Johnny Cooper and his Range Riders. Wellington c1955 Photo courtesy of Sonic Records Photo:
For nearly 100 years the Main Trunk line was the superhighway of Aoteoroa, taking passengers, livestock, and cargo from Johnsonville to Geraldine and beyond. Countless musicians have heard the lonesome whistles blow and turned them into melodies. This episode of Blue Smoke explores a variety of train songs recorded by New Zealanders.
More to explore:
- AudioCulture: Rod Derrett
- AudioCulture: Rusty Greaves
- The Maori Showbands
- Anthonie Tonnon: Rail Land
Music Details:
Track: Automated train announcement (sound effect)
Album: Karanga Voices vol 1 Chants and Calls
Label: School of Music, Victoria University of Wellington
Artist: Tommy Kahi
Track: Twist Train Boogie
Composer: Tommy Kahi
Album: Early Rock’n’Roll from New Zealand vol 3 & 4
Catalogue Number: Collector CLCD7754/A/B
Artist: Johnny Cooper and the Range Riders
Track: Golden Rocket Train
Composer: Clarence E (Hank) Snow
Album: Ridin’ Along with Johnny Cooper
Label: Sonic
Artist: Apaapa Sisters
Track: Train of Love
Composer: Paul Anka
45 single
Label: Zodiac
Artist: Max McCauley
Track: Waiting for a Train
Composer: Jimmy Rodgers
Album: 20 Golden Yodels
Label: Music World
Artist: Rod Derrett
Track: Bongo Train
Composer: Derrett
45rpm single
Label: Zodiac
Artist: Hogsnort Rupert
Track: Freight Train
Composer: McDevitt-Whisky
Album: Ways of Making You Laugh
Label: HMV
Artist: Sounds Unlimited
Track: Lollipop Train
Composer: P F Sloan and S Barri
45rpm single
Label: HMV
Artist: Rusty Greaves
Track: Mule Train
Composer: Lange Heath-Clickman
EP: Rusty Greaves Sings
Label: Zodiac
Artist: Mary and the Maoris
Track: C’mon Train
Composer: Kawana Pohe
Album: Mary and the Maoris
Label: Gramophone SSLX 331
Artist: John Charles
Track: Railway Scenes
Composer: John Charles
Album: Goodbye Pork Pie soundtrack
Label: WEA NZ
Track: Train announcement (sound effect)
Album: Karanga Voices vol 1 Chants and Calls
Label: School of Music, Victoria University of Wellington
Artist: Dalvanius
Track: Love Train
Composer: Gamble-Huff
Album: A Man of Passion
Label: Maui/Jayrem
