The Ballad of High Noon
"The Ballad of High Noon" (also known simply as "High Noon", or by its opening lyric and better known title, "Do Not Forsake Me, O My Darlin’") is a popular song published in 1952, with music by Dimitri Tiomkin and lyrics by Ned Washington.
| "The Ballad of High Noon" | |
|---|---|
| Song | |
| Published | 1952 |
| Composer(s) | Dimitri Tiomkin |
| Lyricist(s) | Ned Washington |
It is the theme song of the movie High Noon (and titled onscreen as such in the film’s opening credits as sung by Tex Ritter), with its tune repeated throughout the film. It was awarded the 1952 Academy Award for Best Original Song[1] and was performed that night for the Academy by Ritter.[2] There were only three instruments accompanying Ritter in the soundtrack: guitar, accordion, and the Novachord, which created an unusual electronic percussion quality.[3]
The song appears at number 25 on "AFI's 100 Years...100 Songs". Members of the Western Writers of America chose it as one of the Top 100 Western songs of all time.[4][1]
Other versions
- Frankie Laine (1952) – US No. 5; UK No. 7[1]
- Tex Ritter (1952) – US No. 12[5]
References
- Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 134. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
- The Making of High Noon, hosted by Leonard Maltin, 1992, interview with John Ritter. Available on blu-Ray from Olive Films.
- Liner notes, ”High Noon“ soundtrack, Screen Archives Entertainment, 2013.
- Western Writers of America (2010). "The Top 100 Western Songs". American Cowboy. Archived from the original on 10 August 2014.
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2014-07-06. Retrieved 2014-09-17.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
External links
- Allison, Deborah (2003). ""Do Not Forsake Me: The Ballad of High Noon" and the Rise of the Movie Theme Song". Senses of Cinema.