Lately it seems that there are some who think that John Wayne's star is beginning to fade, especially with the demise of some landmarks around Southern California that bore his name or were connected in some to way to him. I beg to differ.
If one simply takes a little time to look around there are many instances where John Wayne's legacy is still shining brightly more than 30 years after his passing. In addition to the John Wayne Cancer Center and Foundation, there is the John Wayne Birthplace which is building a brand new multi-million dollar museum dedicated to The Duke, multiple businesses either named after John Wayne or with John Wayne themed aspects. His inclusion on the Harris Poll's favorite actor list (in the top ten every year since its inception), and yet another of his films has been included in this years list of additions to the National Film Registry. In addition, in the years since his passing in 1979, there have been multiple songs written in tribute to him, and this year is no different.
The latest tribute song is titled “American Heroes – The Ballad of John Wayne,” performed by country western star Buddy Castle. The song is not yet available as a single or on an album (as far as I have been able to ascertain), but it is available online at: http://soundcloud.com/buddy_castle/american-heroes-the-ballad-of. Give it a listen if you would, I'm sure you won't be disappointed. Here are the lyrics:
Lyrics by Rick Ryan, Music by Buddy Castle © 2013
His face we all knew nearly three generations
And a world full of nations would come to agree
He was more than a hero yet simply a man
With his roots in the land like a rugged Oak tree
He rode into our hearts on the Hollywood Stagecoach
And from there he'd approach all the fame he deserved
He was proud of his colors: the Red White and Blue
And the things that he'd do for the country he served
So here's to the past and American Heroes
Let's see that all that they stood for remains
There may be more stories and there may be more legends
But there never will be another John Wayne
As a sergeant named Stryker he stormed Iwo Jima
And as Rooster he charged when his body cried “quit!”
He conquered each battle in the trench and the saddle
And he came to be known as a man of True Grit
So here's to the past and American Heroes
Let's see that all that they stood for remains
There may be more stories and there may be more legends
But there never will be another John Wayne
And even when fate stacked her odds high against him
He refused to back off and admit he was through
He fought like a hero as he made his last stand
And he left us with proof that his courage was true
So here's to the past and American Heroes
Let's see that all that they stood for remains
There may be more stories and there may be more legends
But there never will be another John Wayne
No, there never will be another John Wayne