John LaGale Horton, was an American singer-songwriter and musician. Initially performing traditional country and appeared regularly on the Louisiana Hayride. He and wife Donna moved to Shreveport, Louisiana, where the show was recorded. Horton later performed rockabilly songs. He is best known for a series of history-inspired narrative country saga songs that became international hits. His 1959 single "The Battle of New Orleans" was awarded the 1960 Grammy Award for Best Country & Western Recording. He had two successes in 1960 with both "Sink the Bismarck" and "North to Alaska," the latter used over the opening credits to the John Wayne film of the same name.