John Gale “Johnny” Horton  (April 30, 1925–November 5, 1960)
 
Johnny Horton was a country music and rockabilly singer famous for his semi-folk
saga-songs which began the “historical ballad” craze of the late 1950s and early
1960s. The most song was 1959s “The Battle of New Orleans” which was awarded
the 1960 Grammy Award for Best Country & Western Recording. Horton had two
other successes during the 1960s with “North to Alaska” and “Sink the Bismarck.” 

Johnny Horton died at 33 when his Cadillac w as hit by a drunken truck driver in
Milano, Texas. Ironically, Horton had just finished his last show at the Skyline in
Austin, where Hank Williams had played his last show as well. Johnny’s widow,
Billy Joe, was also Hank Williams’ widow. Horton is a member of the Rockabilly
Hall of Fame.