Tumbling Tumbleweeds

For the 1935 Gene Autry movie, see Tumbling Tumbleweeds (1935 film).

"Tumbling Tumbleweeds"
Song

"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 1930s 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 as well as being featured in the film Two of Us, with John Lennon and Paul McCartney shown singing it together in one touching scene.

Kate Smith made a popular recording of the song, available on her CD 16 Most Requested Songs. The Supremes covered the 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. The song is also prominently used in the movie The Big Lebowski