Honky Tonk Man: The Essential Johnny Horton 1956-1960

Johnny Horton | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 12, 1996)
• Original Release Date: March 12, 1996
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B000002AAZ
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #65,516 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

For those only familiar with Johnny Horton's big hits and historical sagas, this two-disc collection presents a more complete picture of the artist. Disc 1 focuses largely on Horton's urgent rockabilly sides, falling somewhere between Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash with a tiny hint of Hank tossed in. Since he costarred on the Louisiana Hayride with Presley in the mid-1950s, it's not surprising that Horton's earliest Columbia recordings found him as sort of the label's answer to the Sun sound, especially with Grady Martin's snarling guitar licks. This set adds four cuts from a rare airplay-only LP before moving on to the saga songs for which Horton will always be beloved. --Marc Greilsamer

Product Description

No Description Available
No Track Information Available
Media Type: CD
Artist: HORTON,JOHNNY
Title: HONKY TONK MAN-ESSENTIAL JOHN
Street Release Date: 03/12/1996
Domestic
Genre: OLDIES

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Johnny HortonThe Essential Honky Tonk Man Lives On!, August 13, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Honky Tonk Man: The Essential Johnny Horton 1956-1960 (Audio CD)

For those country music fans who are only familiar with Johnny Horton's historical saga songs, this two CD compilation truly demonstrates that he was an original and diverse artist. Horton really shines on the "honky tonk" tunes: "Honky Tonk Man" (most recently covered by Dwight Yoakam), "I'm a One Woman Man" (most recently covered by George Jones), "Goodbye Lonesome (Hello, Baby Doll)," "Honky Tonk Hardwood Floor," "Cherokee Boogie" (most recently covered by BR5-49 and Marty Brown), and "The Golden Rocket" (nice version that would please Hank Snow). Some interesting tunes worth checking out: "Hot in the Sugarcane Field," "Lost Highway" (good version of Hank Williams, Sr. classic), "Evil Hearted Me," and "I'll Do It Every Time" (almost Everly Brothers in feel). There is some filler on these CDs, but it's mostly listenable and enjoyable in its own way. There are two notable omissions on this compilation that would render his "Greatest Hits" package unnecessary for purchase (unless your really want some of the historical saga songs)--"Whispering Pines" and "All for the Love of a Girl." These are two of the best ballads (and songs!) that Horton ever recorded. Why are they missing here? Otherwise, this is a terrific collection.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Johnny Horton's Masterpieces, November 10, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Honky Tonk Man: The Essential Johnny Horton 1956-1960 (Audio CD)

Although this CD left out some of my favorites, like "Jim Bridger," "Johnny Freedom," and "The Battle of Bull Run," it is a must have for any fan of Johnny Horton, or classic country in general. It provides many songs that aren't included on most of his other cd's, a bonus feature in this 2 CD set. It is definately a must have for any collection!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great 2 CD Collection, November 18, 2005

By 

Jess "Jess" (Coal Country, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Honky Tonk Man: The Essential Johnny Horton 1956-1960 (Audio CD)

Here is a fine collection of Johhny Horton songs; not only the more famous Historic numbers, but the equally good (or better, in my opinion) Honky Tonk numbers. I wish someone would release his entire catalog of early stuff; especially his signature, hard-driving, honky tonkin'! I do have one real criticism of this collection, and I am really perturbed that "Whispering Pines" and "All For the Love of A Girl" were not included here....it is criminal. If you are not familiar with Johnny's "drinkin" music, you owe it to yourself to hear the likes of "I'm Comin' Home" and "Honky Tonk Hardwood Floor"; both are included here, as well as many more. Forget Toby Keith, Faith & Tim Hill, or Kenny G Chesney.....here is a collection of fine country music that is worth every penny of the price.