‘Bonanza’ Star Lorne Greene Once Compared Himself to Elvis

BONANZA, Lorne Greene, 1959-73 — Everett Collection

Many fans know Lorne Greene as Ben Cartwright on Bonanza, but did you know that he also had a successful music career? So successful that he once compared himself to the King, Elvis Presley. Greene’s song “Ringo” was released in 1964 and became a huge hit throughout the decade.

According to MeTV, during an interview with The Morning Union, Greene admitted his shock that the song, which shared the story of an outlaw named Ringo, was doing so well. He said, “How about that? I’m suddenly the Elvis Presley of the Stone Age. You see a bunch of kids singing, and the audience screaming, but you can’t imagine what it is really like until it happens to you. I now know why all those teenage idols use big electronic instruments. It’s the only way to hold back the crowd.”

Everett Collection

He added, “It’s interesting to speculate on why it is really a success. Greek tragedy has been successful all these years because people have dug it. This song has Greek tragedy about it: a man saves another man’s life and thereby dooms himself.”

While Greene said that he believes his run on Bonanza helped to solidify his song as a hit, it was also the nature of the song itself. It shares a story from start to finish and many fans connected with the tune, especially cowboys and Western lovers. Throughout the ’60s, he released a handful of albums and singles, including “Daddy’s Little Girl” and “Waco.”

Let’s reminisce and listen to the song below. Now feel free to comment and tell us your favorite part of “Ringo” or if you enjoyed any of his other songs!