“Nitro Express”, song written by Chris Darrell Roberts, Jim Thornton, and Scott Turner, was recorded by Red Simpson for the Capitol label on December 7, 1965, at Capitol Recording Studio, 1750 North Vine St., Hollywood, CA, In the same session, “MY BABY’S WAITIN ‘”, “MOTIVATIN’ MAN” and “HIGHWAY MAN” were also recorded. Red was accompanied in this recording session by:

Bobby Durham (guitar), Gene Denver Moles (guitar), Scotty Turner (guitar), Leo LeBlanc (steel), Ray Salter (bass), Melvin King (drums) and George French, Jr. (piano). With the production by Ken Nelson, the song was released in Ep format in February 1966. The song did not enter the charts.

The song was again recorded in February 1996 as a duet with Junior Brown for the album, Rig Rock Deluxe (A Musical Salute To The American Truck Driver) (Upstart Records 1996).

The song was included on Red Simpson’s debut album, Roll, Truck, Roll (Capitol 1966), the album was released in February 1966, and on May 14, 1966, peaked at # 7 on the U.S. Top Country Albums, remaining on the charts for a total of 11 weeks.

Versions:

Philomena Begley 1976 (Top Spin Records)
Junior Brown 1996 (Upstart Records)
Bill Kirchen 1996 (Black Top Records)
Chris Sprague 2005 (18 Wheeler)

Red Simpson – Nitro Express Lyrics

I was pullin’ up a hill that’s known as the Devil’s Crest
Haulin’ 36 ton on a run called the Nitro Express
There was nothin’ but curves a runnin’ from the top on down
And at the bottom of the grade sat a quiet little country town

Well, I was drivin’ off the top when she jarred and the driveshaft broke
Started pumpin’ up the brakes, saw ‘em going in a big cloud of smoke
To keep ‘er upright …I knew I had to do my best
Against a runaway bomb they call the Nitro Express

(Chorus)
There was 36 ton of a detonated steel
Over 18 tires that smoked and squealed
I had to ride her down and I couldn’t jump free
Or there’d be a big hole where that little town used to be

Well that old trailer leaned each time that I took another curve
My hands started sweatin’ and I knew I was losin’ my nerve
And I was cussin’ each rock and every inch of the Devil’s Crest
A fightin’ with the wheel of a rig called the Nitro Express

I side-swipped a mountain so I’d slow her down by rubbin’ her side
And when the sparks started flyin’ man it looked like the 4th of July
I finally got her stopped … but mister I’m a gonna confess
That’s the last run I’m makin’ in a rig called the Nitro Express
(Chorus)
(Repeat Chorus – change last line to ..Cause there’d be a big
Hole where that little town used to be