Bonanza

by Various Artists

First broadcast from 1959-1973, 'Bonanza' is one of the most popular series in television history, and is still shown to appreciative audiences around the world. The stirring theme song, composed by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, is a classic. And several members of the original cast made records of their own; some in character, and some as artists in their own right - plus stories and songs about the Ponderosa. A supplement to the Bear Family 4 CD 'Bonanza' box set (BCD 15684), this album includes vocal and instrumental themes of the Bonanza theme by the original cast; star Lorne Greene; country singers, Johnny Cash and Faron Young; guitarist Al Caiola, and trombonist/swing bandleader Buddy Morrow. David Rose, the show's musical director, contributes his own version of the theme, plus two other pieces from the series' score. Cash and Greene team up for their version of the Rusty Draper hit The Shifting, Whispering Sands; and we've included six songs by the show's co-star, Michael 'Little Joe' Landon, aimed at the pop music market. Filling out this 'Bonanza' are several songs by German artists, inspired by the TV series.