This 1959 single captured the historical event with a catchy, memorable tune that became a crossover hit. It topped the Billboard Hot 100, making it his biggest hit.
- The song spent 18 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, including six weeks at number one. It also reached number one on the Billboard country music chart and number 12 on the R&B chart.
- The song was written by Jimmy Driftwood, a history professor from Arkansas, who had originally written it in 1936. He later recorded it himself before Horton's version became the hit.
- Despite its success, Horton's next single, "Sink the Bismark!", would be his only other Top 10 hit on the Hot 100.
Johnny Horton was an American country music singer, best known for his semi-tropical, island-style novelties and American history-themed songs. By 1959, Horton had achieved moderate success, but "The Battle of New Orleans" would become his signature hit.
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