But Robbins’ voice wasn’t the main attraction. He was also top notch songwriter, and the diversity of the songs collected here make a strong case that he was one of the very best. He was audacious enough to write “El Paso” after all, which hit #1 on both the country and pop charts in 1959 despite clocking in at nearly 5 minutes long.
But not many people know about the followup song, “Faleena (from El Paso),” an 8-minute LP track from 1966 that tells the story of the ill-fated woman from “El Paso,” including the events from the original song from Feleena’s perspective. The songs together spend thirteen minutes on what is admittedly a maudlin and thin little tale, but Robbins’ songwriting is so strong that the two songs together come across as grandly, epically tragic.
Robbins would even return to this well again in 1972 with the #1 hit “El Paso City,” about a man visiting El Paso and half-remembering how “long ago he heard a song about a Texas Cowboy and a girl” though he “don’t recall who sang the song, as I looked down on the city I remembered each and every word.” That’s three songs drawn, Rashomon-style, from one little story of a love triangle and a gunfight. That’s talent to spare.
While far from comprehensive (more than half of his 81 Top 40 hits are missing) The Essential Marty Robbins is an outstanding introduction to one of the forgotten legends of country music. If ever we needed more proof that country, rock and roll, and pop were for much of the 20th century the same thing, we have it. With country starting once again to rediscover its roots, hopefully Marty Robbins will get the credit he deserves as one of the master songwriters and mainstays of country music for thirty years.
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Article comments
1 - rory
that has to be the most inaccurate assesment of marty robbins i've ever heard. robbins sang circles around the mentioned singers..yes including elvis. and the last song he recorded...he finally learned how to sing a ballad. utterly laughable.
2 - Cachito
First of all, the opening line happens to be, "Out in the west Texas town of El Paso."
Aside from that blunder ...
the half-forgotten Marty Robbins???
You don't have a clue.
3 - John Owen
Thanks for your honesty, both of you. The opening line was, I admit, a blunder. I've been mis-remembering that line for years for some reason and failed to factcheck it before I published.
Regarding Robbins' balladry, I totally agree, and in fact that's what I said. His last recordings were wonderful (aside from some overproduction) and his voice was richer than it had ever been. I personally don't think his earlier singing measures up to George Jones' at all, but that's nothing against Robbins. Jones has probably the best voice in all of country. As for Elvis, he had similarly limited vocal gifts but also had no shame, which let him cut loose more than Robbins tended to. Cash, that's a closer call, but his deep baritone is so distinctive that it's become iconic in and of itself.
And I would definitely contend that Marty Robbins is half forgotten. I can't think of another singer who had so many top-ten hits for so long - even into the 1980s - whose name has fallen into such obscurity, now really perpetuated for just "El Paso." It's as if the Rolling Stones were only known today for "Satisfaction" alone. That's not a judgement of Robbins. That's a judgement of the market.
4 - rory
maybe for strictly country jones had the best voice. but voice for voice come on robbins sang in so many styles and the overall technical sophistication of robbins voice was light years ahead of jones. do you thin jones could come close to hiting the f#s in el paso. or the wonderful slide into a high A falshetto in don't worry bout me. i mean really. not to mention the hawaian songs.
5 - John Owen
Rory, thanks for your comment.
Since I wrote this, I've come around on Marty Robbin's technical ability. You're right. Elvis and George Jones have loads of personality that help overcome their shortcomings. Marty Robbins has personality and chops.
6 - rory
good for you for finally giving marty his just due. i really like your part on why he is and yes although I hate to admit it, all but forgotten. nice chatting with you so to speak. Rory
7 - Marjon Bruls
Years later on any comment above.... from the Netherlands, far far away from Marty's ground. But don't you ever! And I mean ever!
Make Marty less then he was! Beter... make him as he was or (as for me) greater because he was and still is in my mind the greatest voice on earth! Listen to his song and texts when you haven the time. Take the time and learn!
Marjon Bruls
from The Hague
near the sea behind the dunes!