. Tim McGraw and Faith Hill’s oldest daughter, Gracie McGraw, just gave the internet a masterclass ...

Willie Nelson smiles while performing onstage with his iconic guitar, as rumors swirl about Baylor University banning him.

Did a Texas University Ban Willie Nelson or Was He Just Too Much of an Outlaw to Show Up

Only Willie Nelson could have a “campus ban” rumor stick for 40 years and make him look even more like the cowboy rebel everyone loves. If you’ve ever cracked open ...

Roy Rogers, smiling in his signature cowboy hat and embroidered suit, remembered by fans as the King of the Cowboys in 1998.

On This Day, Fans Remember Roy Rogers, the King of the Cowboys, Who Rode Off in 1998

Sometimes the cowboy who taught America how to ride tall in the saddle and tip a hat with a smile is the one who leaves the biggest boots to fill. ...