1st RECORDING OF: Riders In The Sky Burl Ives (1949)

More commonlyknown as Ghost Riders In The Sky, this western ballad was a huge 1949 hit for Vaughn Monroe, whose millionseller version was recorded four weeks after the Ives (listen here: ). The songs writer Stan Jones also recorded a version for the Mercury label in May 1949. Wikipedia suggests that there was an earlier version by Jones (recorded late 1948 or early 1949), but I have seen no documentation as to any actual date, label, or commercial release thereof. The original 78rpm single was issued on Columbia 38445 Riders In The Sky (Cowboy Legend) (Stan Jones) by Burl Ives, recorded February 17, 1949 For hundreds of other originals, please visit the fascinating playlist FIRST RECORDING OF THE SONG (click here: )