Saturday, June 13, 2009

Happy Trails

Okay, it's back by popular demand and now has it's own blog! Yes, that's right ... it's Original versus Cover, where you get to vote on your preferred version of an original musical selection or a later cover version.

We'll start off with a huge contrast. This should give people a chance to find the blog before we get it really cranked up.

The original version is performed by none other than the "King of Cowboys," Roy Rogers and his lovely wife, Dale Evans. If I'm not mistaken, The Roy Rogers Show television show of the 50's closed out each episode with this little ditty which was written by Dale, herself.

The cover version is by a personal favorite, Van Halen. It's the last track off their 1982 Diver Down album. Here's what lead singer David Lee Roth said about "Happy Trails":

"You wouldn't believe the number of TV commercials and radio jingles this band can sing in four-part harmony. I was nannied and weaned by TV- that's the babysitter around here when you're growing up, to sit in front of the tube. You turn into a vidiot. I remember all the commercials. We've been singing 'Happy Trails' for general airport use for years. And we wanted to do something wonderful and different for you."

Voting is now open. Let your voice be heard by voting and commenting!

6 comments:

Diane B said...

OK, that Van Halen thing was AWFUL! That just ruined the song. There is a version of the song by Michael Martin Murphy & Suzi Bogguss that is absoulutely beautiful. We have the CD. Look it up & have a listen...now that's beautiful music. I love the orginal by Roy & Dale, can't beat it.

pcb said...

I thought the Van Halen version wasn't as bad as I had inticipated, they do harmonize well and I like that. But since I abhor David I will go with the seemingly innocent and lovely "Roger's Family" version.

Shaury said...

Not a big Van Halen fan sorry. GO ROY!

Becky A said...

the van halen version was annoying to me.

pcb said...

Well - I guess we know who voted for Van Halen, you should be ashamed of yourself, going against Roy Rogers is un-American!

Diane B said...

I think our family could do a better job on "Happy Trails" than the Haley Comet people. Were they just doing it as a joke?
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