The Man From Laramie

Album: released as a single (1955)
Charted: 1
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The Man From Laramie is a film released in August 1955 with James Stewart in the title role. The title song was written by lyricist Ned Washington and composed by Lester Lee.

    In the film it was sung by a chorus, but elsewhere it was recorded rather widely, including by Al Martino, whose version was released as a single in America.

    The film is a Western, telling the story of a feud between ranchers. This story is recounted in the song, with the lyrics essentially describing the plot.
  • The movie, and the song, are distinctly American, but no version ever charted in that country. In the UK though, the DJ and radio presenter Jimmy Young took the song to #1 (Young died in 2016 at the age of 95). Martino's version also charted in the UK, reaching #19. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 2

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Colin Hay

Colin HaySongwriter Interviews

Established as a redoubtable singer-songwriter, the Men At Work frontman explains how religion, sobriety and Jack Nicholson play into his songwriting.

Sub Pop Founder Bruce Pavitt On How To Create A Music Scene

Sub Pop Founder Bruce Pavitt On How To Create A Music SceneSong Writing

With $50 and a glue stick, Bruce Pavitt created Sub Pop, a fanzine-turned-label that gave the world Nirvana and grunge. He explains how motivated individuals can shift culture.

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"They're Playing My Song

As a songwriter and producer, Narada had hits with Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Starship. But what song does he feel had the greatest impact on his career?

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many Songs

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many SongsSong Writing

For songwriters, Johnny represents the American man. He has been angry, cool, magic, a rebel and, of course, marching home.

P.F. Sloan

P.F. SloanSongwriter Interviews

P.F. was a teenager writing hits and playing on tracks for Jan & Dean when he wrote a #1 hit that got him blackballed.

David Bowie Leads the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Long-Haired Men

David Bowie Leads the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Long-Haired MenSong Writing

Bowie's "activist" days of 1964 led to Ziggy Stardust.