Terry Gilkyson wasn’t just another folk singer. He was a gifted songwriter whose lyrics shaped mid-century American music. As the frontman of Terry Gilkyson and the Easy Riders, he helped bring folk music into the pop mainstream. But his legacy stretches even further—into chart-topping hits for other artists, Disney soundtracks, and a family of musical heirs.
While best known for the Easy Riders’ 1956 hit “Marianne,” Gilkyson’s pen also gave us “Memories Are Made of This” and “The Bare Necessities,” making him a key yet often overlooked figure in American songwriting.
| Terry Gilkyson – Artist Profile | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Hamilton Henry Gilkyson |
| Born | June 17, 1916 – Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Died | October 15, 1999 – Austin, Texas, USA |
| Main Genre | Folk, Pop |
| Main Group | The Easy Riders |
| Notable Songs | “Marianne,” “Memories Are Made of This,” “The Bare Necessities” |
| Awards | Oscar nomination for Best Original Song (“The Bare Necessities,” 1968) |
| Labels | Columbia Records |
Early Life and Career
Hamilton Henry Gilkyson was born on June 17, 1916, in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. Before becoming known for folk music, he served in the military and worked in broadcasting. His talent for songwriting quickly surfaced. By the late 1940s and early 1950s, he was already writing tunes that caught the attention of major artists.
One of his earliest big hits was “The Cry of the Wild Goose”, which Frankie Laine took to #1 in 1950. This success helped Gilkyson establish a solid reputation in the music industry as a reliable and creative lyricist.
Formation of The Easy Riders
In the mid-1950s, Gilkyson teamed up with Richard Dehr and Frank Miller to form a folk trio called The Easy Riders. Their music blended rich harmonies with simple acoustic instrumentation—a refreshing change during a time when pop music was dominated by orchestras and big bands.
Signed by Columbia Records with the help of A&R legend Mitch Miller, they recorded “Marianne,” a Caribbean-tinged folk tune written by Gilkyson. Released in 1956, it climbed to #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and sold over a million copies, earning a gold record.
The Hilltoppers released a cover version the following year that peaked even higher on the charts. Still, the Easy Riders’ version remains a classic, preserving the song’s warm and easygoing spirit.
Songwriting Beyond the Band
Terry Gilkyson’s real power lay in songwriting. With Dehr and Miller, he penned several chart-topping songs for other artists, including:
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“Memories Are Made of This” – A #1 hit for Dean Martin (1955). The song also became a minor hit for Gale Storm.
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“Tell Me a Story” – A #4 duet hit for Frankie Laine and Jimmy Boyd.
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“Love Is a Golden Ring” – A Top 10 hit for Frankie Laine in 1957.
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“Greenfields” – A haunting folk tune recorded by The Brothers Four that reached #2 in 1960.
These songs showed the trio’s versatility. They could write catchy pop, tender ballads, and deeply emotional folk numbers—whatever the moment called for.
Disney and “The Bare Necessities”
Gilkyson’s talents didn’t stop at pop music. In the 1960s, he joined Disney Studios as a songwriter. His biggest success came with the 1967 animated film The Jungle Book. Gilkyson composed “The Bare Necessities,” a jazzy, upbeat number that perfectly captured the personality of Baloo the bear.
The song was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1968 and remains one of the most beloved Disney tunes of all time. While other songs in the film were written by the Sherman Brothers, “The Bare Necessities” stands out for its swing-era charm and lyrical warmth.
Legacy and Later Years
After leaving the spotlight, Gilkyson continued writing music and influencing the folk genre behind the scenes. He eventually retired to Texas, where he remained active in music through his children.
His daughter, Eliza Gilkyson, became a well-respected folk singer and political songwriter. His son, Tony Gilkyson, performed as a guitarist for the punk band X. Another daughter, Nancy, served as a top executive at Warner Bros. Records for over two decades.
Terry Gilkyson passed away on October 15, 1999, while visiting family in Austin. He was 83.
Lasting Impact
Though Gilkyson may not be a household name today, his fingerprints are all over American music. From Dean Martin’s mellow crooning to Disney’s animated magic, Gilkyson helped shape the sound of multiple generations.
The Easy Riders may have only scored one major hit, but their influence extended far beyond a single charting single. They helped bridge the gap between traditional folk and mainstream pop. Thanks to Gilkyson’s songwriting, their brief moment in the limelight had a lasting echo.
Essential Listening
Here are some key songs to explore the world of Terry Gilkyson:
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“Marianne” – Terry Gilkyson and the Easy Riders
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“The Bare Necessities” – Phil Harris (The Jungle Book Soundtrack)
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“Memories Are Made of This” – Dean Martin
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“Tell Me a Story” – Frankie Laine and Jimmy Boyd
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“Greenfields” – The Brothers Four
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“Cry of the Wild Goose” – Frankie Laine