I was 7 years old (1961) and my uncle put in a concrete patio for us. He had a radio going at all times and every time this song came on he would sing along pretending his shovel was a guitar. One of my best memories.
My dad loves this song. He played it for his future father-in-law when he was only a college aged boy. His future father-in-law (my grandfather, now deceased) was a music man and played the piano by ear. After he listened to the song with my father, he smiled and said "I like that song". He then sat down and played it by ear on the piano. That is a great family story we share. Thanks Merle and Claude for creating this memory for our family!
I grew up on songs like this one. Still listen to them and let the memories of my Grandad flow. So sad this generation of mine won’t know how peaceful and loving these songs really are. It’s 2018, I’m almost 22 years old and oldies are still my choice of music ❤️
I have loved this since I first heard it while hunting with my dad when I was 15. I would carry my 'transistor pocket radio' and a single ear plug when the hunting got a little dull. I'm 70 now and what memories songs like this one pop up from my memory banks of that era spending precious moments with my dad.
They are as precious and as old as mine my friend, I too miss this time with mom and dad especially in the winter when the snow flies at night eerie beautiful
I was one year old - they played it on KRAK in Sacramento for years, and it's one of the first songs I remember hearing on the radio. Are there any Classic Country stations that play songs like this and "The Three Bells?" 😀
I played on the road with Claude King back in the eighties as his band leader. I met Cifton Clowers and actually played on Wolverton Mt. I would not trade the experience and the memories for anything in the world! Sincerely, Gary "Buck" Buchanan
Memories........early 60's, small town Friday night café/bar, 2 brothers home on military leave ( Army / Marine )About 11pm the crowd thins, the brothers put a quarter in the juke box , and strut out into the night shadow boxing each other in time with the beat of Wolverton Mountain playing on juke box.Good memories of two brothers happy to be re-united while home on leave.
I love this song one of the dearest friends I ever had used to sing it to me .This friend passed away 2004 at age 57 we played together as children this song brings back such wonderful memories.I think of this wonderful man and every time this song comes to mind.I don't know why we can't have these kind of song anymore.
My parents are also in their 70s. This is the kind of music we were raised on, and it will always remind me of "country drives" on Sundays with my parents and my sister. My sister and I still sing this to each other, complete with the twang in "honey" and the "ooh-hoo"s. I wonder if Claude and Merle knew how many lives this silly song was going to touch when it was written...
Here is one of the "greatest generation" people who made this country great. This is a picture of Clifton Clowers plowing his field at the age of 100. Clowers was the subject of a Merle Kilgore hit song called "Wolverton Mountain." Mr. Clowers lived to be 102 (1891 - 1994) where he actually lived and farmed that land on Wolverton Mountain. A solid American who was just who he was, although he rubbed shoulders with a lot of famous people after the song was written about him. That's the kind of man I want to be! Just be me, warts and all, a responsible human being plowing my own field. These were the men who made America great, we need a lot more of them today; and a lot fewer of those "give-me," "entitled" "hand-out" people in this country. Hey, plow your own field. That's what Clifton Clowers did.
This was a great song that knocked the pants off some pretty heavy country and pop stars for several weeks taking the number one position on many charts as it just was a catchy tune with a neat true story and unigue background music. I believe it was 1962
My ancestors were also hillbillies, and they deserve far more respect than they've received in the media. They were tough muthafukkas who carved a living out of nothing. Many of them fought for the North in the civil war and opposed slavery, and they created beautiful music that is appreciated around the world. This particular song is an inside joke.
Isn’t it amazing? I’m an RN and spent 26 years working with elderly home care clients and many with dementia. Music stimulates a more basic part of our “lizard brain”; the part that is usually spared by most dementia. When it’s stimulated folks often experience some clarity and song lyrics never disappear. Peace to you both.
On this day in 1962 {June 7th} Claude King performed this song on the late Dick Clark's American Bandstand... About two weeks earlier on May 26th it entered Billboard's Hot Top 100; eventually it peaked at #6 and spent 16 weeks in the Top 100... And on June 30th it reached #1 {for 9 weeks} on Billboard's Hot Country Singles chart... Was Record of the Year on Billboard's Hot Country Singles of 1962 chart... R.I.P. Mr. Clark...
Was just watching Country Family Reunion on RFD-TV and Merle Kilgore told the story about writing this song for his uncle, Clifton Clowers, and then he sang it on the recorded program. He couldn't get anyone to record it until Claude King did and what a hit it was!! I got the 45 when it came out and played it over and over. I still have it. What a treasure it is; and what memories it brings back. Now both Merle Kilgore and Claude King are gone. They left a legacy in this song. I had to come here and hear Claude sing it again right now.
Year ago today March 7 2013 Country singer-songwriter Claude King, an original member of the Louisiana Hayride who was best known for the 1962 hit "Wolverton Mountain," has died. He was 90.King had just celebrated his birthday and 67th wedding anniversary to his wife, Barbara, last month
I had a friend many years ago Allura. She told me that she used to be married to Claude's drummer. One day in the late 70's I noticed a travel bus by her home (she was living with her father in Copperas Cove Texas) and she told me that Claude King had stopped by to say hello. I grew up on this song and I have always thought of this as a very special moment in my life. Thank you Claude for singing this song and for being you.
Hi Victoria, Allura was married to Claude's "Guitar Player" (David) and that would be me! Carmen Allura will always be very special to me. You can find out more about Claude and gang by looking up "The Cotton Dan Band on CZcams and Facebook It was a very sad time in our life when Claude past away he was 90 years old and such a great person. David Daniels (Cotton Dan)
+arslp> On my phone's playlist listed under "Cowboy and Trail Songs." You may like some of them if you don't get too bored looking at the list. Depending on your age some may bring back memories. El Paso M Robbins Streets of Laredo M Robbins Ballad of Paladin J Western Red River Valley M Robbins The Rebel Johnny Yuma J Cash The Wayward Wind P Cline Big Iron M Robbins Wind in the Wire R Travis Wolverton Mountain C King Tom Dooley Kingston Trio Rawhide F Lane High Noon F Laine Streets of Laredo B Crosby version Gunfight at the OK Cor F Laine The Master's Call M Robbins Man Who Shot Liberty Valance G Pitney Ballad of Davy Crockett Riders in the Sky Billy the Kid M Robbins They're Hanging Me Tonight M Robbins Lorena J Ungar Utah Carol M Robbins Wandering Star Lee Marvin Coward of the County K Rogers High Noon T Ritter Battle of New Orleans J Horton Ring of Fire J Cash Running Gun M Robbins Please, Mr. Custer L Verne Big John J Dean Yellow Rose of Texas Mitch Miller North to Alaska J Horton The Gambler K Rogers Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald G Lightfoot Wayfaring Stranger T Adkins Ashokan Farewell J Unger
This song holds a very special place in my heart my grand daddy and I use to sing it together on our road trip all up and down the California coast line he just recently past away from a stroke he was 83 years old. Its very difficult he was like a dad to me, but when I hear this song play its like the pain and sadness just disappears for a moment and hes right here with me. Amazes me that one song can just make everything feel a little bit better ♡♡
Another of my mom's favorites. Have never been a country western fan but these are the songs of my early childhood and sure do bring me back. Must be the roots of my love for the Texas Blues...
Not my kin just the story to go along with the song>“They say don’t go, on Wolverton Mountain If you’re looking, for a wife. ‘Cause Clifton Clowers, has a pretty young daughter And he’s mighty handy, with a gun and a knife.” Most of you folks that were around in the 1960s, and maybe some of you folks that listen to country music from that period, will recognize those lyrics from a number one song called Wolverton Mountain. I bet you didn’t know that this song was written about a real person that lived on a real mountain. That’s right. Clifton Clowers was a real man that lived on Wolverton Mountain overlooking a small town called Center Ridge, Arkansas. The song was written by Merle Kilgore for his uncle Clifton as a birthday present. Kilgore was Hank Williams Jr’s long time friend and manager. He also cowrote the song Ring of Fire with June Carter Cash. How do I know this? Clifton Clowers is my Grandfather, and Merle my second cousin. What does this have to do with bluegrass music? Not much, except that Clifton Clowers played the fiddle and loved the music. Clifton lived on Wolverton Mountain most of his adult life. He raised 6 children; 4 are still living, and 2 still live in Arkansas. He raised those children by farming the land, growing their food and raising a pig and cow to butcher every year. Clifton would walk down the mountain every Saturday morning to spend the day cutting hair for 10 cents a head. He would then buy flour, sugar, and coffee with his earnings and walk back up the mountain to do the evening chores. He farmed the land with an old mule pulling the implements. I remember visiting Grandpa Clowers as a young boy when our family would make the long journey to Arkansas from West Virginia. Some of my fondest memories are after the morning chores, when Grandpa would say “let’s go fishing.” We would then hike down off the mountain to the lake, or hook up the mule to the wagon and go to a neighbor’s pond. Afterwards we would take our fish home, and then Grandma would fry up our catch for dinner. After dinner, Grandpa would get out the old fiddle and play a few tunes under the big shade tree. I remember that the dogs, the pets he loved, would come and lay down under the tree and listen to the fiddle too. They seemed to enjoy it as much as I did. Grandpa would always look over at me and say, “sing me a song, boy.” I would sing and he would always fall in there with a fiddle back up. Clifton Clowers lived to be 102 years old. He fought in World War I, but I do not ever remember him ever talking about the war. As the song says he whittled with his knife and hunted with his gun. When the song was at its peak popularity, people would flock to the mountain just to meet him and shake his hand. They would always want some kind of souvenir so Grandpa started making turkey calls and different whittled trinkets for them. I think he even started selling them and making extra money, but knowing him, he probably gave away more than he sold. He was asked many times what his secret was to his longevity in life. His answer was always the same, “A firm belief in God. No alcohol or tobacco.” He lived by these beliefs and even at the age of 100 years was still plowing his garden behind the mule pulling the plow. There was no running water in the house. There was a well right beside the front porch, and this was the most refreshing water I ever drank. The house was heated by an open fireplace, and as kids we would pop popcorn over the flames. Grandpa planted and raised the popcorn too. Clifton actually had two daughters, but the song was changed by Claude King when he recorded it because he thought it sounded better as a pretty young daughter. My cousins and I often use to argue over which one was the pretty young daughter, my aunt Burlene or my mother Virginia. Fact is, they were both pretty young daughters. My Mom just turned 89 last September and her philosophy is the same as Clifton’s when it comes to the longevity of life. My Dad always jokingly told people that he climbed Wolverton Mountain and stole Mom from Clifton, but in reality they met in Memphis, TN while both were attending school. I don’t think that Dad would have gone up against the legendary gun and knife. The song Wolverton Mountain has been recorded by country, pop, and bluegrass artists over the past 40 some years, and has become a classic in American music. With all of its success, Clifton Clowers never changed. He kept farming and working on his land until the day he passed. He never let this fame go to his head. He actually used to say that he wished that Merle had not written the part about the gun and knife, because in his words, “I never used those tools for that purpose, I just used them to hunt and whittle.”
+Jerry W Thanks Jerry for letting this gem of a story be known. I did just see an old recording of Kilgore telling the same story and Hank Jr. laughing at him. Sending much love to your family
I was a kid when I used to hear this on the AM radio. Today, out of nowhere, the song suddenly showed up in my head as an earworm! Where did that ever come from!!! :)
boy, songs like these take me back to my young days......daddy, I hope you can hear this from Heaven and sing right along just like we used to in your old ford truck, I will always love you and miss you when I hear these songs....and have a dance with mom.......love and miss you both.
A mystery. Back in 1962, my sister had a dance party for her school friends. There must have been about 50 kids packed in our basement. I was playing the records on my stereo system. I loved this song, so I put it on. Everyone booood the song. I was totally mystified. It was popular on New York top 40 radio stations. We lived in northern NJ. Why would so many people react so negatively to this song? Maybe I was the only kid that liked country music.
I'm 19 and this song brings me back to when I was a kid. My dad is about to turn 70 this year so that's the only reason I know this song lol. I remember he used to play this in the truck and sing it when we would take a trip to go get ice cream :) lol good times...
Hay Wayne D you are right when you said hated it 30 year ago but now that I am older I find myself going right to the classic country music. I wish my pop was hear to hear me sing along with almost every classic country song going as he was a huge country music fan. Country music was all that both Ma and pop played and back then they were not classic but they were just new. lol
GOD BLESS you for making this comment here. Thinking the same dog-gone thing!!!!!! IT makes me cry to know, one of the greatest has left us. May you R.I.P.--[ETERNALLY]--WITH YOUR LORD AND MASTER!!!!!!!!
68 n still love this My Daddy loved this one. He also loved the movie Up On SMOKE . ITS awesome when my friends worked with him Charles Tuttle. Mr Little League of Swanton Vt
I loved these songs since a child. My parents played them. I choose to continue to love them on my own now. I forget about them then I start listening on youtube and find the links to the right to a new one i had not heard in years.
Growing up in Los Angles area my dad would have K-Fox country music station on when driving in the car and me and my brothers heard all these old country classics.. Back then we would rather heard KRLA, KHJ, or KFWB which played rock when mom drove the car but after 50 plus years I so yearn to hear this great music once again... guess dad knew what he was doing educating my brothers and I on good music
On this day in 1962 {August 12th} "I'm the Girl From Wolverton Mountain" by Jo Ann Campbell entered Billboard's Hot top 100 chart at position #76; and on September 16th, 1962 it peaked at #38 {for 1 week} and spent 7 weeks on the Top 100... The week Ms. Campbell entered the Top 100 at #76, Claude King's "Wolverton Mountain" was at #16, four weeks earlier on July 15th it peaked at #6 {for 1 week}... Ms. Campbell had three other Top 100 records; "A Kookie Little Paradise" {peaked at #61 in 1960}, "Mother, Please" {reached #88 in 1963}, and "I Found A Love, Oh What A Love" {a duet with husband Troy Seals, it peaked at #67 in 1965}..
This was the first 45 I ever got and it is one of a few that stay in my mind and still sing it now I am 60 and this seem to be from a time when we like each other.
I remember songs like this as a kid and listening to them now brings back many fond memories of riding with the family my sister and I singing and having fun.
I was 7 years old (1961) and my uncle put in a concrete patio for us. He had a radio going at all times and every time this song came on he would sing along pretending his shovel was a guitar. One of my best memories.
Rest in Peace Claude. Thank You for all the wonderful music. You will never be forgotten.
There isn't any sounds in the world that sounds as good as this today.
I am not a huge country music fan, but I really like some of the older country songs, and this in my opinion, is a classic!
My dad loves this song. He played it for his future father-in-law when he was only a college aged boy. His future father-in-law (my grandfather, now deceased) was a music man and played the piano by ear. After he listened to the song with my father, he smiled and said "I like that song". He then sat down and played it by ear on the piano. That is a great family story we share. Thanks Merle and Claude for creating this memory for our family!
Pure country gold pouring from those speakers. God I love this song.
What I wouldn't give to hear music like this again on the radio.
bigoldinosaur A
Sirius Radio Channel: Willies Roadhouse plays only this music. all i listen to
Me too,
Wonderful music.
czcams.com/video/6EN5eJf5h_kh/video.html
They don't have songs like this anymore!
I grew up on songs like this one. Still listen to them and let the memories of my Grandad flow. So sad this generation of mine won’t know how peaceful and loving these songs really are. It’s 2018, I’m almost 22 years old and oldies are still my choice of music ❤️
I have loved this since I first heard it while hunting with my dad when I was 15. I would carry my 'transistor pocket radio' and a single ear plug when the hunting got a little dull. I'm 70 now and what memories songs like this one pop up from my memory banks of that era spending precious moments with my dad.
+Dick Elliott don nt make songs like this anymore
What a wonderful memory..thank you for sharing it..
They are as precious and as old as mine my friend, I too miss this time with mom and dad especially in the winter when the snow flies at night eerie beautiful
im 19 and i heard this song from my grandpa, ive loved it ever since
DELTA19ACTUAL Yes.. I have a picture of y'all out there hunting and you with your earphone.
Released in March 1962...spent 9 weeks at #1 on the country chart....and #6 on the Billboard"Hot 100" pop charts.Huge hit in 1962...
I was one year old - they played it on KRAK in Sacramento for years, and it's one of the first songs I remember hearing on the radio. Are there any Classic Country stations that play songs like this and "The Three Bells?" 😀
I played on the road with Claude King back in the eighties as his band leader. I met Cifton Clowers and actually played on Wolverton Mt. I would not trade the experience and the memories for anything in the world! Sincerely, Gary "Buck" Buchanan
Memories........early 60's, small town Friday night café/bar, 2 brothers home on military leave ( Army / Marine )About 11pm the crowd thins, the brothers put a quarter in the juke box , and strut out into the night shadow boxing each other in time with the beat of Wolverton Mountain playing on juke box.Good memories of two brothers happy to be re-united while home on leave.
I haven't heard this since I was little in the 60's. Thanks, sir...
same here...
they also had a song I'm the girl from Wolverton mountain...I remember it...
@ no rap
My father, God rest his soul, loved this song!
I love this song one of the dearest friends I ever had used to sing it to me .This friend passed away 2004 at age 57 we played together as children this song brings back such wonderful memories.I think of this wonderful man and every time this song comes to mind.I don't know why we can't have these kind of song anymore.
I love this song I've listen to it since I was a little girl I'm 59 now
58! 😁
I'm 58, exactly same story!
My parents are also in their 70s. This is the kind of music we were raised on, and it will always remind me of "country drives" on Sundays with my parents and my sister. My sister and I still sing this to each other, complete with the twang in "honey" and the "ooh-hoo"s.
I wonder if Claude and Merle knew how many lives this silly song was going to touch when it was written...
I first fell in love with this song when I was a kid on the farm waaaaaay back. Thanks for the memories!
Here is one of the "greatest generation" people who made this country great. This is a picture of Clifton Clowers plowing his field at the age of 100. Clowers was the subject of a Merle Kilgore hit song called "Wolverton Mountain." Mr. Clowers lived to be 102 (1891 - 1994) where he actually lived and farmed that land on Wolverton Mountain. A solid American who was just who he was, although he rubbed shoulders with a lot of famous people after the song was written about him.
That's the kind of man I want to be! Just be me, warts and all, a responsible human being plowing my own field. These were the men who made America great, we need a lot more of them today; and a lot fewer of those "give-me," "entitled" "hand-out" people in this country. Hey, plow your own field. That's what Clifton Clowers did.
One of favorite songs I heard as a child. Still like it just as much.
I spend hours on CZcams finding and listening to superb gems like Wolverton Mountain.
I think I grew up listening to music like this on a radio station out of Florida. My father loved Country and Folk , and I inherited that!
Hello 👋 Mars
How are you doing today
This was a great song that knocked the pants off some pretty heavy country and pop stars for several weeks taking the number one position on many charts as it just was a catchy tune with a neat true story and unigue background music. I believe it was 1962
My ancestors were also hillbillies, and they deserve far more respect than they've received in the media. They were tough muthafukkas who carved a living out of nothing. Many of them fought for the North in the civil war and opposed slavery, and they created beautiful music that is appreciated around the world. This particular song is an inside joke.
My mom has dementia and whenever I play this song she starts singing. Thanks.
Isn’t it amazing? I’m an RN and spent 26 years working with elderly home care clients and many with dementia. Music stimulates a more basic part of our “lizard brain”; the part that is usually spared by most dementia. When it’s stimulated folks often experience some clarity and song lyrics never disappear. Peace to you both.
My mom used to listen to this song when I was a kid. I can feel her arms around me when ever I listen to it.
I can remember standing in the front seat while my grandfather drove and singing along. Must have been about 4. My family thought it was hilarious.
On this day in 1962 {June 7th} Claude King performed this song on the late Dick Clark's American Bandstand...
About two weeks earlier on May 26th it entered Billboard's Hot Top 100; eventually it peaked at #6 and spent 16 weeks in the Top 100...
And on June 30th it reached #1 {for 9 weeks} on Billboard's Hot Country Singles chart...
Was Record of the Year on Billboard's Hot Country Singles of 1962 chart...
R.I.P. Mr. Clark...
Was just watching Country Family Reunion on RFD-TV and Merle Kilgore told the story about writing this song for his uncle, Clifton Clowers, and then he sang it on the recorded program. He couldn't get anyone to record it until Claude King did and what a hit it was!! I got the 45 when it came out and played it over and over. I still have it. What a treasure it is; and what memories it brings back. Now both Merle Kilgore and Claude King are gone. They left a legacy in this song. I had to come here and hear Claude sing it again right now.
I still have this one from the jukebox in the bar my parents used to run. It's an orange Columbia label with "Little Bitty Heart" on the flip side.
BuddyNovi
Dont cry j
someone please tell hook how 2 get to woverlington mountaian
Year ago today March 7 2013 Country singer-songwriter Claude King, an original member of the Louisiana Hayride who was best known for the 1962 hit "Wolverton Mountain," has died. He was 90.King had just celebrated his birthday and 67th wedding anniversary to his wife, Barbara, last month
If Claude King was alive today I would put them on the Super Bowl halftime
Absolutely beautiful and very well done!!!💓👏👏👍👍👍👍🌹🇱🇷🇱🇷🇱🇷✝️🌹🌹🌹🇱🇷❤️🇱🇷❤️💕💗
Brings back happy memories. We sang it long ago as we drove through the Rockies in Dad's '62 VW Beetle on the way to my brother's wedding.
Remember this song from a very young age about 6 years old when I first heard it and has been a favorite of mine ever since , LOVE THIS SONG
damn we had some good songs. this one is great. thanks
I had a friend many years ago Allura. She told me that she used to be married to Claude's drummer. One day in the late 70's I noticed a travel bus by her home (she was living with her father in Copperas Cove Texas) and she told me that Claude King had stopped by to say hello. I grew up on this song and I have always thought of this as a very special moment in my life. Thank you Claude for singing this song and for being you.
that's neat
Hi Victoria, Allura was married to Claude's "Guitar Player" (David) and that would be me! Carmen Allura will always be very special to me. You can find out more about Claude and gang by looking up "The Cotton Dan Band on CZcams and Facebook
It was a very sad time in our life when Claude past away he was 90 years old and such a great person.
David Daniels (Cotton Dan)
Man Oh Man That song brings back sweet memories of growing up and singing along!
Char Vickrey live up here at guess what.they manage to f...that up too..
I grew up on this stuff!
yea this and corn flakes
Sherrie Crouch so did I .
I'm 55 and my mother used to play this music all day long. Good souvenirs.
Me too, Sherrie.... This; Johnny Horton, Marty Robbins, etc.
+arslp> On my phone's playlist listed under "Cowboy and Trail Songs." You may like some of them if you don't get too bored looking at the list. Depending on your age some may bring back memories.
El Paso M Robbins
Streets of Laredo M Robbins
Ballad of Paladin J Western
Red River Valley M Robbins
The Rebel Johnny Yuma J Cash
The Wayward Wind P Cline
Big Iron M Robbins
Wind in the Wire R Travis
Wolverton Mountain C King
Tom Dooley Kingston Trio
Rawhide F Lane
High Noon F Laine
Streets of Laredo B Crosby version
Gunfight at the OK Cor F Laine
The Master's Call M Robbins
Man Who Shot Liberty
Valance G Pitney
Ballad of Davy Crockett Riders in the Sky
Billy the Kid M Robbins
They're Hanging Me
Tonight M Robbins
Lorena J Ungar
Utah Carol M Robbins
Wandering Star Lee Marvin
Coward of the County K Rogers
High Noon T Ritter
Battle of New Orleans J Horton
Ring of Fire J Cash
Running Gun M Robbins
Please, Mr. Custer L Verne
Big John J Dean
Yellow Rose of Texas Mitch Miller
North to Alaska J Horton
The Gambler K Rogers
Wreck of the Edmund
Fitzgerald G Lightfoot
Wayfaring Stranger T Adkins
Ashokan Farewell J Unger
I like this song ALOT! I have met him & are friends of my family! Has 3 daughters that I remember.
This song holds a very special place in my heart my grand daddy and I use to sing it together on our road trip all up and down the California coast line he just recently past away from a stroke he was 83 years old. Its very difficult he was like a dad to me, but when I hear this song play its like the pain and sadness just disappears for a moment and hes right here with me. Amazes me that one song can just make everything feel a little bit better ♡♡
Emily Gridley
It sounds like y’all had an amazing relationship, I’m so sorry for your loss
Thanks for your story about your grandpa! I bet he heard it and appreciates it. Your love for your grandpa is special.
Classic. Written by Merle Kilgore and Claude King.Crossed right over to pop.Every DJ played this song almost every day in 1963.
Don't bother looking I've been and married her 1973 still going strong!
Another of my mom's favorites. Have never been a country western fan but these are the songs of my early childhood and sure do bring me back. Must be the roots of my love for the Texas Blues...
Wow! Loved it then, love it now! She is absolutely amazing!
Remember this from when I was just a little girl and still love it today.
Not my kin just the story to go along with the song>“They say don’t go, on Wolverton Mountain
If you’re looking, for a wife.
‘Cause Clifton Clowers, has a pretty young daughter
And he’s mighty handy, with a gun and a knife.”
Most of you folks that were around in the 1960s, and maybe some of you folks that listen to country music from that period, will recognize those lyrics from a number one song called Wolverton Mountain. I bet you didn’t know that this song was written about a real person that lived on a real mountain.
That’s right. Clifton Clowers was a real man that lived on Wolverton Mountain overlooking a small town called Center Ridge, Arkansas. The song was written by Merle Kilgore for his uncle Clifton as a birthday present. Kilgore was Hank Williams Jr’s long time friend and manager. He also cowrote the song Ring of Fire with June Carter Cash.
How do I know this? Clifton Clowers is my Grandfather, and Merle my second cousin. What does this have to do with bluegrass music? Not much, except that Clifton Clowers played the fiddle and loved the music.
Clifton lived on Wolverton Mountain most of his adult life. He raised 6 children; 4 are still living, and 2 still live in Arkansas. He raised those children by farming the land, growing their food and raising a pig and cow to butcher every year. Clifton would walk down the mountain every Saturday morning to spend the day cutting hair for 10 cents a head. He would then buy flour, sugar, and coffee with his earnings and walk back up the mountain to do the evening chores. He farmed the land with an old mule pulling the implements.
I remember visiting Grandpa Clowers as a young boy when our family would make the long journey to Arkansas from West Virginia. Some of my fondest memories are after the morning chores, when Grandpa would say “let’s go fishing.” We would then hike down off the mountain to the lake, or hook up the mule to the wagon and go to a neighbor’s pond. Afterwards we would take our fish home, and then Grandma would fry up our catch for dinner. After dinner, Grandpa would get out the old fiddle and play a few tunes under the big shade tree.
I remember that the dogs, the pets he loved, would come and lay down under the tree and listen to the fiddle too. They seemed to enjoy it as much as I did. Grandpa would always look over at me and say, “sing me a song, boy.” I would sing and he would always fall in there with a fiddle back up.
Clifton Clowers lived to be 102 years old. He fought in World War I, but I do not ever remember him ever talking about the war. As the song says he whittled with his knife and hunted with his gun. When the song was at its peak popularity, people would flock to the mountain just to meet him and shake his hand. They would always want some kind of souvenir so Grandpa started making turkey calls and different whittled trinkets for them. I think he even started selling them and making extra money, but knowing him, he probably gave away more than he sold.
He was asked many times what his secret was to his longevity in life. His answer was always the same, “A firm belief in God. No alcohol or tobacco.” He lived by these beliefs and even at the age of 100 years was still plowing his garden behind the mule pulling the plow.
There was no running water in the house. There was a well right beside the front porch, and this was the most refreshing water I ever drank. The house was heated by an open fireplace, and as kids we would pop popcorn over the flames. Grandpa planted and raised the popcorn too.
Clifton actually had two daughters, but the song was changed by Claude King when he recorded it because he thought it sounded better as a pretty young daughter. My cousins and I often use to argue over which one was the pretty young daughter, my aunt Burlene or my mother Virginia. Fact is, they were both pretty young daughters. My Mom just turned 89 last September and her philosophy is the same as Clifton’s when it comes to the longevity of life.
My Dad always jokingly told people that he climbed Wolverton Mountain and stole Mom from Clifton, but in reality they met in Memphis, TN while both were attending school. I don’t think that Dad would have gone up against the legendary gun and knife.
The song Wolverton Mountain has been recorded by country, pop, and bluegrass artists over the past 40 some years, and has become a classic in American music. With all of its success, Clifton Clowers never changed. He kept farming and working on his land until the day he passed. He never let this fame go to his head. He actually used to say that he wished that Merle had not written the part about the gun and knife, because in his words, “I never used those tools for that purpose, I just used them to hunt and whittle.”
+Jerry W Wow! Thanks so much for that special bit of history. The song was a big hit in Australia as well at the time.
Thank you! Fascinating stuff. My father loved this song too :-)
+Jerry W Thanks Jerry for letting this gem of a story be known. I did just see an old recording of Kilgore telling the same story and Hank Jr. laughing at him. Sending much love to your family
love your story
Thank you for sharing your family history with us.. I loved this song as a kid. I'm now 61 and I still hit it on CZcams.
I Lived down the road from Wolverton Mountain.
+Big Tex r u serious?
iAm his daughter
Who's daughter?
His Daughter
You're Big Tex's daughter? Are you here to collaborate his story?
Loved this Song way back when first heard it ..
I was a kid when I used to hear this on the AM radio. Today, out of nowhere, the song suddenly showed up in my head as an earworm! Where did that ever come from!!! :)
boy, songs like these take me back to my young days......daddy, I hope you can hear this from Heaven and sing right along just like we used to in your old ford truck, I will always love you and miss you when I hear these songs....and have a dance with mom.......love and miss you both.
This song took my grandma back to her teenage years :D
A mystery. Back in 1962, my sister had a dance party for her school friends. There must have been about 50 kids packed in our basement. I was playing the records on my stereo system. I loved this song, so I put it on. Everyone booood the song. I was totally mystified. It was popular on New York top 40 radio stations. We lived in northern NJ. Why would so many people react so negatively to this song? Maybe I was the only kid that liked country music.
I remember FIRST hearing this song back in Houston, Texas
when I was growing up we listened to the Louisiana Hayride and Grand Ole oprea I have not heard this song since then and that was on the radio.
Great song, I've known it by heart since I was 7 years old and played it on my 45 portable record player!!!
This song upsets me since 1987, 30 years later it still does!!!!!!
I'm 19 and this song brings me back to when I was a kid. My dad is about to turn 70 this year so that's the only reason I know this song lol. I remember he used to play this in the truck and sing it when we would take a trip to go get ice cream :) lol good times...
if this came out in 1962 i was only 8 years old;but i sure remember it well. great song.
this is a great singer and he music great this is a country music great music the country music great music the
This would make a good movie. ^_^
Old memories #1 1962 I think the year I was born lol . Hated most of this growing up 30 years later Dad's music is mine
Hay Wayne D you are right when you said hated it 30 year ago but now that I am older I find myself going right to the classic country music. I wish my pop was hear to hear me sing along with almost every classic country song going as he was a huge country music fan. Country music was all that both Ma and pop played and back then they were not classic but they were just new. lol
It was the year for me Darryl LOL Grew up hating Dad's music now I know his music as well as he does lol
Wayne D want an adventure of a life time get up here and look up the williams .I will show you how rustic life can get
I've always loved this song, and the simple story. I love the backup singers, too!
Met you in Tupelo Miss. in the summer of 68. Hadn't thought about you in a while. You lived to be 90 years old Claude God bless RIP
Golden Country Classic
This was popular when I was in high school. It's kinda hokey, but I've always loved it anyway. My dad used to crack us up singing along with it.
I was 21 years old when this song came out and it was one of my favorites.
RIP Claude.
Say hello to all the Opry stars up there for us Claude ..RIP Mr King
What a grand ole opry is gathering beyond heaven's gates. can't wait to listen to them all again someday. RIP friend.
Been up on wolverton mountain a many of times. Beautiful spot right outside centeridge.
Don't forget these Great Songs
GOD BLESS you for making this comment here. Thinking the same dog-gone thing!!!!!! IT makes me cry to know, one of the greatest has left us. May you R.I.P.--[ETERNALLY]--WITH YOUR LORD AND MASTER!!!!!!!!
I grew up on this country music great music
Used to sing in Detroit night clubs in the '60's------sang this all the time. One of my favorite.
I remember this as a kid in Chicago..I got a kick out of this song...
68 n still love this
My Daddy loved this one. He also loved the movie Up On SMOKE . ITS awesome when my friends worked with him Charles Tuttle. Mr Little League of Swanton Vt
RIP Claude King you were one great man and singer grew up listening to your music still listen to it....
i used to sing this with my grandpa in his car, hes not dead or anything, just brings back great memories, i love this song!
stil at school bk 6os wen wolverton mountain ,very deep voice lovely ,
great memories - at 15, 40 years ago a buddy and I performed this at a beach party - had our choice of 13 and 14 year olds LOL.
I loved these songs since a child. My parents played them. I choose to continue to love them on my own now. I forget about them then I start listening on youtube and find the links to the right to a new one i had not heard in years.
the best music in the worls 50&60 72yrs old and still love it.
My Uncle played this..its so nice to be in the presence of the ones who was there
I love this song.....
a song for the ages.
Claude King, the writer/singer, died todat, 3/7/2013, at the age of 90. R.I.P.
This was my dad's song🙏💘
wow such childhood memories
Growing up in Los Angles area my dad would have K-Fox country music station on when driving in the car and me and my brothers heard all these old country classics.. Back then we would rather heard KRLA, KHJ, or KFWB which played rock when mom drove the car but after 50 plus years I so yearn to hear this great music once again... guess dad knew what he was doing educating my brothers and I on good music
You don't find music like this much anymore
I'm 35 and I grew up listening to this. 😊
On this day in 1962 {August 12th} "I'm the Girl From Wolverton Mountain" by Jo Ann Campbell entered Billboard's Hot top 100 chart at position #76; and on September 16th, 1962 it peaked at #38 {for 1 week} and spent 7 weeks on the Top 100...
The week Ms. Campbell entered the Top 100 at #76, Claude King's "Wolverton Mountain" was at #16, four weeks earlier on July 15th it peaked at #6 {for 1 week}...
Ms. Campbell had three other Top 100 records; "A Kookie Little Paradise" {peaked at #61 in 1960}, "Mother, Please" {reached #88 in 1963}, and "I Found A Love, Oh What A Love" {a duet with husband Troy Seals, it peaked at #67 in 1965}..
And?
What wonderful memories-only wish I could go back to those days!
This was the first 45 I ever got and it is one of a few that stay in my mind and still sing it now I am 60 and this seem to be from a time when we like each other.
Another timeless Classic Hit from 1962 as it also topped The US Country Chart in this Year
i miss him very much,this was one of my dads favorite songs
yes,moments that are no longer here,but still in my heart.
I know,why did it all have to end,me too,my dad left me in 2011,82nd Airborne Paratrooper,Normandy,he was my life
Love this song… Brings back a lot memories..
R.I.P. Reminds me of days long ago when my parents played the records they still have. A different time and world for sure.
One of the greats. I hum this tune all the time. Gotta be on anybody's list of Classic Country.
my grandpa would play this alot I love to listen to it when i think of him.
I remember songs like this as a kid and listening to them now brings back many fond memories of riding with the family my sister and I singing and having fun.