"How The West Was Won" is a captivating double album released by the legendary Bing Crosby in 1960, under the RCA/Legacy label. This historic album is not just a collection of songs, but a rich tapestry of American folk and cowboy music, meticulously curated and performed by Crosby alongside a stellar ensemble that includes Rosemary Clooney, the Deseret Mormon Choir, Jimmie Driftwood, Sam Hinton, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Orchestrated and conducted by Bob Thompson, the album is a testament to the golden age of vocal harmonies and storytelling through music.
Spanning a generous 83 tracks, the album is a journey through the heart of the American West, featuring timeless classics like "Shenandoah," "The Streets of Laredo," and "Red River Valley." The album also includes lesser-known gems that showcase the diversity and richness of American folk music. From the hauntingly beautiful ballads to the lively, foot-tapping tunes, each track is a masterclass in vocal performance and musical arrangement.
The album's duration of 1 hour and 23 minutes is a testament to the depth and breadth of the material covered. Whether you're a fan of traditional folk music, a history buff, or simply appreciate the art of storytelling through song, "How The West Was Won" offers something truly special. It's a celebration of the American spirit, captured in the rich, warm vocals of Bing Crosby and his esteemed collaborators. This album is a timeless piece of musical history that continues to resonate with audiences today.
(P) 1960 RCA Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment
Tracks
Shenandoah / Extract from Carl Sandburg / Bound for the Promised LandBing Crosby, Bob Thompson, His Orchestra and Chorus, Rosemary Clooney
En Roulant Ma Boule RoulantBing Crosby, Jack Halloran Singers
Lupita DivinaBing Crosby, Tarrytown Trio
The Sioux IndiansSam Hinton
Extract from Carl Sandburg / ShenandoahBing Crosby
Crossing The PlainsBing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney
Buffalo BoySam Hinton
Sweet Betsy From PikeRosemary Clooney
Ox Driving SongJimmie Driftwood
Will You Go West With MeSam Hinton
Buffalo Gals / General CusterJimmie Driftwood, Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney
All "Pewtrified" / Will You Come To The BowerBing Crosby
Bile Them Cabbage Down / Green Grow The LiliacsSam Hinton, Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney
A Ripping Trip / What Was Your Name In The StatesJimmie Driftwood, Sam Hinton, Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney
California Ball / When I Went Off To ProspectBing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney
Lane County Bachelor / Old Settler's SongBing Crosby, Sam Hinton, Rosemary Clooney
Drill Ye Tarriers Drill!Jack Halloran Singers
A Railroader's Bride I'll BeRosemary Clooney
900 MilesBing Crosby
Billy the KidJimmie Driftwood
Hang Me, Oh Hang Me!Bing Crosby
Jesse JamesJimmie Driftwood
Skip To My Lou / Crawdad SongTarrytown Trio, Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney
Careless LoveRosemary Clooney
Hell In TexasSam Hinton
Jennie JenkinsBing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney
The Streets Of Laredo - from 'Asteroid City' Original SoundtrackBing Crosby
Down By The BrazosSam Hinton
Git Along Little DogiesBing Crosby
Buckskin JoeBing Crosby
Red River ValleyBing Crosby
The Handcart SongThe Deseret Mormon Choir
The Spirit Of God Like A Fire Is BurningThe Deseret Mormon Choir
Come, Come Ye SaintsThe Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square