Ten Favorite Train Songs: First Train Heading South (#9)

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Before I unleash what I consider the most cringe-worthy country music song in history tomorrow I'll give you some fine country music tonight. Actually, this is pretty good rockabilly from one of my candidates for biggest Country Music Hall of Fame snubs. Here's today's song with "train" in the title. #9: First Train Heading South - Johnny Horton You probably think that Johnny Horton was an "overnight sensation" with 1959's Grammy-winning "The Battle of New Orleans," but he'd been performing for over ten years before that song made him a household name. Sadly, less than a year after he won his Grammy he was dead, the victim of a drunk driving accident. He was only 35. But oh, the music that man made in his life. Yes, "The Battle of New Orleans" was his "big hit," but that's hardly the only thing he did. A staple on the Louisiana Hayride for years, Horton had a string of regionally popular songs before the national phenomenon took hold. He was well-respected in both the country and rockabilly circles because he could do both splendidly. This song, about a guy who gets a letter from his girlfriend and catches a train as fast as he can to get home to her, shows the rockabilly side of him. It also shows how closely intertwined country and rockabilly were in the early days. This is a great song to work up a sweat to in the gym, or to just enjoy. First Train Heading South Written by Johnny Horton Recorded by Johnny Horton From The Spectacular Johnny Horton, 1960 I didn't know my baby loved me so: