Thomas Wakefield Blackburn II (June 23, 1913–August 2, 1992), was an American author, screenwriter and lyricist. His work included various Western novels and television screenplays, as well as the lyrics to "The Ballad of Davy Crockett" (his first) and other songs.
“ In the mid 1950s Blackburn worked in the story department at Walt Disney's studio and it was there, in addition to working on the Davy Crockett films and teleplays (among other projects), that he also began composing lyrics. Among his most successful efforts are "The Ballad of Davy Crockett" and "Farewell" for that series and "Johnny Tremain" and "The Liberty Tree" for Johnny Tremain (Buena Vista, 1957).[1]
Born on the T.O. Ranch near Raton, New Mexico, Blackburn was the eldest of six children. He attended Glendale Junior College and U.C.L.A.. "The Ballad of Davy Crockett" is a song with music by George Bruns and lyrics by Tom W. Blackburn.
The first recording of the song was made by Bill Hayes, quickly followed by versions by Fess Parker and Tennessee Ernie Ford (recorded February 7, 1955), all in 1955. All three versions made the Billboard charts: Hayes' version made #1.