Tumbling Tumbleweeds

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Disambiguation: For the 1935 Gene Autry movie, see Tumbling Tumbleweeds

“Tumbling Tumbleweeds”
Single by Sons of the Pioneers
Released	c. 1934
Genre	Cowboy songs
Length	2:40
Writer(s)	Bob Nolan

"Tumbling Tumbleweeds" is a song composed by Bob Nolan, one of the founding (albeit reluctant) members of the Sons of the Pioneers. Although one of the most famous songs associated with cowboys, the song was composed by Nolan back in the 1930's while he was working as a caddy and living in Los Angeles. Originally titled "Tumbling Tumble Leaves", the song was reworked into the title "Tumbling Tumbleweeds" and into fame with the Gene Autry film of the same name. The song is featured in an episode of The Odd Couple TV show and it is also used at the start of the film The Big Lebowski while the camera follows a tumbleweed rolling into Los Angeles.

The Supremes covered this song on their 1965 album "The Supremes Sing Country, Western & Pop", although it was recorded two years earlier. Diana Ross sings lead.

The song also appears on Michael Nesmith and the First National Band's album Nevada Fighter and The Meat Puppets' 1982 album Meat Puppets.

Jack Palance, in his Oscar-winning role as a cowboy named Curly, recites Tumbling Tumbleweeds in the movie City Slickers while Mitch (Billy Crystal) accompanies him on the harmonica.

See www.bobnolan-sop.net for more information.