The Highwaymen – “City of New Orleans”
Artist
The Highwaymen were a country‑folk supergroup formed in the mid‑1980s, comprising four of the genre’s most influential singers‑songwriters: Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristofferson. Their collaboration brought together distinct vocal textures and a shared reverence for American roots music.
Song Context
“City of New Orleans” was originally written by Steve Goodman in 1970 and popularised by Arlo Guthrie’s 1972 recording, which became a folk‑rock staple. The Highwaymen recorded their version for the 1990 compilation album Highwayman II, offering a fresh take on the train‑travel anthem that celebrates the iconic Illinois Central Railroad route between Chicago and New Orleans.
Musical Style
The Highwaymen’s rendition blends classic country instrumentation with folk storytelling. Prominent acoustic guitars, subtle steel‑guitar slides, and a steady, rolling rhythm evoke the motion of a train. Each member contributes a verse, allowing their individual timbres—Cash’s baritone, Nelson’s nasal drawl, Jennings’ rough edge, and Kristofferson’s lyrical phrasing—to weave together, while the harmonised chorus reinforces the song’s nostalgic mood.
Cultural Impact
Although the Highwaymen’s version never topped the charts, it reinforced the group’s reputation for reviving and re‑interpreting folk standards for a new audience. The recording introduced “City of New Orleans” to listeners who primarily followed country radio, helping preserve the song’s place in the American musical canon. It also highlighted the collaborative spirit of the 1990s country‑folk revival, inspiring later supergroup projects and tribute albums.
Conclusion
The Highwaymen’s take on “City of New Orleans” stands as a testament to the power of collaboration among legendary artists. By melding their distinctive voices with a beloved folk classic, they created a version that honors the original’s narrative while adding the depth of country storytelling, ensuring the song’s continued relevance in the tapestry of American music.