"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 Tumble Leaves", the song was reworked into the title "Tumbling Tumbleweeds" and into fame with the 1935 Gene Autryfilm of the same name. Members of the Western Writers of America chose it as one of the Top 100 Western songs of all time.[1]
The song was used by the Coen Brothers as the part of their score for the 1998 film, The Big Lebowski.
Cover versions
The Sons of the Pioneers first recorded the song for Decca on August 8, 1934[2] and it enjoyed chart success that year.[3] Their 1946 version of the song was featured in the 1998 film The Big Lebowski, though it did not appear on the soundtrack release. The Sons of the Pioneers' 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".[4]
Bing Crosby recorded the song with John Scott Trotter's Orchestra in Los Angeles 9 February 1940.[5][6] This version reached the No. 12 position in the charts of the day during a 7-week stay.[7] 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.
Johnnie Ray recorded his version for the 1959 album On the Trail.[8]
Kate Smith recorded the song on June 1, 1945 for Columbia (36871)[9] and it is available on her CD 16 Most Requested Songs.[10]
Harry James recorded a version on his 1966 album Harry James & His Western Friends (Dot DLP 3735 and DLP 25735).[11]
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.[12]
Frankie Laine recorded a version on his 1962 album Call of the Wild.[13]
Don Everly recorded a version in 1970. It is the opening track on the album Don Everly.[14]
Marty Robbins recorded a version on his 1979 album All Around Cowboy.[15]
