Song of the Day 5/19: Frankie Laine, “Do Not Forsake Me (Oh My Darlin’)”
Guest post by Nathan Arizona
The Western Writers America put together a list of the top 100 Western songs according to the Western Writers of America. In first place was “Ghost Riders in the Sky,” best known from the version by popular 1950s singer Frankie Laine. His passionate style was perfect for songs with western themes.
No. 6 on the list was the “High Noon” theme “Do Not Forsake Me (Oh My Darlin’).” Frankie Laine again. No. 23 was “Rawhide,” theme for the old TV show with that name starring Clint Eastwood. Let’s see, the guy who sang that was. . . yes, Frankie Laine. “Mule Train” was No. 32. That one featured a cracking whip for percussion and vocals by, well, you know.
When Mel Brooks sought the perfect singer for the theme of his spoof western movie in 1974, where else would he go? That’s Frankie Laine earnestly crooning “He rode a blazing saddle . . . .” Nobody told him it was a comedy. “I thought I was doing a song for another ‘High Noon’ and I gave it my best dramatic reading,” he has said.
“Do Not Forsake Me” is also the theme for the organization’s No. 2 western movie of all time. “High Noon” was topped only by “Shane.” No Frankie for that one. Must have been singing about cattle at another studio.
The song plays under the credits, introducing the story of a good lawman trying to get reluctant citizens to help him fend off a former enemy who’s on his way to town. Singing cowboy Tex Ritter was recruited for the vocal. Laine wasn’t a cowboy, but he knew how to make hit records. His version leaves out some of the narrative detail but the general idea holds.
This video of “Do Not Forsake Me” features a lot of stills from “High Noon,” which stars Gary Cooper as the lawman and Grace Kelly as his young pacifist wife. The film was nominated for a best picture Oscar, Cooper won for best actor and “Do Not Forsake Me” for best song.
Laine’s version of “Mule Train” topped the charts in 1949. The energetic tune is sometimes considered a rock ’n’ roll prototype.
Here’s the theme for “Blazing Saddles,” which Laine mistakenly thought was a serious film. Frankie Laine only pawn in game of life.
