The original singer of “Ghost Riders In The Sky” was Vaughn Monroe. However, it is worth noting that the song was actually written by Stan Jones in the late 1940s. Jones, a ranger in Death Valley National Park, was inspired to write the song after seeing a strange red glow on the horizon one evening. This mysterious sight led him to imagine a ghostly cattle drive in the sky, and thus the iconic song was born.
When Jones first recorded the song himself, it received little attention. However, it quickly caught the attention of other artists, and Vaughn Monroe's version became the most popular and successful. Monroe, known for his deep baritone voice, brought a certain gravitas to the song that resonated with audiences at the time.
Shortly after Monroe's recording, several other artists also released their own versions of “Ghost Riders In The Sky,” including Burl Ives, Peggy Lee, and Bing Crosby. Each artist brought their own unique style and interpretation to the song, allowing it to reach a wider audience and become a true hit in 1950.
Personally, I have always been captivated by the haunting melody and evocative lyrics of “Ghost Riders In The Sky.” The song's imagery of cowboys chasing after a supernatural herd of cattle across the endless expanse of the sky is both captivating and eerie. It taps into the timeless theme of the human struggle between good and evil, and the consequences of our choices.
While the original singer of “Ghost Riders In The Sky” was Vaughn Monroe, the song was written by Stan Jones and went on to be recorded by several other artists, all of whom enjoyed massive hit versions in 1950. Its enduring popularity and rich storytelling continue to make it a beloved classic in the realm of American music.