Tumbling Tumbleweeds

"Tumbling Tumbleweeds" is a song composed by Bob Nolan. Although one of the most famous songs associated with the Sons of the Pioneers, the song was composed by Nolan in the 1930s, while working as a caddy and living in Los Angeles. Originally titled "Tumbling Leaves"[1], the song was reworked into the title "Tumbling Tumbleweeds" and into fame with the 1935 Gene Autry film of the same name. Members of the Western Writers of America chose it as one of the Top 100 Western songs of all time.[2]

For the 1935 Gene Autry movie, see Tumbling Tumbleweeds (film).

"Tumbling Tumbleweeds"
Single by Sons of the Pioneers
Released	c. 1934
Genre	Western Music
Length	2:40
Songwriter(s)	Bob Nolan

Cover versions

• The Sons of the Pioneers first recorded the song for Decca on August 8, 1934[3] and it enjoyed chart success that year.[4] Their 1934 recording was selected by the Library of Congress as a 2010 addition to the National Recording Registry, which selects recordings annually that are "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".[5] Their 1946 version of the song was featured in the 1998 film The Big Lebowski, though it did not appear on the soundtrack release.
• Bing Crosby recorded the song with John Scott Trotter's Orchestra in Los Angeles 9 February 1940.[6] [7] This version reached the No. 12 position in the charts of the day during a 7-week stay.[8] Crosby recorded the song again in 1954 for his album Bing: A Musical Autobiography.
• Slim Whitman had a top twenty hit in the UK with "Tumbling Tumbleweeds" in 1956.
• Pat Boone recorded a version of "Tumbling Tumbleweeds" with his wife Shirley Boone on their 1959 album "Side by Side".
• Johnnie Ray recorded his version for the 1959 album On the Trail.[9]
• Lorne Greene recorded the song for his 1965 album American West.
• Kate Smith recorded the song on June 1, 1945 for Columbia (36871)[10] and it is available on her CD 16 Most Requested Songs.[11]
• The Supremes covered the song on their 1965 album The Supremes Sing Country, Western & Pop, although it was recorded two years earlier. Diana Ross sings lead.
• Harry James recorded a version on his 1966 album Harry James & His Western Friends (Dot DLP 3735 and DLP 25735).[12]
• Michael Nesmith covered the song with his band The First National Band on their album Nevada Fighter, released in 1971.
• In the song "Turn on, Tune in, Drop Out" by The Fugs on their 1968 album Tenderness Junction, the chorus of "Tumbling Tumbleweeds" is sung over part of the instrumental section.
• Jazz guitarist Grant Green recorded a version in 1962, which was released on the 1969 album Goin' West, and features Herbie Hancock on piano.
• Film actor Clint Eastwood recorded a version on his 1962 album Cowboy Favorites.[13]
• Frankie Laine recorded a version on his 1962 album Call of the Wild.[14]
• Don Everly recorded a version in 1970. It is the opening track on the album Don Everly.[15]
• Marty Robbins recorded a version on his 1979 album All Around Cowboy.[16]
• Leo Kottke recorded a version on his 1981 album Guitar Music.
• Meat Puppets recorded a cover on their 1982 self-titled debut album.

Film appearances

• 1935 Tumbling Tumbleweeds
• 1943 Silver Spurs - Performed by Roy Rogers and the Sons of the Pioneers
• 1944 Hollywood Canteen - Sung by Sons of the Pioneers
• 1945 Don't Fence Me In - Sung by Roy Rogers, Dale Evans and the Sons of the Pioneers
• 1982 M*A*S*H "Pressure Points"
• 1998 The Big Lebowski

References

1. http://www.bobnolan-sop.net/Special%20Features/Song%20of%20the%20Month/Tumbling%20Leaves/Leaves.htm
2. Western Writers of America (2010). "The Top 100 Western Songs". American Cowboy. Archived from the original on 10 August 2014.
3. "THE ONLINE DISCOGRAPHICAL PROJECT". 78discography.com. Retrieved June 22, 2017.
4. Whitburn, Joel (1986). Joel Whitburn's Pop Memories 1890-1954. Wisconsin, USA: Record Research Inc. p. 599. ISBN 0-89820-083-0.
5. "National Recording Preservation Board 2010". Library of Congress. Retrieved June 10, 2018.
6. "A Bing Crosby Discography". BING magazine. International Club Crosby. Retrieved June 22, 2017.
7. I'm an Old Cowhand, Bing Crosby, ASV Mono Living Era,1995
8. Whitburn, Joel (1986). Pop Memories 1890-1954. Wisconsin: Record Research Inc. p. 107. ISBN 0-89820-083-0.
9. "Discogs.com". Discogs.com. Retrieved June 22, 2017.
10. "THE ONLINE DISCOGRAPHICAL PROJECT". 78discography.com. Retrieved June 22, 2017.
11. "allmusic.com". allmusic.com. Retrieved June 22, 2017.
12. "Discogs.com". Discogs.com. Retrieved June 22, 2017.
13. "Discogs.com". Discogs.com. Retrieved June 22, 2017.
14. "Discogs.com". Discogs.com. Retrieved June 22, 2017.
15. "Discogs.com". Discogs.com. Retrieved June 22, 2017.
16. "Discogs.com". Discogs.com. Retrieved June 22, 2017.

External links

• Lyrics of this song at MetroLyrics
• Tumbling Tumbleweeds - The Luck and the Loss Video produced by the PBS Series History Detectives