Riders in the Sky Present Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier is the latest release from the Grammy-winning western group Riders in the Sky. Though this one isn't strictly a Disney CD, it is Disney related, as many of the songs are from Disney's television series about Crockett, which also made it to the big screen.

Walt Disney created a phenomenon with the airing of the Davy Crockett episodes on the Disneyland television show. Almost overnight, Crockett-related items became the craze. And everyone wanted to jump on the bandwagon, even musicians and composers. This CD contains new versions of some of those efforts.

This new CD is actually an old CD. As is explained in the book It's The Cowboy Way: The Amazing True Adventures of Riders in the Sky, the tracks were actually recorded about ten years ago, with the idea being that the CD would be one of those "only available through this TV offer" deals. The hope was to tie it in with several new Davy Crockett movies, which were in development, but those never made it into production, so the CD was dropped. Fortunately, the tracks have finally seen the light of day with this release from Rounder Records.

The CD opens as any Davy Crockett CD should with "The Ballad of Davy Crockett," written for the Disney television show by George Bruns and Tom Blackburn. It is a familiar song which most everyone knows. But the Riders undertook the challenge of singing all twenty-nine (yes that's right, twenty-nine) verses, making this version over six minutes long!

Up next is "Be Sure You're Right, And Then Go Ahead," which was Crockett's motto. This song was originally written and performed by Fess Parker and Buddy Ebsen, who portrayed Davy Crockett and Georgie Russell on the Disney television show. It is a fun song telling of some of Davy's adventures, and Woody Paul sings with a hilarious backwoods accent.

The Riders follow with "King of the River," which was sung by and about Mike Fink, who featured in "Davy Crockett's Keelboat Race." On the television show, Fink was portrayed by burly Jeff York. Here, the song is sung by Too Slim as Mike Fink, which is rather humorous, given that Slim bears absolutely no physical resemblance to Mike Fink. Still, it is a rousing song, and perhaps my favorite on the disc.

"Heading for Texas" is a new ballad written by Ranger Doug. The song expresses Davy's thoughts as he leaves Tennessee for Texas on a path that would eventually lead him to the Alamo.

"Old Betsy" was written by George Bruns and Hazel "Gil" George, who was actually the Disney studio nurse. Several versions of this song have been recorded, including a version by Parker and Ebsen. Those two also sang the song on the Disneyland opening special live on television.

Too Slim sings "The Grinning Tale," repeating the tall tale of how Davy would grin down a bear. The end has humorous results as a particular lady grins the singer out of a tree! This song was written by Jimmie Driftwood, who also wrote "The Battle of New Orleans."

In "Colonel Crockett's Speech to Congress," Ranger Doug rearranges Davy's speeches, or at least what he said according to legend and television shows, into rhymes, which are performed by Woody Paul. Those looking for a CD for the young 'uns beware, as Davy tells people where to go at the end of this song.

"Remember the Alamo" was originally recorded by western star Tex Ritter, familiar to Disney fans as the voice of Big Al in the Country Bear Jamboree. This song tells of the bravery of those who fought along with Davy Crockett in Texas.

The disc closes with "Farewell," which was originally heard in the Disney television show as those at the Alamo were awaiting the fateful battle. The words were actually written by Crockett himself, in a poem he wrote before leaving for Texas. The music was by Disney composer George Bruns. It is a stirring song, and a fitting end for the disc.

Davy Crockett is another fun CD from Riders in the Sky. The Riders (Ranger Doug, Woody Paul, Too Slim, and Joey the CowPolka King) have won two Grammys for best children's recording for Woody's Roundup and Monsters, Inc. Scream Factory Favorites, both related to Disney/Pixar movies. As with Scream Factory Favorites, this one is a bit of a depature from their normal western style, and it further shows the musical talent of the group.

While it isn't the longest CD out there, this one is a fun one to listen to over and over. Especially for someone like me, who lives in the area originally represented by Davy Crockett in Congress.

Be sure you're right, and then go ahead!

- Story by Steve Burns; Artwork ©Rounder Records
Posted August 27, 2004

Steve is a three-time Disney Store National Trivia finalist and webmaster of BurnsLand, home of Steve's Disney Railroad Adventures.

E-mail Steve at steve@startedbyamouse.com, discuss this article in the StartedByAMouse.com Disney Discussion Forums or use the Talkback feature below.

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