The stories behind Robbins' 'El Paso' songs
Go Deeper.
Create an account or log in to save stories.
Like this?
Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.
Today's Morning Edition music is from "El Paso City" by Marty Robbins, which was No. 1 on the Billboard country chart 40 years ago today.
It's a sequel of sorts to his 1959 chart topper "El Paso." That song was about a man who flees from El Paso, Texas, after killing a romantic rival in a gunfight.
"El Paso City" is about a man flying over El Paso in a plane who feels a supernatural connection to that fugitive gunfighter.
Robbins says both songs were written in the time it takes to sing them.
Support Local News
When breaking news happens, MPR News provides the context you need. Help us meet the significant demands of these newsgathering efforts.