Johnny Horton was one of the most popular country music singers of the 1950s. He had several historically-themed hits in the late 1950s. In 1959, he reached the peak of his career with the monster hit "Battle of New Orleans" which spent 10 weeks at Number 1 on the country charts and six weeks at Number 1 on the popular charts. It also won a Grammy Award in 1960. "When It's Springtime in Alaska (It's 40 Below)' had also reached number 1 on the country charts. "North to Alaska" was used in John Wayne's movie of the same name, and "Sink the Bismarck" was also based on fact.

He grew up during the Great Depression. His parents were traveling fruit pickers, so he lacked roots during most of his childhood. As a young adult, he played music, panned for gold in Alaska and became a commercial fisherman. His career picked up when he moved to Shreveport, Louisiana and joined the Louisiana Hayride (a show almost as popular as the Grand Ole Opry). Hank Williams served as his mentor, and after Hank died, Horton married Hank's widow. As an artist, his career suffered peaks and valleys. His 1956 hit, "Honky Tonk Man" became a jukebox favorite and a top 10 hit. His career peaked in 1959 and 1960, but at the height of his popularity, he was killed by a drunk driver on a Texas road. His friend, Johnny Cash, read a Bible passage at his funeral. His albums continued to sell well years after his death. He is a member of the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, and the Delta Music Hall of Fame

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