The Highwaymen

The Highwaymen

The Highwaymen were an American folk group formed at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut, in 1958, known for their 1961 No. 1 hit “Michael” (also called “Michael Row the Boat Ashore”).

The original lineup included Dave Fisher (lead), Bob Burnett, Steve Trott, and Chan Daniels—college students inspired by the folk revival. Their a cappella-style arrangement of the traditional spiritual, with rhythmic handclaps and harmonious vocals, topped charts worldwide and sold millions. Follow-ups included “Cotton Fields” and “I’m on My Way.”

The group blended folk, calypso, and sea shanties in albums like The Highwaymen (1959) and The Highwaymen Ride Again (1960). After graduating, they pursued careers in law, medicine, and business while occasionally reuniting.

A 1980s country supergroup (Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson) later used the name, but the original folk quartet remains distinct.

Inducted into various halls of fame for their role in the early 1960s folk boom, The Highwaymen exemplify clean, collegiate harmony that bridged traditional songs to pop audiences