(Ghost) Riders in the Sky: Western Writers of America Poll #1 of the Top 100 Western Songs (2010)
Ghost Riders in the Sky Published: 1948 Released: June 5, 1948 Genre: Country, Western Songwriters: Stan Jones "Ghost Riders in the Sky" is a cowboy western song written by Stan Jones , a forest ranger who wrote songs on the side. The melody is based on the song " When Johnny Comes Marching Home ." The lyrics tell the tale of cowboy hell-riders, doomed to chase the Devil's cattle for all eternity. Hundreds of performers have recorded versions of the song. Johnny Cash 's 1979 recording and Vaughn Monroe 's 1949 version are often cited as the most popular. In 2010, the Western Writers of America members chose "Ghost Riders in the Sky" as the greatest Western song ever.