23. During the week of June 1, 1959, the number one song was a history lesson about "The Battle of New Orleans." Who sang this number one hit?
From Quiz Billboard Number 1 Songs of 1959
Answer:
Johnny Horton
This song was the second number one song to immortalize an American city, "Kansas City" being the first. It was also the first hit for Horton. Prior to recording "The Battle of New Orleans" he had been recording country songs for a small label since 1951. Horton went on to record "Sink the Bismarck" and "North to Alaska," which was the theme song for the John Wayne movie of the same name. On November 5, 1960, Horton left the Skyline Club in Austin, Texas, which was the last venue where Hank Williams had performed. He was struck and killed by another driver on a foggy road. In an ironic coincidence, Horton's ex-wife, Billie Jean, had also been married to Hank Williams. Marty Robbins recorded "El Paso," Larry Verne sang "Please Mr. Custer." Stonewall Jackson charted with "Waterloo."