Have Gun – Will Travel was a hugely popular Western television show that ran between 1957 and 1963. It starred Richard Boone as Paladin, a gentleman gunfighter and problem solver who roamed the old west looking for adventure. Throughout the show, Paladin would often get into trouble and need to find a way out, and he would often sing a tune to himself as he rode off into the sunset.
The song Paladin sang in the closing credits was "Hey Girl," and it quickly became a fan favorite. It was written by Dimitri Tiomkin and Ned Washington and was performed by a group of five singers, who have become known as the "Hey Girl Singers." The group consisted of vocalists Jack Elliott, Jimmy Carroll, Bob Hammer, Pat Brady, and Bob Bain.
The Story of the Hey Girl Singers
The Hey Girl Singers were a group of session singers who were recruited to record the song for the show. At the time, session singers were used frequently in Hollywood, and the Hey Girl Singers were no exception. The song was recorded in a single afternoon, with each singer performing their part separately.
Jack Elliott was the lead singer on the track and was responsible for the main vocal hook. He was a veteran session singer who had worked on projects for Disney, Warner Brothers, and 20th Century Fox. Jimmy Carroll was the second singer on the track and was responsible for the high harmony. He was a well-known vocal arranger and had previously worked on several Elvis Presley records.
The third singer on the track was Bob Hammer, who was responsible for the low harmony. He was a popular session singer at the time and had worked on projects for Elvis Presley, Dean Martin, and the Beach Boys. The fourth singer was Pat Brady, who sang the second low harmony. Brady had worked on several Frank Sinatra recordings and was known for his smooth baritone voice.
The fifth and final singer on the track was Bob Bain, who sang the opening phrase of "Hey Girl" at the beginning of the song. Bain was an experienced session guitarist who had worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Bing Crosby and Nat King Cole. He was also an accomplished singer, and his unique vocal style brought a distinctive flavor to the track.
The Legacy of "Hey Girl"
"Hey Girl" became an instant classic when it was released and is still remembered fondly today. The song has been covered by a number of artists over the years, including Elvis Presley, who recorded his own version in 1964. The song has also been featured in a number of films, including The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. It's even been used in commercials, most recently in a 2018 ad for the BMW X3.
The song has also been sampled by a number of hip-hop artists, including Tupac Shakur and Dr. Dre, who both used it in their songs. The song has also been featured in a number of video games, including Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption.
The song and the singers who performed it have become a part of pop culture history, and their legacy lives on more than 60 years after the show first aired. From commercials to video games, "Hey Girl" is still an important part of our culture.
FAQs
Who wrote the song "Hey Girl"?
The song "Hey Girl" was written by Dimitri Tiomkin and Ned Washington.
Who sang "Hey Girl" on Have Gun – Will Travel?
The song "Hey Girl" was sung by a group of session singers known as the "Hey Girl Singers," consisting of Jack Elliott, Jimmy Carroll, Bob Hammer, Pat Brady, and Bob Bain.
When was "Hey Girl" first recorded?
"Hey Girl" was recorded in a single afternoon in 1957.
Where can I hear "Hey Girl"?
You can hear "Hey Girl" on the Have Gun – Will Travel soundtrack, which is available on streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music.
Has "Hey Girl" been sampled by any other artists?
Yes, "Hey Girl" has been sampled by a number of hip-hop artists, including Tupac Shakur and Dr. Dre.
Has "Hey Girl" been used in any films?
Yes, "Hey Girl" has been featured in a number of films, including The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.
Has "Hey Girl" been used in any commercials?
Yes, "Hey Girl" was used in a 2018 commercial for the BMW X3.
Has "Hey Girl" been used in any video games?
Yes, "Hey Girl" has been featured in a number of video games, including Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption.
What is the legacy of "Hey Girl"?
The song and the singers who performed it have become a part of pop culture history, and their legacy lives on more than 60 years after the show first aired. From commercials to video games, "Hey Girl" is still an important part of our culture.