Tex Ritter Videos : Theme from 'Gunsmoke' - John Dennis Dickey (Multi-track recording)

tv radio western theme rex khoury marshal matt dillon james arness tex ritter john dennis dickey from gunsmoke television historic series harmonica guitar vocal multi track recording

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.

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