Help needed--Roy Rogers/Happy Trails

[CatBus]

...and no snickering!

I'm trying to resurrect an ancient and badly degraded mix tape. One of the biggest hurdles for me is locating a *particular version* of "Happy Trails" by Dale Evans & Roy Rogers.

Here's what I know: This mix tape was made circa 1992. The main vocals in the song are a male and female voice that are almost certainly Roy Rogers & Dale Evans. There's a piano/orchestral intro, and fairly typical instrumentation throughout, and it all seems very 1950's. So far it's easy, right?

Now here's the tricky part: There's background vocals, and they don't always stay in the background. For example, in the first "Who cares about the clouds when we're together?/Just sing a song, and bring the sunny weather", the background vocals pretty much overtake the primary vocals on "weather".

And that's the bit I can't find. I've been listening to samples at Amazon, eMusic and iTunes trying to ID this version with background vocals and it's just not there! And because I'm trying to re-create an existing recording, only an exact match will do! Any clues?

[drewe181]

i remember hearing a version on a TV theme song compilation many years ago. 'Televisions greatest hits' I think it was called. I'm guessing the version contained therein is not what you would be looking for.
Anyway, it's track 49:

http://www.amazon.com/Televisions-Greatest-Hits-Vol-50s/dp/samples/B000000GOI/ref=dp_tracks_all_1/103-9062141-7468624#disc_1

-D

[CatBus]

No match, but thanks for looking. There's no background chorus on the TV theme CD either.

[PhilNYC]

Is it the last track on this CD?

http://www.amazon.com/Route-66-Elmer-Bernstein/dp/B0009OUB1K/

If you need to substitute, you can always use this acapella version by Van Halen:

http://www.amazon.com/Diver-Down-Van-Halen/dp/B00004Y6O6/

[CatBus]

SON OF A...

PhilNYC--that's the closest match so far, but still no match. I can't believe there's TWO versions out there with backup vocals!

Grrr...it's so close I had to re-listen to both of them to make sure there wasn't a sample within my version that sounded like Amazon's clip.

Thanks to everyone for looking so far. If it helps, listen to the Route 66 version, and just think more and louder background vocals, and occasionally singing along instead of just going "ooooh".

[GoCubs]

I'm not sure I completely understand your description, but have you tried:

http://www.amazon.com/Songs-West-Vol-Various-Artists/dp/B0000033A6/ref=pd_bbs_sr_5/103-7118561-0193433?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1175376579&sr=8-5

For some reason I have this song, not sure when/how I got it. For the artist my ID3 tag has Roy Rogers, The Whippoorwills, Dale Evans... Amazon has a short clip, pm me if you need a longer copy....

-Greg

[CatBus]

Still no match--no backup vocals on that track.

Hard to describe these vocals, but think about the nondescript chorus that's everywhere in 1950's popular music for older white folks. Basically a bunch of voices going "oooooooo" along with the music (and "mmmmm" in the quiet parts). Except in this case they get more involved and actually sing some lyrics.

So you should hear: distinct male voice (Roy Rogers), distinct female voice (Dale Evans), and quiet-to-loud chorus. It's that third bit that's elusive. PhilNYC's (first) link is the best match so far.

[PhilNYC]

PhilNYC's (first) link is the best match so far.

Have you heard the version in my second link? The harmonies are actually quite good... :-)

[CatBus]

Have you heard the version in my second link? The harmonies are actually quite good... :-)

Actually I do think it's a fun version (this song is ideal for this sort of a capella, IMO), just not usable in this context. So you've offered the best AND worst matches!

[Bazile]

Try track 27 of Wagon Wheels disk 2 BMG # DVC1-1027. The singers do take the lead at a couple of points.

Bazile

[CatBus]

Do you know anywhere (online retailer, music store, etc) where I could hear a sample of this track?

If not, is it possible it's the same as this one? http://www.amazon.com/Route-66-Elmer-Bernstein/dp/B0009OUB1K/

If not, tell me how it starts--with an orchestra or with whistling, or with something else?