Johnny Cash – The Ballad of Ira Hayes
“The Ballad of Ira Hayes” is a song written by folk singer Peter La Farge and recorded by Johnny Cash in 1964. It tells the story of Ira Hayes, one of the six U.S. Marines who raised the flag on Iwo Jima during World War II.
Background and composition
Hayes was a Pima Indian from Arizona. He was one of the six Marines who raised the flag on Iwo Jima during World War II. The flag-raising was photographed by Joe Rosenthal, and the image became one of the most iconic photos of the war.
After the war, Hayes returned to Arizona. He struggled with alcoholism and depression. He died in 1955 at the age of 32.
Recording and production
“The Ballad of Ira Hayes” was written by Peter La Farge. La Farge was a folk singer who was known for his social commentary. He wrote the song as a tribute to Hayes and as a critique of the way Native Americans were treated by the U.S. government.
Cash recorded “The Ballad of Ira Hayes” in 1964. The song was released on his album Bitter Tears: Ballads of the American Indian. The song was a critical and commercial success. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and won the Grammy Award for Best Country & Western Recording in 1965.
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“The Ballad of Ira Hayes” is a beautiful and moving song that will be cherished for generations to come.
Here are some additional details about the song:
- The song was written by Peter La Farge in 1964.
- It was recorded by Johnny Cash and released on his album Bitter Tears: Ballads of the American Indian.
- The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and won the Grammy Award for Best Country & Western Recording in 1965.
- “The Ballad of Ira Hayes” has been covered by many artists, including Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, and Joan Baez.