Lost John Wayne Recordings Digitally Released By Toucan Cove

LOS ANGELES (Top40 Charts/ Toucan Cove) - There are few more lasting iconic American figures than John Wayne. The Oscar-winning actor, who would have been 100 this past May, used the medium of film to celebrate the heroic mythology of this country. Whether the pioneering spirit of the cowboy in the West or fierce patriotism of the armed forces, his appearance in more than 150 movies marked him not only a Hollywood legend, but a comfortable, authoritative voice people came to revere.

That unmistakable voice was captured some forty years ago by executive producer Snuff Garrett, and with the recent uncovering of the recordings, Toucan Cove is proud to release WALK WITH HIM to all digital services this month. WALK WITH HIM includes three titles - "Walk with Him," "I Have Faith" and "The Prayer" - in both their original arrangements as well as alternate takes, one of which is a Christmas version of "The Prayer."

It is no secret that "The Duke" wasn't the most skilled vocalist, so in the era of the singing cowboys, his voice was replaced by a professional singer. It was a strong sense of religion that compelled him to offer that distinctive, commanding lead to the WALK WITH HIM tracks.

Garrett's nearly proprietary relationship with the singing cowboys made him the clear choice for providing the exceptional level of production necessary for the best-loved actor of all time.

Having produced hits that shaped the great sound of the 1960s (including Bobby Vee ("Take Good Care of my Baby"), Gary Lewis & the Playboys ("This Diamond Ring") and Johnny Burnette ("You're Sixteen"), Garrett's personal love for the western stars of stage and screen brought to vinyl the immortal Roy Rogers, Rex Allen, Don Edwards and Bob Nolan. In addition to six No 1 hits (including Vicki Lawrence's "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia" also available digitally from Toucan Cove), Garrett's storied career also included soundtrack production for "Bronco Billy," "Smokey and the Bandit," and others during the 1980s modern western revival.
The historical, inspirational WALK WITH HIM is available on the leading digital music sites now.