Gordon Lightfoot (Junior) composed "Ribbon of Darkness" and it was issued as a single in 1965 then showed up on his first album. "Lightfoot" was not released until 1966. The man is considered a Canadian treasure for many reasons including becoming an international star without moving to the United States.

The NASCAR driver and most talented Marty Robbins wrote most of his many hits but obviously not this one. "Ribbon of Darkness" topped the Country chart in 1965 and featured Grady Martin on lead guitar.
The differences in whistling styles (pursing lips, through the teeth) is kind of cute.