Released 1940 (1940) Writer(s) Bob Wills | Genre Western swing | |
"San Antonio Rose"/"New San Antonio Rose" was the signature song of Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys. "San Antonio Rose" was an instrumental song written by Bob Wills, who first recorded it with the Playboys in 1938. Band members added lyrics and it was retitled "New San Antonio Rose". The song opens with the refrain:
Contents
The song is written in the first person with the Rose of San Antone being the gentleman's lost love. Members of the Western Writers of America chose it as one of the Top 100 Western songs of all time.
Recordings
The most successful recording was made by Bing Crosby with Bob Crosby and the Bob Cats in 1940 - over a million copies were sold for which Bing was awarded a gold disc.
"New San Antonio Rose" was the first national hit by Bob Wills and His Playboys, propelling them from their Southwestern fame to national notice.
The song, both the music and lyrics, reflects the Mexican influence Bob Wills found growing up in the Southwest. Wills developed the melody of the original "San Antonio Rose" itself from a traditional tune, "Spanish Two Step", by the playing the bridge in reverse.
"New San Antonio Rose" ruffled the feathers of Southern country music moguls when Wills and the Playboys performed it with horns and a drum at the Grand Ole Opry on December 30, 1944.
Cover versions
The song has been recorded by many artists in several genres.
Other uses
It lends its name to San Antonio Rose Palace in San Antonio, Texas.