The Johnny Horton North to Alaska song became a 1960 hit song that was featured in the movie of the same name. This song reached #1 on the Billboard country singles chart starting January 9, 1961. Horton passed away from an automobile accident November 5, 1960 shortly after the song was released. Members of the Western Writers of America chose this song as one of the Top 100 Western songs of all time.
Johnny Horton’s “North to Alaska” is one of the most iconic country and folk songs of the early 1960s, known for its vivid storytelling and connection to the popular Western film of the same name. The song, released in 1960, captures the adventurous spirit of the Klondike Gold Rush and remains a beloved classic in country music history. The song was on the Soundtrack from the 1960 Henry Hathaway film with John Wayne, Stewart Granger, Ernie Kovacs, Fabian & Capucine. Watch the theme song with movie footage and see the official audio video and lyrics below.
Johnny Horton North to Alaska Theme Song Film Tribute Video
Johnny Horton North to Alaska Audio Video
The Story Behind the Song
“North to Alaska” was co-written by Mike Phillips and TIlman Franks. The song was recorded by Johnny Horton as the theme song for the 1960 film North to Alaska, starring John Wayne, Stewart Granger, and Capucine. The movie is a Western comedy-adventure set during the 1890s gold rush, revolving around a group of prospectors seeking their fortune in the rugged terrain of Alaska.
Horton’s song perfectly complements the film’s adventurous and lighthearted tone, telling the tale of Sam McCord, a man heading to Alaska with his partner, George Pratt, to stake their claim. The lyrics vividly describe the excitement and promise of gold in the frozen North:
Johnny Horton North to Alaska Lyrics
Big Sam left Seattle in the year of ninety-two
With George Pratt his partner and brother Billy too
They crossed the Yukon river and they found the bonanza gold
Below that old white mountain
Just a little south-east of Nome
Sam crossed the Majestic mountains to the valleys far below
He talked to his team of huskies
As he mushed on through the snow
With the northen lights a-runnin’ wild
In the land of the midnight sun
Yes Sam McCord was a mighty man
In the year of nineteen-one
Where the river is windin’ big nuggets they’re findin’
North to Alaska go north the rush is on
North to Alaska go north the rush is on
George turns to Sam with his gold in his hand
Said Sam you’re lookin’ at a lonely lonely man
I’d trade all the gold that’s buried in this land
For one small band of gold to place on sweet little Jenny’s hand
‘Cause a man needs a woman to love him all the time
Remember Sam a true love is so hard to find
I’d build for my Jenny a honeymoon home
Below that old white mountain
Just a little south-east of Nome
Where the river is windin’ big nuggets they’re findin’
North to Alaska go north the rush is on
North to Alaska go north the rush is on
Johnny Horton was already a well-established country music artist by the time he recorded “North to Alaska.” Known for his historical ballads and storytelling songs, he had gained widespread fame with hits like “The Battle of New Orleans” and “Sink the Bismarck”.
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