From adults to children, no artist filled the hearts of Americans with pride like Johnny Horton. Horton specialized in saga songs, “historical narratives that were popular in country music in the early sixties,” and brought historical ballads to the mainstream audience. (Morthland and Sweany). He was best known for the song, “The Battle of New Orleans,” which chronicled Andrew Jacksons victory over British forces in New Orleans. Although the song was not written by him, “Hortons rendition topped the pop and the country charts” (Morthland and Sweany). The song propelled Johnny Horton into the spotlight, and it remains his most popular song to date.
The Battle of New Orleans was fought in 1815 when British forces moved toward New Orleans, and met an outnumbered army of Americans led by Andrew Jackson. As an American, Johnny Horton portrays a…show more content… In the late 1950s, the American population was plagued by communist paranoia, and “in their fear, citizens questioned anyone or anything that was ‘different’” (Brennan). Desperately in need of assurance and comfort, the American people turned to music to ease their minds. During the cold war, art and music pushed forward the culture of both Soviets and Americans. Music became “a cultural strategy intended to enhance America’s image abroad as a force for good,” and gave artists like Johnny Horton a chance to earn their fame (Fairclough). If there was a perfect time to release a song about Americas triumphant victory over the British, this was it. Horton’s performance of “The Battle of New Orleans,” along with a recreation of the battle with background dancers on the Ed Sullivan show, was met with praise and pushed the song to the top of the charts. The need for pride, and comfort during the difficult years of the Cold War allowed Johnny Horton to become a household name, and cemented his and the song’s legacy in American
