Ken Curtis And The Sons Of Pioneers - What Makes A Man To Wander

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Ken Curtis joined the Sons of the Pioneers as a lead singer from 1949 to 1952. Now, for the seemingly ever increasing number of people who are saying, "who were they?", the Sons of the Pioneers were and are the foremost western vocal group in history. Ken's big hits with the group included "Room Full of Roses" and "Riders in the Sky". The Sons also worked in radio and on film soundtracks, including Rio Grande (1950), for director John Ford, who was a big fan.
The Searchers (1956) is considered by many to be a true American masterpiece of filmmaking, and the best, most influential, and perhaps most-admired film of director John Ford.
The opening credits (portrayed in a Playbill fontface) are displayed before a backdrop of an adobe brick wall. The words of the romantic Stan Jones ballad (sung by The Sons of the Pioneers) that play during the credits, What Makes a Man to Wander?, define the central theme of the film - one man's wanderings and obsessive search:
What makes a man to wander?
What makes a man to roam?
What makes a man leave bed and board
And turn his back on home?
Ride away, ride away, ride away.
The Searchers (Der schwarze Falke)tells the emotionally complex story of a perilous, hate-ridden quest and Homeric-style odyssey of self-discovery after a Comanche massacre, while also exploring the themes of racial prejudice and sexism. Its meandering tale examines the inner psychological turmoil of a fiercely independent, crusading man obsessed with revenge and hatred, who searches for his two nieces (Pippa Scott and Natalie Wood) among the "savages" over a five-year period. The film's major tagline echoed the search: "he had to find her...he had to find her."
John Wayne, the "Duke," had already played many major roles in numerous westerns in his career, including The Big Trail (1930), The Spoilers (1942), Howard Hawks' Red River (1948), and The Fighting Kentuckian (1949), and had appeared in five previous Ford westerns, including: Stagecoach (1939), 3 Godfathers (1948), Fort Apache (1948), She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949), and Rio Grande (1950) -- and would appear in a few more, including: The Horse Soldiers (1959) and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962). In this film, his first anti-heroic role, he was a bigot and racist - a tragic, lonely, morally-ambiguous figure perenially doomed to be an outsider. It was a role that the actor often described as his favorite. It is commonly regarded as Wayne's finest-acted performance - and his ninth starring role in a Ford film. [Wayne's other Ford films, four non-westerns, included: The Long Voyage Home (1940), They Were Expendable (1945), The Quiet Man (1952), and The Wings of Eagles (1957).]

[@John-sn8ju]

Man if only music could be like that now

[@waynewerff1687]

I agree with you 110% how I, too, wished music could be like this today....

[@michaelcollins237]

America folks America...fight for it and take it back What a country it was the USA

[@shanwilliams9839]

My dad passed away October last year, and this was played at his funeral, he loved this song so much.

[@normanleach5427]

Thank you Shan...

[@handiman5]

One of the most emotional evoking songs I've ever heard. Ken Curtis was a wonderful singer and personality.

[@rreynolds226]

The Searchers is one of my favorite John Wayne movies.

[@dianefiske-foy4717]

Ken Curtis was in the movie “Rio Grande” with many greats actors, like John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. He played Donnelly and sang in it. Love that movie along with “She Wore a Yellow Ribbon” and “Fort Apache” 🌟❤️‼️. All early John Wayne movies.

[@elainewefer4864]

He also sang in "The Quiet Man".

[@dianefiske-foy4717]

@@elainewefer4864 … He did? I didn’t know that. I need to check it out. That is a great John Wayne movie! Note: I tried to find a song named after the movie but didn’t find one. I did find a clip of some actors singing in the movie but Ken wasn’t one of them that I could tell.

[@lanslay7342]

Absolutely beautiful and very beautifully done!!🛐👏👍✝️🌹🎆🇺🇸🚒🌄💗

[@clintbradley]

How could anyone not like this! It is pure magic, absolutely wonderful……………

[@Harpo.jr70]

Great Song, Great Singers, And a Great Movie., Song brings a tear to my eye.

[@colleenvantrease4977]

When Ken Curtis played festus,ladies & kids seemed to get along great,he most certainly was a very fine gentleman indeed .

[@dixiepourciau5368]

Loved Ken Curtis as Festus. Brought laughter to the show. A everybody knows I am a hard core Gunsmoke fan

[@handiman5]

Such great singers! Great harmony! Thanks for posting this! Brings back memories of one of the greatest pictures of all time - The Searchers!

[@lamontlewis]

For all you Country & Western fans, THIS IS THE WESTERN PART! The singing cowboys were as much a part of my music as a youth as any R&R or R&B. Why? Because of the Sons of the Pioneers. I loved my singing cowboys. As a child, I used to wonder "Why doesn't Hoppy sing?" I guess not everybody could.

[@ellenr.3549]

Hoppy was the only one I ever met in person. He was at a local fair.

[@davidmorgan6535]

Ken became a second in Gunsmoke, as Pat Brady became a second on the Roy Rogers Show. Also remember that Gomer Pyle, was a second on the Andy Griffin Show. All are great singers. One more, Clint Walker, Cheyenne was a singer before he was a western movie star. Good ole days, when we had heroes who we could look up to.

[@lyndafayesmusic]

You seem to be very knowledgeable, so I'm asking my other huge question: comment. BTW I met the producer/writer of the Gun smoke series, the day I accidentally got a message on my Hollywood Ans Phone company's service, Someone was leaving a message for Melinda Fee---so I returned the call (True story-but I dont' keep phone bills from that far back!) It was Ray Stark-he said to send him a photo and to come in and meet with him! from RAY STARK (Producer of Goodbye Girl?), and he was a scholar and a gentleman; his name is in my Red Book Files- Seems anything good that has EVER happened to me, happened by accident! Never been into "acting", but how someone misconstrued a "Lynda Faye" INTO a Melinda Fee, I'll never understand! THEN I ACCIDENTALLY ran into a guy from Depoy, Kentucky-we were engaged while he was managing his buddy, JIM VARNEY!! Small World-Lots of Accidents! I was moving to San Diego, in 2017, and the moving van companies were too complicated for me to deal with, being a computer illiterate and angry with the transfers and holds, but a friend called from Arizona on Wednesday, the 11th, and said, Oh, by the way, I own a trucking company; it'll be raining on Thursday, so I'LL COME MOVE YOU ON FRIDAY, THE 13TH!! weird luck, yes ? WHOM ELSE in the area of SINGERS or Music, do you know ? I just put 100 songs on SoundCloud I dug fifty out of the archives. YOU SEEM to know "qualities" of singers ? (I'm apparently a gambler-I'd gamble you'd do some splits on productions?) ???

[@zebradun7407]

I've loved this song since I was a kid, watching the Searchers.

[@keithshomo610]

Ride away ! Ken ! Ride away! 🐎

[@ronromeo9914]

Permeates every part of me as a man and the mystery of life and our search for it. Thanh you Ken. R.i.p.

[@kennethriffel3713]

My Dad-in-law loved the Sons of the Pioneers. We need more music like this...a lot more. Great job with the video.

[@allencajah1140]

You might not think so if you see Ken Curtis as Festus, but he really was a very good looking man.

[@TheShizue777]

+Molly Denam Check out YT clips of Ripcord, the TV show about skydivers in which Ken Curtis starred with Larry Pennell. Both Ken and Larry were very handsome men. Larry Pennell also starred as Dash Riprock (Ellie May's movie star beau) in the Beverly Hillbillies.

[@dellagorrell9216]

I had no idea he was so good looking nor did I know he could sing... But did he really have a limp, or was that just for show.

[@TheShizue777]

Della Gorrell I think the fellow who limped was the character Chester and he was played by Dennis Weaver not Ken Curtis.

[@schallrd1]

Festus was a character and Ken Curtis brought him to life. Ken Curtis acting was that good because he was nothing like that in real life.

[@brendahunter9134]

@@dellagorrell9216 that was Chester with the limp... Dennis Weaver

[@lamarlogan7612]

Absolutely beautiful song by some of the best ever.

[@susieQ128]

you watch Gunsmoke for years with Festus and actually forget what an awesome voice Ken Curtis had... amazing!!

[@Flgirl0264]

Festus sang on several episodes of the show.

[@larrymick2445]

I've got 'em all memorized but I just keep watching them...My wife asks me why. I just say "I dunno".....Actually, it's kinda after so long you feel like you ere part of the family, or something.

[@ronniebishop2496]

Ken Curtis, sang in the greatest western group of all time, was in the greatest western movie of all time, and greatest western TV show of all time. The Sons of the Pioneers, The Searchers, and Gunsmoke. Wow!!!

[@IETCHX69]

Ronnie Bishop what a resume!

[@IETCHX69]

WHAT A RESUME

[@maryray2591]

+Ronnie Bishop , I agree with your entire post. I have seen The Searchers so many time, I know the movie by heart even the lines.

[@nancyhoke5187]

+Ronnie Bishop Ken was also married to the daughter of the Greatest Western Director of All Time. He was the son-in-law of Director, John Ford.....

[@foxvienna1]

Absolutely!

[@sylviawilliams2529]

2020. and still the best music and best western film ever

[@girlycajun]

I'll never forget this song, nor Ken Curtis' acting in The Searchers. We need more calmness now.

[@bwilsonporto]

From Brazil, the best western vocal ever! I really love them!

[@travelswithjim7569]

Just listen to Hugh Farr's fiddle. Haunting. That and the harmony. WOW!

[@keithsmith4781]

I see many references to John Wayne movies but nothing about Ken being in The Quiet Man. He plays the squeeze box in the tavern and sings.

[@normanleach5427]

Nice to know. Big thumbs up!

[@foxvienna1]

Uncredited by John Ford x- father in law.

[@troytempest4918]

Someone here on YT has Ken singing "Tumbling Tumbleweeds". It'll take your breath away. And he's dressed and made up like his "Gunsmoke" character- Festus.

[@garrywadham5688]

Tumble is. Great KC made for all of us

[@BBWLovinBear]

Ken also had a featured part in The Searchers, playing the role of Charlie McCorry.

[@glendaclark1440]

I got to see them in person back in the 70's. That is what cowboys are all about , they are the sons of the pioneers . Their songs will live on thru many years , and more to come. Searchers is my favorite movie. It's in my vhs collection.

[@terrencegurnee3166]

oh yes so beautiful!

[@terrencegurnee3166]

great song and movie!

[@ronromeo9914]

Brilliant, beautiful. Thank you

[@wilmadoss248]

Ron Romeo

[@raymondb.milton5235]

GREAT s

[@andreawoodall5418]

I think I had posted this before on one of his other songs. I was just flabbergasted when I found out that he was the one that sung the lyrics in the movie Shane. I have 2 of his CDs ordered and can't wait to get them.

[@darwinswille3795]

What a good song i miss old festus.

[@Dd-xt8hc]

I liked the scenes with doc and fetus lol

[@willdrucker4291]

THE SEARCHERS!!...Thank you Mr. Curtis and all the Sons of the Pioneers...

[@truthbetold3550]

Ken was the man!! love him!

[@GrizAnn]

Beautiful song and perfect harmony.

[@victorchance1510]

I remember my mother listening to this on the record player all the time.👍

[@sylviaeaker5990]

Fabulous!

[@emmasueferguson3634]

Wish we had more of this these days. A classic group!

[@scrider8464]

Ken starred in Searchers and sang in theme song; nice billing. Searchers is classic Western like High Noon, with Wayne playing somewhat of anti-hero; searching to find his niece and kill her b/c has been tainted by Indians? Then does not, takes her home and he is Lone Wolf at end of movie. Many layers to this film, opening shot thru dark cabin out into light of day is cinematic genius.

[@strix4498]

This movie is now avаilаble to wаtch here => twitter.com/9a8735e940e7fa424/status/795843629507936256 Кen Curtis And The Sоns Of Pioneers What Makееs AА Mаn Тo Wаnder

[@jamesmcclintock106]

Wayne would have hated to hear you put both movies together. He and Howard Hawks hated iHigh Noon so much they made Rio Bravo. If you notice in Rio Bravo everyone wants to help the sheriff (Wayne), but he tells them no.

[@terrencegurnee3259]

love the song and the movie!

[@harleymetcalfe1908]

A beautiful theme song for the best western ever made

[@harveymushman2219]

Special times and people ....

[@Geotexian]

And he played Almaron Dickenson in John Wayne's "The Alamo". Dickenson was in charge of the artillery and his wife and child survived the battle.

[@rhondaboncutter5812]

Amazing! He was so different on Gunsmoke!

[@princessyoung7899]

I had no idea he has a beautiful voice.

[@barbaraunderwood1762]

Gee so handsome. Watched a lot of Roy Rogers but never knew he was with the group

[@teresaholmes9751]

My 2nd cousin Ronny Cox. I love your music , your he best.

[@MissKitty-qf7jp]

Love Ken Curtis 2019 what a great actor gunsmoke. Is my favorite thanks

[@dianefiske-foy4717]

One of my favorite songs ❤️‼️. I have it on a CD.

[@thomasmerriett4288]

Never herd o' sech hoo-rawin' in all my born days, dontcha know! Dad-blamededest thang I ever saw!!

[@thomasostman8589]

Sons of the pioneers. Ken curtis.

[@carolynjones6457]

Beautiful.

[@johnjurkewicz9925]

It Great to listening to and I love it

[@johnmagill3072]

God I wish I could get a copy of this song. Been trying to get it for years.

[@chuckbump5386]

john Magill I've got 4 of their lps. Though I never notice that Ken Curtis was in the group. I lived in Durango Co. for 25 years and there was a cowboy BBQ with a group known as the Bar D Wranglers. There was one or two of the Sons of the Pioneers in that group at one time.

[@jerryv.397]

Golle Bill Matthew, That Docs A Poure Ole De Fool. He' Always A Glomping Down At Del Monicos. ++Festus Made Gunsmoke-Poure De Ole Grate++ Loved Chester, But Festus More.

[@billiedaltonthedaltongang7506]

Yes he was, like all of us good looking men.

[@ruandted]

"What do you want me to do , draw a picture! . What ever you do don't ask me that again" . ( John Wayne to Harry Carey Jr. The Searchers )

[@patriciajensen1541]

MY FAVORITE ' KEEP DOWN LOADED 2X. NOT LOSE'******😚

[@terrencegurnee3166]

such good music

[@balerick48]

there is a much longer version of this song sung by them. It includes the verse that is played during the closing scene of "The Searchers".

[@virginialeeallison3989]

it's a great song and video. Love it : )

[@minbenjalinfrank7728]

As Festus was a surprise as a singer, so also Gomer Pyle was a surprise as a singer.

[@patriciajensen1541]

Beautiful. Desert' mNtn music******

[@stephenlawrence9416]

Bob Nolan! God thanks 🙏🤗.

[@bw8349]

Ride away........................

[@albertm13409]

really good

[@jamesrburden9542]

What's not to love!!,

[@JjJj-kj3ml]

Wow

[@JjJj-kj3ml]

In my opinion, the best music ever written was in The Searchers, all of it

[@lilliesmith574]

❤❤

[@terrencegurnee3166]

sons of the pioneers

[@cindybuffington7228]

Looking at the picture of them I finally figured which one was him in the back from the left?

[@KenDodd1317]

Mamma, Laurie!! Come quickly!! It’s Charlie McCrory and he’s come a courtin, by yimmineee!!! Greatest movie of all time and I could take part in it. Haw! Haw! Martin polly has got himself an injun wife. Haw! Haw!

[@lynnmiller8919]

I knew them as Hank Neumann and Sons of the Pioneers.

[@karennobwillsstatler7211]

Yes

[@josRfunny]

that is pretty good

[@rorkesdrift42]

Didn't Curtis, who was Ford's son-in-law eventually, sing the lead on Yellow Stripes, which was in both Rio Grande and Escape from Fort Bravo? The latter is one of my favorite William Holden movies. Also, did Stan Jones write "Yellow Stripes"?

[@lilliesmith574]

👑👑👑

[@vipergurn]

1956

[@wdowsley]

western!

[@renaissanceman165]

@rhapsodyinblah So very, very true.

[@rorkesdrift42]

My bad. The song "Yellow Stripes" is apparently all chorus, no solo.

[@jacksonhull7003]

Ken Curtis was married to John Fords daughter at the time.

[@johnmagill3072]

Any chance I can talk you into emailing me a digital copy of this song?

[@IcemanE52]

Wasn't he also one of the Texas Rangers in the movie?

[@jpavlvs]

What's the chord progression?

[@foxvienna1]

Movie 1956 not 1937!

[@randallhutchcraft4039]

You recon he had the life he wanted??

[@Balenza345]

The version of this song in the film the searchers sounds better imo. A horrid horn sound keeps sounding in with this version.

[@vipergurn]

@breton135 1956

[@johnmccourt6088]

i,ll thank you to unhand my fiancee lol

[@davidbartek4703]

M8

[@philhugill6080]

He,ll always be Festus.....Sorry folks.