Stan Jones

Stanley "Slick" Davis Jones (June 5, 1914 – December 13, 1963) was an American singer and songwriter, primarily writing Western music. He is best remembered for writing "Ghost Riders in the Sky".

Early life Jones was born in Douglas, Arizona, and grew up on a ranch. His physician father was one of the first settlers in Cochise County, Arizona. and competed in rodeos to make money. However, he dropped out in 1934 to join the United States Navy. After his discharge, he worked at many jobs, including as a miner, a fire fighter, and a park ranger.

Musical career In his free time he wrote songs, and eventually more than 100 were recorded. His most famous, "(Ghost) Riders in the Sky", was written in 1948 (or 1949) In his final film, Ten Who Dared, Jones appeared as Seneca Howland, a member of John Wesley Powell's 1869 expedition. He also is credited with writing "Jolly Rovers" and "Roll Along", which he sang in this film.

Three of his songs, "(Ghost) Riders in the Sky", the theme from The Searchers, and "Cowpoke", were chosen by members of the Western Writers of America as being among the Top 100 Western songs of all time.

Personal life Jones married twice. He had a daughter with his first wife, but later gave up all parental rights. His second marriage produced one son.

Death Jones died from cancer in Los Angeles in 1963 at the age of 49. He was buried at Calvary Memorial Park in his hometown, Douglas, Arizona.

Discography

78 rpm, 10" single Riders In The Sky/I wish I Could Call You My Sweetheart (Mercury 5320), 1949, with Death Valley Rangers.

LPs Issued on the Disneyland label.

Creakin' Leather LP (WDL-3015) released in 1958. A collection of 13 Western ballards written and composed by Jones.

Songs of the National Parks LP (WDL-1005), 1958. Stan Jones and the Ranger Chorus, narrated by Thurl Ravenscroft. Limited sale outlets.

45 rpm, 7" singles Issued on the Disneyland label, except *.

Too Young to Marry/Creakin' Leather (F-056) (released in 1957).

Sings the Theme from 'Sheriff of Conchise'/Theme from 'Cheyenne' (F-064), 1958.

In Missouri/Brian's Song or The Piney Woods (F-068) with The Deputies.

Nine Lives of Elfego Baca/Texas John Slaughter (F-113), 1958.

Song of the Dance Hall Girls/The Lillies Grow High (F-121), 1959.

Ghost Riders in the Sky/Wringle Wrangle (F-371), 1960, *Buena Vista label.

Filmography