Theme from 'Gunsmoke' - John Dennis Dickey (Multi-track recording)

To Jim Arness, on his passing - June 3, 2011 (Friday). Rex Khoury's theme from "Gunsmoke" first appeared on the radio series starring William Conrad, and it was even more compelling and poignant than the TV version, with a wondrous acoustic counterpoint guitar backing. I first heard the lyrics from a Tex Ritter recording, which was also beautifully rendered. This musical tribute was pretty much my first attempt at playing the harmonic; I have to admit I gave it up half-way through to continue with guitar and vocal. One can sure run short of breath while attempting to play the Hohner Chromatica mouthpiece. As an aside, I met and chatted with Jim Arness at a Gene Autry Museum book signing for his autobiography - beautifully-written narrative, titled "James Arness - An Autobiography". A literary treasure well worth reading.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• T.V.
• Radio
• Western
• theme
• Rex
• Khoury
• Marshal
• Matt
• Dillon
• James
• Arness
• Tex
• Ritter
• John
• Dennis
• Dickey
• Theme
• From
• Gunsmoke
• television
• historic
• series
• harmonica
• guitar
• vocal

[TheHeroesNvillians]

ahhhhh (as i lean back with my hands on the back of my head)

[soundslikefrank]

Totally redolent of those campfire days, Big John - I can nearly hear the sound of gunfire and the refrain, "git along little doggies, git along..." but then that damn harmonica wakes me up and I realize that I'm really not in Kansas - was Toto an Asian breed? Do Siamese Twins pay separate admissions to a double header? Why are those flies attracted to shoes so much? Shoefly, don't bother me...Rustically Yours, , Jimmy Crack George

[BlueShark45]

WOW! This is just fantastic. I have not heard this older version. We watched Gunsmoke during supper in the mid to late 60's. By far the best television show ever. Thanks for the fond memories.

[wdhay]

Hey John, Nice version of this classic western, think I'll saddle up and go for a ride. wd

[ceb2633]

Goodness, John, what a nice rendition. I remember the first time I saw a picture of William Conrad, I gasped! This was Matt Dillon???Ah,,the days of radio and visions in your head. Thanks, I love it. xx Claudia

[WallyPlumstead]

Pretty cool there, Blinky! I came onto the Gunsmoke scene (as a kid) when the show was in color... scores of years later I checked out the early early black an' white "Chester" Gunsmokes via Netflix. Those early ones were dynamite! Radio show Gunsmokes, I knew of but never heard. Your performance of this theme song is not only fine, but brings out that western Gunsmoke flavor that I have grown to love. Happy 4th of July, Blinky. You're a-ok! -- -Wally

[DollyAU]

John, this old tune brings back many happy memories for me, thankyou.:)

3,000 star.

DollyAU

[ilovetrains63]

Hi John,

Great rendition!!! You have a very good voice, and a very good vibrato. It reminds me of the "Sons Of The Pioneers' " lead singer!!!

Best Regards,

Dwayne

[chichopluma]

Best radio show ever, Gunssmoke!

[IluvBenJoe]

Beautifully done John! I am saving this one to my 'favorites.' Thanks for sharing it with us. :o)