Backforty Bunkhouse Newsletter

Backforty Bunkhouse Newsletter Distributed by BACKFORTY BUNKHOUSE PRODUCTIONS 106 Roswell St., Ruidoso, NM 88345 (575) 808-4111 Home of Backforty Roundup and CD Chorale Backforty Bunkhouse Publishing BMI Venue / Show Productions Western Music Radio Marketing www.Backforty Bunkhouse.com [email protected] www.MySpace.com/BackfortyBunkhouse Twitter.com/backfortyBH

Joe Baker The Backforty Bunkhouse Newsletter is sent to over 700 email subscribers periodically and is growing every day. There are DJs, artists Publisher and fans whose interest are Western Swing, Cowboy Poetry, Cowboy Heritage and Texas Honky Tonk music genres. We solicit your comments, suggestions and ways we may better serve you. If you do not want to receive this newsletter and want to be removed from our mailing list, reply to this email by entering “UNSUBSCRIBE” in the subject box of the email. ______Published by Joe Baker 3. Bar D roundup, Vol.#4,Various Poets 4. Jeanne & Jerome, You Are The Rose Of My Heart Cowtown Society of Western Music Heroes 5. Backforty Roundup Vol.#42 Academy of Western Artists Disc Jockey of the Y ear Cowtown Society of Western Music Disc Jockey of the Year 6. Flying J Wranglers, My Adobe Hacienda Western Swing Music Society of the Southwest Hall of Fame 7. Stephanie Davis, Western Bliss Membership Director—Cowtown Society of Western Music 8. Rich Flanders, Ride Away Board of Directors—Cowtown Society of Western Music Seattle Western Swing Music Society POWS Hall of Fame 9. Chuck Woller, (Deborah Liv Johnson) Desert Moon Backforty Newsletter—CSWM‟s Publication of the Year 2009 10. Wylie & Wild West, Christmas For Cowboys The Western Swing Society Sacramento CA Hall of Fame 11. Joe Herrington, Shalako 12. Gil Prather, Last Of The Border Cowboys Totsie Slover, Editor 13. The Buckarettes, Cowgirl Serenade Joe Baker's Top 20 – October, 2009 14. Prescott/Masterson/Hollenbeck, Ranchlife101 15. Bob & Johnny Boatright, Lost Trails Western Swing 16. Belinda Gail/Curly Musgrave, Forever West 17. Cowboy Slim Rinehart, King Of Border Radio 1. Darrell McCall, Keeping With Tradition 18. The Texas Gypsies, Texas Gypsies 2. Rebecca Linda Smith, Jesus Grace 19. Chuck Cusimano, Wind Blow My Blues Away 3. Johnny Rodriguez/Johnny Bush, Texas Legends 20. Ray Doyle, The Emigrant Trail 4. Wendell Sollis, The Sidekicks 5. Cornell Hurd, Songs Of Moon Mullican 6. The Desperados, Lucky Seven "Swingin' West"- Mike Gross 7. Jerry Webb, There‟s A Song In That WVOF-FM 8. Saddle Cats, Herdin‟ Cats October 1, 2009 9. Johnny Lyon, Wynn Stewart Favorites Vol.#2 10. Brady Bowen In My Spare Time, Vol.#5 Songs 11. Liz Talley, More Than Satisfied 12. Hank Stone, Somewhere In Texas 1. Over The Hill - River Road Boys 13. Willie Nelson, Willie & The Wheel 2. Brownsville - John England & Western Swingers 14. Pat Jacobs, Legendary Western Swing 3. Are You Teasing Me - Bobby Flores 15. Ron Knuth/Chris Reeves, Things That Swing 4. Southern Hospitality - Cornell Hurd Band 16. Danny Edwards, Where‟s The Country 5. California Mountains - The Stardust Cowboys 17. Stephanie Davis, Western Bling 6. Feelin‟ Blue for Texas - Marshall Ford Swing Band 18. Richard Wolfe, Country Music Turns Her On 7. I Can Almost Tell - Rich Lester 19. Dave Caley, It‟s A Long Way Back 8. Crystal Canyon - Patty Parker 20. Hillside Country Song Roundup, Potter, McCall, 9. Swingtown - Andrew Dean & The Farm Machine Sanders, Trevino, Inman, Seratt 10. Heartless Lover - Cornell Hurd Band 21. Backforty Roundup Vol.# 42 Academy Western Artists Albums

Western Music/Cowboy Poetry 1. Houston- River Road Boys 2. Western Bling - Stephanie Davis 1. Stardust Cowboys, Ridin‟ Back To You 3. This Is Tommy Duncan - Billy Mata & Texas Tradi- 2. Ken Cook, Cowboys Are Like That tion

Joe Baker‟s Backforty Bunkhouse Show is broadcast on 100,000 watt KNMB, 96.7FM “New Mexico Bear” & 100,000 watt KWMW, 105.1FM, “Regional Radio W-105” every Saturday morning 6 am to 10 am in Ruidoso, New Mexico covering New Mexico & West Texas. Member: Western Music Broadcast- ers Association (WMBA). Also available „Streaming live‟ 24/7 on the internet at W-105

Cowtown Society of Western Music ‘2009 Publication of the Year’

1 National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo and "Swingin' West"- Mike Gross (Cont.) San Juan Western Heritage Festival Report by Margo Metegrano and Smoke Wade

4. Herdin‟ Cats - The Saddle Cats Beautiful Montrose, Colo- 5. Now Playing! Willie and the Wheel - rado--perched at the doorstep of Black Canyon Na- Willie Nelson & Asleep at the Wheel tional Park--welcomed the 12th Annual National Cow- 6. Last Call for Heartaches - Price Porter boy Poetry Rodeo (NCPR) in September, 2009. The 7. Open That Gate - John England & NCPR took place along with the first San Juan West- Western Swingers ern Heritage Festival. The major sponsor of the events was San Juan Healthcare Foundation's Caring Friends 8. Favorite Requests - Don Sulesky Smoke Fund, which is used for patients of Montrose Memorial Wade 9. Something Old, Nothing New - Dennis Hospital and the San Juan Cancer Center. Ivey 10. The Songs of Moon Mullican- Cornell The NCPR is always exciting, with poets competing for prize Hurd Band money, silver buckles, and trophies. But that is just part of the story. The unique event was conceived by and is produced by Swinginwest.com poet Sam Jackson, who believes in "excellence through competition." He contends that the experience makes '"fair poets good

and good poets better," and with each competition, that assertion is proved. Jackson points out, for example, the number of past NCPR participants who are invited performers at the next National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, including Pat Richardson, Doris Daley, Jerry Brooks, Jane Morton, Janice Gilbertson, Yvonne Hollen- beck, Dennis Gaines, DW Groethe, Linda Kirkpatrick, Andy Nel- Album: Lost Along the Way son, Jay Snider, and Diane Tribitt. Another immeasurable benefit Artist: Jake Hooker of the NCPR experience is the friendships that are forged among Label: Startex participants.

Jake Hooker has made some won- The participants for the 2009 rodeo were: J.B. Barber (Idaho), derful CDs over the past few years Marci Broyhill (Nebraska), Jerry Brooks (Utah), Jim Cardwell but this could very well be the best (California), Jim Cathey (Texas), Keith Chadwell (Oregon), Jan M. Corey (Arizona), Geff Dawson (Kansas), Betty Wolf Duncan one yet. This CD of 12 cuts has (Iowa), Slim Farnsworth (Colorado), Janice Gilbertson (California), some great items of both dynamite Del Gustafson (Washington), Lee Kimberlain (Colorado), Al "Doc" Texas dance hall music and awe- Mehl (Colorado), Dick Morton (Colorado), Jane Morton some Western Swing. It also has a (Colorado), Duane Nelson (Oregon), Orvil Sears (Washington), collection of all star musicians and guests. Cade Schalla (Texas), Don Sims (Wyoming), Bryan Smith For starters the legendary musicians include Paul Franklin playing (Alberta), Kip Sorlie (South Dakota), Almeda Terry (Montana), Keith Ward (North Carolina), and C.R. Wood (Utah). steel guitar, Bob Moore is heard playing bass and Jimmy Capps plays acoustic guitar. Bobby Flores plays fiddle and Nashville icon The event is run like a stock rodeo. There are two divisions: Ris- Pig Robbins plays piano. Jim Loessberg plays bass guitar and ing Star and Silver Buckle. Rising Star is for first-time participants. drums and another living legend, Pete Wade plays electric guitar. Silver Buckle is for those who have won previously in the Rising Amber Digby and Jake's dad, Tommy Hooker, are heard on har- Star division, and anyone else with the confidence to enter. Each mony vocals and two guests are Western Swing superstars Leon division has four events: in Poet Serious and Poet Humorous, the Rausch and Jody Nix. poets perform their own work. In Reciter Serious and Reciter Hu- morous, poets recite the work of others. Poets can enter any The album opens in a Texas dance hall mood with the album title event in the divisions for which they qualify. Additionally, there song, Bobby Harden's Lost Along the Way. Other Texas dance is a final "Shootout" that anyone can enter, with two events: Origi- hall sounds are Ray Pennington's Drowning My Troubles Till nal Humorous poem and Original Serious poem. They've Learned How to Swim, Ben Peters' Don't Give up on Me and Texas Billy Deaton's It's Warm with Love in Here. Three other A team of five judges scores each performance. The high and low Texas dance hall sounds are Hank Mills' It Keeps Slipping My score are discarded, and the remaining three scores are totaled. After each performance, the poet's score is posted. The top half of Mind, Dallas Frazier's Nothing Left to Lose and Justin Tubb's highest scorers in each event are advanced to the finals. Mine is a Lonely Life. A true gem is Ray Charles‟ Talkin' 'Bout You, from the Bob Wills The 2009 judges were foreman Ed Nesselhuf (South Dakota), book, which is now done with Leon Rausch and Jody Nix joining Chuck Hazlett (South Dakota), Verlin Pitt (Wyoming), Darrell Ar- Jake. Another tune that really stands out among a class of top nold (Colorado), and Sam items is Night Coach Out of Dallas as does Tom T. Hall's Another DeLeeuw (Utah). Smoke Wade Town. The album also has a fantastic version of Cindy Walker's (Nevada) was the rodeo announcer (and the emcee for the You're from Texas also from the Bob Wills hit parade. The album evening shows). The audience closes in a fast pace western mood with Rodeo Man. was treated to a wide variety of This really nice album is available for $16 plus $3 shipping from poetry and styles. The final com- Jim Loessberg at 306 Gladeview Drive, Round Rock, Texas petition was fierce, and two poets 78681 or on line at www.startexrecords.com dominated the two divisions: C.R. Wood and Geff Dawson. Photo Mike Gross, WVOF-FM, Fairfield, CT and www.swinginwest.com by Dawn Dawson

C.R. Wood accepts trophy from Ed Nesselhuf as Francie Smiles looks on

2 The San Juan Western Heritage Festival and the National Cow- Here are the individual event results: boy Poetry Rodeo experiences introduced many to the beauties of Montrose and its surroundings, and to its friendly and gracious Rising Stars, serious original poetry: Al "Doc" Mehl inhabitants. "Excellence through competition" was celebrated, and Rising Stars, humorous original poetry: C.R. Wood there is no doubt that the rodeo will make some "fair poets good Rising Stars, serious reciter: C.R. Wood and good poets better." Old friendships were renewed and new Rising Stars, humorous reciter: C.R. Wood ones were created. The entire experience left all looking forward to the announcement of the 2010 plans for the National Silver Buckle, serious original poetry: Geff Dawson Cowboy Poetry Rodeo and the San Juan Western Heritage Festi- Silver Buckle, humorous original poetry: Slim Farnsworth val. A longer report with many photos is available at Cowboypo- Silver Buckle, serious reciter: Jerry Brooks etry.com. Silver Buckle, humorous reciter: Slim Farnsworth [email protected] and [email protected]

The winner of a final Changing Of The Seasons - Cowboy Style "shootout" match was Geff Dawson. Cowgirl Sass & Savvy by Julie Carter

Those who took home For most people, fall is the season of money, in order of the turning leaves, cooler weather, and the greatest amount first, last bloom of summer flowers. For the were C.R Wood, Geff cowboy, like Monday starts a new Dawson, Slim Farns- week, fall begins a new year. It is the worth, Al Mehl, Jerry time of year for gathering the cattle and Brooks, Bryan Smith, turning sassy calves into weanlings. Keith Ward, Jim Cathy, The long days in the saddle, the billow- Bette Duncan, Duane ing dust of corrals full of cattle, the long lines of cattle trucks all Geff Dawson photo by Dawn Dawson Nelson, Orvil Sears, mean one thing. Pay day. That reward for a year of work that Jane Morton, Cade Schalla, Almeda Terry, Jim Cardwell, and started this time last year. Keith Chadwell. Winners were recognized during a Saturday eve- For one more year, they have watched a cow buyer drive off down ning show. the dusty road, knowing that they probably won't see him again for a year. One more time, they heave a sigh of relief as the last cat- There were two evening shows presented during the San Juan tle truck rolled over the cattle guard headed for feedlots and wheat Western Heritage Festival and the National Cowboy Poetry Ro- pastures. Yearling cattle operators have shipped the summer cat- deo. Each included local talent and also drew on the talent from tle and are looking to get the fall stockers received and tucked the NCPR, including several versatile poets who are also singers away in winter pastures. and songwriters: Al Mehl, Geff Dawson, and Almeda Terry. Poets Fall is when you get out all the jackets, down vests, wild rags and performed on each of the evening shows. leggings. You make every effort to find the winter gloves, all of them, including the right and left one of each pair. It's commonly Friday night poets included Marci Broyhill, Orvil Sears, Cade known that while empty cardboard boxes multiply in captivity, win- Schalla, and Bryan Smith. Local poet, 9-year-old Nathan Stumph ter gloves in matching pairs are an endangered species. also performed poetry. On Saturday night, poets C.R. Wood, Geff My first concession to the season is giving up my sandals in trade Dawson, Al Mehl, Sam DeLeeuw, and Slim Farnsworth for full-cover footwear. It usually doesn't happen before I've been entertained along with music by Almeda Terry and Al Mehl. seen in public a number of times wearing a turtleneck sweater and There was also music by Kevin Reeves, Jessie Stout, and the the aforementioned shoes with no tops. headliner, Gary Lear and his Nashville Band. The horses begin to grow furry coats and spend more time at the feed bunk. They have little interest in working, socializing or doing Arguably the most indispensi- anything but soaking up the afternoon sun. Fall is when you start ble person throughout all of breaking the two-year-old colts and hope they retain just a little of the events was emcee it before you turn them out for winter. It is hard to maintain any Smoke Wade. He announced cowboy athletic prowess with a bucking colt when you are the rodeo and emceed the dressed with enough layers to resemble the Michelin man. evening shows, and kept Preferred menu changes move from sandwiches and salads to things moving with humor pots of chili and a complete assortment of crock-pot ready-to-eat and finesse that earned him a cuisine options. Pumpkins are everywhere. Pumpkin cake and warm standing ovation from pumpkin bread are a favorite whether it is for the taste of cinna- Rodeo announcer, evening shows' all involved. Smoke Wade mon and clove or simply a good reason for the cream cheese emcee, and popular all-around go- also was an invaluable organ- frosting. While I happen to think pumpkin comes in a can, the real to guy Smoke Wade izer for the event. thing does look pretty sitting around next to Indian corn or bundled photo by Kent B. Broyhill corn stocks. Tamara Boatright and Ralph It is not yet calving season and there is not yet any ice to break on Hampton of Ralph's Back Porch radio the water tanks. The feed pickups stand by ready for work. How- (www.ralphsbackporch.com) broadcast live from the festival and ever, the season is too short to start any major fencing, pipelining rodeo. or corral building. It is not that winter is an idle season but it has a specific list of jobs that, for the most part, leave no time for special The festival committee, headed by Francie Smiles, included projects. Fall is the time to review what has been accomplished Elaine DeJulio, Paul Gotleib, Jim Kerschner, Mike Krull, Lee Kim- during the year - you can't get it back but you can always hope to berlin, Elaine Moore, Mary Snyder, Scott Staley, and Leann improve on it. Tobin. Ranching is like that. A rancher is always looking forward to getting this year over with so he can start on the next one. He simply Professional DVDs of the National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo is able to start a little earlier with his New Year resolutions. And finals and the Shootout--all proceeds go toward the rodeo--are those almost always begin with a prayer for full water tanks, good available for $34 postpaid from: Sam Jackson, Producer, National grass and decent cattle prices. Cowboy Poetry Rodeo; 4675 E. Vermillion Ave.; Kanab Utah, Julie can be reached for comment at [email protected]. 84741; [email protected]

3 14th Annual Academy of Western Artists "Will Rogers Awards" September 22, 2009 7:30 PM Granville Theater, Garland, Texas * * * * * * * * * * * Music Awards WESTERN MUSIC Western Music-Male....Daron Little Western Music-Female....Devon Dawson Western Music-Duo/Group....Flying J Wranglers Western Music-Song....Bob Davidson "Western Sky" Western Music-Album....Liz Masterson "Roads To Colorado" Western Music-Yodeler....Carin Mari Lechner WESTERN SWING Western Swing-Male....John England Western Swing-Female....Kelli Grant Western Swing-Duo/Group....Brady Bowen & Swing Country Western Swing-Song....Mary Allen-Keating "Let's Make Music In The Country" Western Swing-Album/CD....Billy Mata "This Is Tommy Duncan" Western Swing-Instrumentalist....Buddy Hrabel PURE COUNTRY Pure Country-Male....Tony Booth Pure Country-Female....Leighan Cortes Pure Country-Duo/Group....Landon Dodd & The Dance Hall Drifters Pure Country- Song....Kimberly Murray/Jake Hooker "Living And Learning" Pure Country-Album/CD....Mickey Clark "Winding Highways" Art and Gear Awards Artist-Wayne Justus, Pagosa Springs, CO Braider-Wayne Bevan, Glenwood, AB, Canada Spurmaker-Todd Hansen, Molt, MT Engraver-Jerry Falkner, Ft. Davis, TX Cartoonist-Bob Rohan, Houston, TX Garnet Books Chuckwagon Award-Cliff Teinert, Albany, TX Saddlemaker-Cary Schwarz, Salmon, ID Don King Lifetime Saddlemaker Award-Billy Wootres, Albuquerque, NM Will Rogers Lifetime Achievement.....Wayne Mitchell Poetry Awards 2009 Male-Mike Puhallo, Kamloops, BC ,Canada Book/CD-Slim McNaught, New Underwood, SD "Reminiscin’" Cowgirl-JoLynne Kirkwood, Siguard, UT Skinny Rowland Humor Award-Andy Nelson, Pinedale, WY Buck Ramsey Book Award-Ray Owens, Artesia, NM "Tracks That Won't Blow Out" Media Awards Disc Jockey-Dallas Wayne XM-Sirrus Radio Record Label-Bear Family Records, Germany Record Producer-BGM Studios, San Antonio, TX Radio Station-KBAL, San Saba, TX www.myspace.com/academyofwesternartists

Congratulations to all from Backforty Bunkhouse Productions!

Around The Campfire

In no particular order, here are 10 of the Best cowboy/western CD's I've received in recent months:

1. Ridin' Back To Yesterday - Old West Trio 2. One Life To Live - Linda Lee Filener 3. Appaloosa Moon - Tom Hiatt 4. Classics II - Sourdough Slim 5. Just In Case - Bill Barwick 6. Romance With The Range - Prickly Pair 7. Come Ride With Me - Dave Stamey 8. Western Bliss - Stephanie Davis 9. Ridin' Back To You - The Stardust Cowboys 10. Heaven On Horseback - Don Edwards

Marvin O'Dell Around the Campfire HeartlandPublicRadio.org A-10 Etcheverry, Creative Achievement Award Winner Cowtown Society of Western Music 2009 - CrayolaCowboy.com

4 Eighteenth Annual Old West Days very well be picked up by other artists. Compositions from others Valentine, Nebraska include a couple from Ian Tyson ("Someday Soon" and his & By Willard Hollopeter Blaine McIntyre's "Juaquima To Freno") and a couple from Dave Stamey ("McGee Creek" and "The Bandit Joaquin"). Johnny Ken- Early winter had hit the area for the Eight- drick's beautiful "Echoes Of The Trail" made the grade and they eenth Annual Old West Days and Nebraska included a track originated by the Canadian female group Quartet Cowboy Poetry Gathering. There was a "Cowboys & Rodeos." Thirteen tracks total. hard cold wind from the northwest on Fri- day, likely causing the decline in attendance for that night‟s per- In their arrangements I would like to hear them utilize the mando- formance. Saturday was warmer and the wind had slacked off. lin a bit more often in a rhythm guitar role, but that's just my There was a good attendance to the afternoon cowboy music thought on it. I'm confident in saying you'll think very highly of this performance, also the Saturday evening per- one. formance. Doris Daley, from Canada, and Eli Barsi, also CDs: $17 ppd from Pony Express, PO Box 4146, Buena Vista, from Canada, by the way of CO 81211 Branson Missouri were pretty much used to the cold and  by Rick Huff they both gave rousing performances to an enthusiastic [email protected] crowd. Doris said the Valen- tine audience was one of the best for which she had per- Andy and Jim Nelson’s C.O.W. Radio formed. A funny monologue by RP Smith kept the crowd 4 Week Playlist laughing and applauding, as Doris Daley did Jess Howard‟s poetry and stories. The Carr Family Band was back, as was 9/26/09, You Ate What?

Paul Larson and Bob Pe- Eli Barsi termann. Newcomers R.W. Hampton: Travelin' Light were singer Jon Chandler and Poet Gale Jerry Hall & Trick Shot: Cattle Call Patzlaff. The Carter Family: Cowboy Jack Jerry Hall & Trick Shot: Miles and Miles of Texas The trade show displayed some interest- Chris Isaacs: Michael Bia R.W. Hampton: Donnie Catch a Horse for Me ing merchandise. The book table did a

good business. Folks again enjoyed the 9/19/09, Western Folklife Center melodrama. Though the cold weather kept some fair weather cowboys from the Jon Chandler and the Witchitones: Geronimo's Men trail ride on Sunday, by all reports it was a Jill Jones and the Lonestar Chorale: Plains of St. Augustine success. All in all, despite the weather, we Frankie Lane: Rawhide Tom Russell: Rose of San Joaquin can chalk up another successful Old West Jess Howard Elizabeth Ebert: True Grit Days. Stephanie Davis: Wolves

[email protected] 9/12/09, Things Not to Say to a Hot, Tired Farrier

Rick Huff’s - Best Of The West Reviews Brenn Hill: Roundup Fire Eli Barsi: Lonesome Canyon Carin Mari & Pony Express Marty Robbins: The Ballad of the Alamo "Life - Love - Legends" Cowboy Joe and the Babcocks: Up in Cherry County

A group that has been acclaimed as one of Slim McNaught: Headin' Home Western Music's brightest hopes has made that R.W. Hampton: Bend in the River "hope" arrive with this release. In "Life - Love - Legends" Carin Mari & Pony Express has pro- 9/5/09, Evolution of the Lariat duced a mature vision and a thought out prod- uct. It shows their range and their ability to handle their own A & The Old West Trio: Riding Back to Yesterday R work...knowing and se- lecting what will work well Daron Little: Long Rope and a Faraway Look for their act to perform. Bob Nolan: Can You Hear Those Pioneers Johnny Western: The Searchers The group is made up of Buck Ramsey: Chapter 3 Lechner siblings Carin Mari Sarah Gautschi: Old Paint (acoustic guitar & lead vocals), Colin (CD producer/ [email protected] engineer on mandolin, harmony & one lead vocal) and Evan (upright bass & harmony vocals) with papa Lee Joe Baker’s Backforty Bunkhouse radio show is back on harmonica. Not as many to 4 hours! Saturday morning from 6:00 AM til 10:00 of the songs on this album are Carin Mari originals, but AM. Listen live at KWMW 105.1 FM or go to the ones that are really www.backfortybunkhouse.com. Shows are also count. "Fire & Rain," "Pretty Nights" and her NACMAI Songwriter archived with commercial free music! Of The Year award winning "Always A Road (Sarah's Song)" may 5 Cade’s Cadence himself in. He was enthused to let Stanley know that the local (Watch yet step!) butcher had personally hand cut the steaks for him just that morning. Stanley nodded his head like he was impressed but didn‟t

have the heart to tell him that he had seen and helped butcher

many steers himself. Over dinner they made plans for the next A Skunk Tale day; Brooke and her mother were going shopping at the local mar- kets and Stanley and her father were going fishing. They all re- If you have a dog, which most country tired for the evening with Stanley and Brooke in separate rooms. It people do at some point, be prepared for the possibility of an un- had been a long day and Stanley fell asleep quickly. expected visit from a skunk. Your faithful mutt will come running He was awakened in the middle of the night by a noise out- to you, half sideways, tail wagging, with a big grin on his face. The side. He laid there for a minute trying to figure out what it could all too recognizable odor will be overpowering. You will probably be; it sounded like something was on the back porch which was scream and try to get away but before you can he will be all over right below his window. He peered through the window but could- you; rubbing up against your leg and showing you how much he n‟t see much so he went down stairs to check it out. The noise loves you. For those of us who live in the country it is a familiar was indeed coming from the screened back porch so he turned on smell. A smell we often have the unfortunate displeasure of com- the light and opened the door and at once saw the culprit. It was ing across while driving down a back road and happen to pass the biggest and fattest skunk he had ever laid his eyes on. Stanley the remains of a skunk on the side of the road. If you‟ve never froze waiting for a reaction but the skunk paid him no mind as he been sprayed by a skunk you can count yourself as one of the was busy digging in the trash can which he had already tipped lucky ones, but if you have, well it makes for a good story. over and had scattered everywhere. “Get!” Stanley yelled hoping Stanley had been a cowboy from the day they cut the cord; just he could scare him off, but the skunk ignored him and continued like his father and grandfather before him. He grew up on a small to dig in the trash. What should I do? Stanley wondered. I just ranch in West Texas and found out early on he had a knack for can‟t leave him here. I need to get him off the porch. How did he riding bulls. Stanley started entering rodeos at an early age and get on the porch anyway? At that point he noticed the skunk had- by virtue of his rodeo abilities was offered a college rodeo schol- n‟t found what he wanted in the trash and was mulling around arship (yes, there is such a thing). College had never really been looking for something else. Maybe I can lure him off he thought, part of Stanley‟s plan. The simple life seemed to suit him. Stanley so he went back into the kitchen and grabbed the first thing he understood that there was something special and honest about a saw: a bag of marshmallows. He then went out the front door and hard day‟s work. At the urging of his family and friends he reluc- walked around to the back of the house where the skunk was still tantly decided to give college a try. After the first semester he felt wandering around. Stanley saw that the door to the porch was that maybe the whole college thing really just wasn‟t for him. slightly open. That must have been where he came in he thought. Stanley wasn‟t about to quit though; he had never quit anything in He propped the door open a little more and then gently tossed a his life and wasn‟t going to start now. marshmallow just inside and stepped back and watched. It wasn‟t Brooke was from a wealthy family back east. In an act of defiance long before the skunk found the tasty morsel and gobbled it down. to her folks she had opted to attend college in Texas. She had Stanley threw in two more and then placed a few on the steps always romanticized about western life and had imagined herself outside the door hoping the skunk would follow the marshmallow living on a ranch somewhere. However, it wasn‟t turning out like trail outside. However, his plan back fired. The skunk, now all she had expected and after only one semester she was thinking sticky from the first marshmallow, was trying to devour the other about swallowing her pride and going home. two and in the process had gotten marshmallow stuck to his paws, Then she met Stanley, and his rugged good looks, southern fur, and all over his face. He kept wrestling with it and the more he drawl, and Wrangler butt swept her off her feet. They found in tried to rid himself of the sticky mess the worse it got. It was at each other what both of them had been missing and things sud- that point that he panicked and Stanley watched in horror as he denly didn‟t seem so bad. flipped and flopped all over the porch before crashing through the They dated each other for the remainder of the school year and door into the house. In Stanley‟s rush to find something to lure the neither was looking forward to saying good-bye for the sum- skunk with he had forgotten to close the porch door and the ber- mer. Brooke got the idea to ask Stanley to come home with her serk skunk was now in the house! for a few weeks over the summer. She would introduce him to The skunk raced around downstairs bumping into and knocking her parents and take him to the lake house. When she asked over expensive décor. Stanley was right behind him carrying the Stanley he thought it seemed like a great idea. The idea of a now empty trash can and a broom. At this point, Stanley had al- lake, let alone a lake house, sounded very appealing to him. ready accepted the fact that he probably was going to get They boarded a plane and headed east the day after school let sprayed. He figured if he could catch up to the skunk he could at out. It was the first time Stanley had ever been on an airplane and least trap him under the trash can and prevent him from making a he found himself very nervous. It was a feeling he really didn‟t ruin of the house. With Stanley dressed in nothing but cowboy understand. Hell, he had climbed over the chutes on many bulls boots and boxers, he followed the skunk as it made two laps and been in several wrecks with horses that would have killed a around the dining room table, weaving back and forth between the lesser man, so why was he scared about flying in an airplane? chairs as if he were in some type of obstacle course. He went Women tend to be pretty intuitive and Brooke at once picked up over furniture and under furniture; and then as if he were on a on his uneasiness. “Come on cowboy!” she teased. “You‟re not mission, up the stairs he went. “Oh no!” thought Stanley. “I scared of a little airplane are you?” hope…” but before he could complete his thought his worst fears Four hours later they touched down and were met at the luggage came true and he heard Brooke‟s mother scream. He then heard line by their driver. Apparently Brooke had already called her glass break and felt a thud and heard her dad holler. Brooke then daddy and told him the exciting news about the cowboy she was came running out of her room and soon joined her mother bringing home. Her father was still a little upset with her for her screaming uncontrollably. The commotion continued upstairs for choice of school and this didn‟t help matters. However, she was what seemed like an eternity. Stanley started up the stairs but still his spoiled little girl so he had sent a car to pick them up. The quickly retreated and watched wide eyed as the skunk come trot- driver took their luggage and loaded it into a fancy black sedan ting back down the stairs and then by him and out the door as if to and then opened the doors for them to get in. The whole thing say “my work is done here.” A second later the smell hit him. kinda made Stanley feel a little uncomfortable. Nobody had ever Stanley stood there for a moment almost in shock. What had just waited on him hand and foot before. happened? He glanced down and saw pieces of a broken lamp An hour later they arrived at the lake house which was more like a on the floor by his feet and when he looked back up he noticed two story mansion that sat perched on a knoll overlooking the the three people now at the bottom of the stairs glaring at him. He lake. Stanley met Brooke‟s folks, who were actually a little more must have been a sight; with his knee high cowboy boots and down to earth than he had expected. With his country boy “aw cotton boxers, holding a trash can in one hand and broom in the shucks” demeanor and manners he made a good impression. other. Brooke‟s dad cooked steaks that evening, something he prided “Stanley!” exclaimed Brooke. “What on earth is going on?”

6 “Well...” Stanly replied, “I was trying to catch that skunk before he Rieman and his Bruce Kiskaddon poem " An Old Western Town", tore up the whole house and well...” Waddie Mitchell with "Harsh Word" and Red Steagall with "Dodge “How did he get in the house in the first place?” asked Brooke‟s City" and Luke Reed's "Panhandle Wind.” Next month fiddlin‟ from father. Stanley swallowed hard. “I heard him going through the Barbara Lamb, Natalie McMasters, dobro tunes from Jerry Doug- trash on the back porch so I went around back and tried to get las…and we'll feature WMA 2009 Hall of Fame winner Rich him off and I guess I must have left the door open.” O'Brien and his magic guitar. I interviewed Rich at the Stock- “You mean to tell me that you let a rabid skunk into our house?” man's hotel several years back and found him to be most gracious asked Brooke‟s father. “Well, um no. I mean no, not purpose. See and humble about his contributions to western music. It's always I was trying to….” Stanley glanced up confused. “and well, I don‟t nice when a talented and sincerely nice person wins any award. think he was rabid.” Brooke‟s father was getting upset now, “Not JOB WELL DONE, RICH!!! rabid! I saw him foaming at the mouth myself!” Stanley took a We're getting ready here for our 16th annual "Live Cowboy Jubi- deep breath. He knew what he was about to say wasn‟t going to lee Radio Show" broadcast from the Ackermann Auditorium at go over very well. “Yeah, well the reason he looked like he was Southern Adventist University on Nov. 22nd so we‟ve got our foaming at the mouth is because I was feeding him marshmallows hands full getting that together. I'm hoping to get to go to Red to try to lure him away from the house.” “Marshmallows!” Brooke‟s father roared. At that point Brooke‟s Steagall's Festival in Fort Worth this month but I have to make mother began to cry loudly and ran upstairs. Stanley looked to some last minute changes to do it so keep your fingers crossed on Brooke for help but she just shook her head and ran up after her that. We broadcast from beautiful downtown Collegedale, Tennes- mother. see with 100,000 watts and streaming to the internet every Sun- On the flight home alone he pondered the whole situation. Was it day evening at 6pm EST so tune in if you can. Collegedale is the his fault? Brooke and her folks seemed to think so and in hind- home of "Little Debbie Snack Cakes" and the air here always sight he reckoned that he probably should have just left the damn smells like a big oatmeal cookie and you‟re welcome anytime. skunk alone. He had tried to call Brooke before he boarded the plane but she didn‟t answer so he left her a message and apolo- Until next time...be safe and remember what Mark Twain said: " gized again for the whole thing. Hopefully he would hear back Thunder is good and thunder is impressive…but it's the lighting from her but for now he was headed back home. Thank God. He that gets all the attention!" Ride Safe! reclined his seat back and pulled his hat over his eyes to take a -- nap and then a crooked grin suddenly crossed his face. “At least I Happy Trails Always, didn‟t get sprayed” he thought. Bill McCallie

[email protected] [email protected]

Graham Lees Top 10 Songs and Albums HWD Radio - United Kingdom

Bill McCalllie’s Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show Top Ten CDs Classical 90.5 WSMC-FM Chattanooga, TN Gretchen Peters & Tom Russell - One To The

Heart, One To The Head Bobby Boatwright helped us kick off the month The Stephanie Davis - Western Bling with western swing from his "Fiddle Swing" CD The Stardust Cowboys - Ridin‟ Back To You with an introduction by Tommy Allsup..."Sweet The Cornell Hurd Band - American Shadows Bunch of Daises," "It Was Just Like Taking River Road Boys - Houston Candy From a Baby," "Sweet Sue" and finally Brady Bowen - In My Spare Time Vol. 5 "Fiddle Swing" all were included in the set. I Bryan Ragsdale - Where Cowpokes Grow ran across a little jewel of a CD which was Patty Parker - Southwest Serenade given to me by Grant Turner many years ago, one night after the Janet McBride - Still Lovin‟ The Ride Opry while Grant was waiting to MC the Ernest Tubb Record Patty Clayton - Astraddle A Saddle Shop Show. Grant told me to hang on to this CD. It was really nice harmony by Tompall and the Glasser Brothers....I ran across the CD in my collection, blew the dust off it and there was one of Top Ten Songs the best versions of "Faded Love" I've ever heard. We also fea- tured a nice Tompall version of John Hartford‟s "Gentle on My Chuck Cusimano - That‟s Why There‟s Honky Tonks In Texas Mind.” Cowboy poet Gary Robertson's poem "The Horseman" Gretchen Peters & Tom Russell - These Cowboys Born Out Of was a perfect companion piece to Don Edward's "Old Cowboy" ...I Their Time threw in Butch Martin reciting "The Ballad of William Sycamore" Cindy Cashdollar - The Other Woman In My Life and Randy Rieman's recitation of "Where the Ponies Come to Lembo Allen - Cinderella Drink" and MMM's "Ponies" completed a nice set about horses. I Brady Bowen/Durwood Strube - Take Back Your Old Love Letters did some Saddle Cats music from their "Herdin‟ Cats" Patty Parker - Sedona Serenade CD..."Stardust," "Roly Poly" and "Oklahoma" are really good cuts Joe Paul Nichols - Family Bible off that CD. Once again, later in the month, we put Gary Robert- Bryan Ragsdale - Walking Through The Winds son's poem "I Never Sold My Saddle", with Don Edward's "Deep RW Hampton - Where The West Remains Water Ice and Snow", and Elizabeth Ebert's "Cowboy" with Mark Holt & Kimberlee Holt Tully - El Paso City Don's "Old Cowboy's Dream" rounded out the set. From the Bar- D Roundup series I put Buck Ramsey's masterpiece "Anthem" [email protected] with Don Edward's "The Campfire Has Gone Out," Red Steagall's "Grandmother's Trunk" and Don wound up the set with "I'd Like To Be In Texas For The Roundup in The Spring." I wound up one of the shows this past month with Jeff Foxworthy‟s "Looney West" CD and his "Happy Trails" from Warner West. Bobby Flores, The Real West from the Old West is Jody Nix and Nashville Songbird Carolyn Martin carried the west- On the net at www.demingradio.com ern swing intro on one show with "Play Me Something I Can Playlists are posted at Swing To," “My Life‟s Been a Pleasure," "Exactly Like You" and "When You're Smiling." Poems for one week were from Randy RealWestOldWest.com

7 Cowboy Poetry at the The night air smells in June BAR-D Ranch Or a hundred things that never could be said by Margo Metegrano, Editor, CowboyPoetry.com Could be the knowin' where you fit That easy comfort in your soul The year may be winding down, Like that ole saddle that you ride most every day but events and festivals are going strong in November. To name just a few: the 15th Annual Cowboy Poetry Gathering and Bucka- Just maybe it's your callin' roo Fair in Heber City, Utah; Arizona's Tombstone Western Mu- Or, you were just born lucky sic Festival; the Annual Cowpoke Fall Cowboy Poetry and Music Cuz you know you couldn't live no other way Gathering in Loomis, California; Colorado's Grand Junction Cow- boy Poetry Gathering ; the 21st Annual Western Music Associa- © 2008, Janice Gilbertson, All rights reserved tion Showcase and Awards Show in Albuquerque, New Mexico; the 3rd Annual Columbia Gorge Cowboy Gathering in The Dalles, Janice Gilbertson makes her third invited appearance to the Na- Oregon; the 1st Annual Cat Spring Texas Cowboy Poetry Gather- tional Cowboy Poetry Gathering in January, 2010. Her ing ; and the 22nd Annual Rhymers Rodeer in Minden, Nevada. book, Sometimes in the Lucias, was a runner up for the prestig- ious Spur Award from the Western Writers of America. It's avail- California poet and writer Janice Gilbertson will be in Minden able for $17 postpaid from Janice Gilbertson, PO Box 350, King (joined by Rod McQueary, Walt "Bimbo" Cheney, and Rush City, Ca 93930; [email protected] Creek; November 6-7 at the Carson Valley Inn). Janice, who has lived all of her life on a piece of paradise in the foothills of the Find more about hundreds of cowboy poets and Western musi- Santa Lucia Mountains on the west side of the Salinas Valley, cians at CowboyPoetry.com. It's an on-going gathering, with con- comments, "Wouldn't life be grand if we could each be doing the tinuous news, features, poetry, lyrics, gathering reports, and an work we know and love every day, and have the comfort that extensive event calendar. Come on by and stay a while. comes in knowing that we are exactly where we are meant to be." And that's what inspired this poem: [email protected]

Maybe It's Your Callin'

Maybe it's that certain way Early morning smells in June The fragrance of the damp leftover heat

Maybe it's the rise and fall Of golden dust at dawn From the milling of the saddlehorse's feet

It could be the slap of leather The jangle of the bridle chains The cadence of the hoofbeats down the lane

There's that friendly cowboy banter And the planning of the gather Some spittin' and some razzin' to sustain

There's the frolic of the cowdogs Dick Craig and Joe Baker at the Lincoln County Cowboy In their rough and tumble glory Symposium. What‟s Dick up to??? There's the quiver of excitement in a mount

In the mid-light of the coming Of the sunlight o'er the ridge Maybe that is what it's really all about We like to read the newsletter because it keeps us up

to date on who’s who, where they are and what kinda Then there's that swagger on your jog shenanigans they are up to. We get to hear about new And that ole sense of satisfaction voices in Western Music, where the “up and coming” You can get when you bring in that ornery stray bands stand, as well as what the veterans of the genre are doing these days. The play lists posted by the re- And when you water at the crossin' porting DJs are a great encouragement and marketing Give your horse a little rub tool, letting us know where we are (are are not!) in the Maybe that would be the best time of your day public ear as well as what the public is listening to preference wise. Ah! Maybe it's the headin' home Keep it up Joe and crew! It is a great benefit to us all! Followin' your shadow Anticipatin' supper and your bed Wes & Nancy Ruybal Maybe it's the certain way Katy Creek Band [email protected]

8 Maple Creek’s 20th Annual Cowboy Poetry LEESWINGS TOP 12 CDs Gathering & Western Art and Gear Show. Kountry Korral Magazine, Bennerstigen 120, Sala, Sweden By John Glawson

CDs Guitar pickers, singers, cowboy poets, horse- 01 Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys - Live at men and artists of all types and description Boeing Aircraft, Wichita, KS converged on a little town nestled up against 02 Elizabeth McQueen & Jason Roberts - The Threadgill´s Years, the Cypress Hills in the south western part of Vol.1 Saskatchewan, Canada. It was the third weekend in September. 03 Gaylynn Robinson - Love & Heartache What‟s the attraction in Maple Creek? It was Maple Creek‟s 20th 04 Kelli Grant - Swings & Sings Annual Cowboy Poetry Gathering & Western Art and Gear Show. 05 Louise Rowe - My Time With Bob And this year the lines were especially long. 06 River Road Boys - Houston Artists and entertainers alike from all points across Saskatche- 07 Seven Rowe Brothers Band - 70 Year Celebration wan, Manitoba, Alberta and Montana were in these lines. Crowds 08 Sons of the Pioneers - Way Out There 09 Stardust Cowboys - Ridin´ Back To You from far and wide followed closely behind to see the show. 10 Stephanie Davis - Western Bling Campers, travel trailers, tents and simple bedrolls came a calling. 11 Texas Swing Band - Welcome To Texas Campgrounds were full, hotels were full and the bakery – ohhhh, 12 Weldon Henson - Trouble For Me that bakery was full and on top of that the good citizens from all around the area were waiting with open arms for their assigned SONGS billets to arrive. Oh, folks it was a sight to see; a sight to see! 01 Away Out There - Bob Wills & Tommy Duncan Arts and crafts sales, they say, went through the roof this year. 02 Good Time Tonight - Weldon Henson Many‟s a vendor said their packing up day was as easy as throw- 03 Hang Your Head In Shame - Texas Swing Band w/Jerome ing empty bins and racks into the back of their vehicle and head- Stubbs ing for home. 04 Honeysuckle Rose - Joaquin Murphey & The Plainsmen But I am not here to talk on their successes; I‟m here to talk on 05 I Still Cry - Louise Rowe 06 John Wayne Hero - Stardust Cowboys the entertainment successes. And it was a success with a capital 07 Jump The Blues - Wayne Hancock S from the time the Maple Creek Committee put their minds to 08 Keeper Of The Flame - Gaylynn Robinson work until the last person cleared the stage. 09 Mr. Record Man - Haybale w/ Redd Volkaert You could see Ann Landsdal scouting the different venues over 10 Silver Lake Blues - Seven Rowe Brothers Band the summer to pick her entertainers and she picked well. Al Ow- 11 Stranger - Elizabeth McQueen & Jason Roberts cher, Buddy Gale, Dave Dance, Rod Erickson to name a few 12 Talkin´ `Bout You - Stephanie Davis along with Doug Keith and Howard Norskog. Ed Brown was there as was Bud and Jill Stewart, Larry Krause, Vic Stuckey, Jon Lillies Ohlsson - [email protected] Bowie and Hazel Rust, Doc Hayes, Vivia Oliver, Noel Burles, Chris and Sharkey, The Moncrieff‟s and of course Tex Florence. Ken Bass - KALH - VARIETY 95.1 Serving And that grand lady of cowboy poetry, Doris Bircham, was over- Alamogordo - La Luz - Holloman AFB & seeing her flock of friends and entertainers that she has so gra- Tularosa, NM ciously helped over the years. I know when Ol‟ Ugly, with his cowboy comedy, and Ed Brown, with his poetry and singing, were on stage together the halls were 01 Jack Blanchard and Misty Morgan - full. You could see the crowds almost following as they moved Shadows of the Leaves 02 Liz Talley - You Can't Take the Texas between the Elks Hall, Curling Rink bar and the Armouries. That Out of Me was a great job by the organizing committee to put these two en- 03. J D Newbury - Beer Makes You Lean tertainers together for the audience. 04. Manning Dixon - Cold As Her Heart The weekend was sheer magic. Horse sales, gear sales and 05. Rhonda Vincent - Last Time Lovin' You 06. Dolly Parton - Change It fabulous entertainment with full halls. You add to that one of the 07. The Desperados - Soft Rain greatest bakeries in the country and catered meals that had 08. Dave Caley - Let's Chase Each Other Around the Room grow‟d men whining for more, and that was the Maple Creek Tonight Cowboy Poetry Gathering. 10. Marcia Ball - Louella 11. Johnny Lyon - Big City Kudos, Maple Creek for a wonderful Gathering and if you don‟t 12. Pat Jacobs & OTH Gang with P J Babcock - I Can't Give You mind, I‟d sure like an invite again next year. Anything But Love 13 Zona Jones - Day Off [email protected] 14. Kevin Fowler - Beer Season 15 Rex Foster - Slow Down (Texas Style)

16. Rio Grand - Painted Pony 17. Larry Gatlin & Gatlin Brothers - Johnny Cash Is Dead Send articles, play lists, event reports, (and his House Burned Down) 18. Travis Andrews - Just Passin' Through Western Music News 20. Jerry Webb - Wall to Wall To [email protected] [email protected] 9 The Story of Lillies Ohlsson and Kountry Korral Magazine from “The King of Mountain Music,” Roy Acuff! It was also at the same time I met Bob Wills‟ piano pounder, Al Stricklin, who was My first contact with music was when there selling his new book. A very nice, friendly gentleman. my brother came home with some 78 When the magazine got more subscribers I started a couple of rpms; Duke Ellington‟s “Jack the record labels, Kountry Korral and Cisco Records. Produced and Bear” (fantastic bass solo by Jimmy also went out on tour with the bands. In the eastern parts of Swe- Blanton) and the tune that has followed den we had some 20 sold tickets but when we came to the west- me all my life, Benny Goodman‟s ern parts, Dalarna, we had SRO shows. Later on GM-Productions “Honeysuckle Rose” with “The Original and I arranged a tour with Wanda Jackson and some Swedish Guitar Genius” Charlie Christian! But is artists – sold out everywhere and we had not enough albums with has to be the version from November us to sell!! 22, 1939 in New York. (Same day was Country another gem recorded, “Seven Come music Eleven.”) Now, that is music! The best began to jazz in my book is Benny Goodman come to and his late ‟39 recordings. Sweden In my early teens I listened to AFN, also. A American Forces Network, in Munich RCA Vic- Lillies Ohlsson and the “Sticky Buddy Jamboree” with tor pack- lots of Country Music – reception was age came often very poor but what the heck…I am a so called high school to Stock- drop-out, dead tired of dreary, dull teachers and I began to sail holm with the Seven Seas – at least four of them. My favorite harbor was one of my Houston, Texas and the most beautiful, a small lagoon in Costa favorites, Rica – almost expected to see Dorothy Lamour come swimming. Lillies and Waylon Jennings Waylon Now I began to buy my own records and the very first vinyl LP Jennings. was Hank Thompson & The Brazos Valley Boys‟ first release on I worked hard to have a bunch of interesting questions. A guy Capitol, a record that really knocked me out. Had the record from Radio Sweden beat me to it thought, so I sat down on a sofa shop reserve a copy of all records that “could be” Country! Some when a guy came and sat down beside me – Willie Nelson! He bull but plenty of good stuff! I also bought from US auctions a lot. had the hit, “Touch Me” at this time, a song I just loved so I told Boxes with 4Star 78s, one third cracked when I got the boxes. him so and we began to talk. I got my tape recorder working and Most of all I am very proud and happy over all the 45 rpms by forgot all about TOMMY DUNCAN, recorded on various labels, that I bought. Do Waylon and I got a believe I have all but two smash hits; “I Brought It On Myself” and fantastic interview “Let Me Take You Out.” Have also the original “One Way” LP with and it made me Tommy‟s signature on it. Precious to me! Have tried to get in very happy when touch with Tommy Duncan‟s relatives for more info…nada. That Willie said, “You is also a reflection I have today when trying to get information. seem to know more Some artists seem to want to keep the Western Swing within the about country mu- Texas boundaries…don‟t let anything slip out of the pond!! But sic than I do and I most of the people I contact are very kind and helpful – thanks am raised on it!!!” I very much. have met most of I bought several records but there we no magazines that had any the really big stars info on country music. So, I decided to do something about that. I in Country music: Lillies and Willie started the Kountry Korral magazine in 1968. Several years later Buck Owens and Frank Ostergren wrote in Aftonbladet (one of the two big evening his son Buddy Alan were like old buddies, will never forget them. papers) …it was Lillies Ohlsson who in late 60s started the maga- Conway Twitty with John Hughey, Carl Perkins, Loretta Lynn, Billy zine. Okay, I have harassed the magazine and they have done Jo Spears, Hag, Charley Pride, Cash, Marty Robbins, Jerry Lee the same to me, but without Lillies Ohlsson‟s foolish venture, Lewis (he was in which almost ruined him, Swedish Country music had only been Stockholm and emptiness! He did not know how right he was! when he saw me I started with a typewriter, felt pens – had no photos, had to draw he shouted, “What them from Billboard. No computers at that time – I was out too the hell are you early! But slowly the things got better and better. A problem was doing in Stock- – still is – no money! I took all kinds of jobs to be able to buy holm?? Oh, sorry, stamps, envelopes and other things needed. Mostly night jobs thought you were such as cleaning gyms, helping a car dealer to take home cars he a buddy from had bought from all over Sweden (it‟s a wonder we did not lose Nashville!”) and our licenses), worked at a dairy turning the big cheeses three many more. Not times a week, worked in the harbor on ships loaded with coal and many from West- when the work was done on the ship the captain served cognac ern Swing and and I am glad my bike knew the way home. I took any job that Honky Tonk but could bring some cash. Lillies Ohlsson and Conway Twitty Charlie Walker US artists began to find their way to Europe and the big Festival and a guy I really in London. It was like Christmas to us fans. I remember a funny liked, Jimmy Day. He signed my book with “Words are just words. thing – we were in Skeeter Davis‟ dressing room before she was Thanks for listening to my music. Jimmy Day (Sept. 15, 1970).” due on stage when she suddenly said she wanted a cup of tea – Very friendly and a top guitar player. so, I went to the cantina and came back with a nice cup of British Another of my favorites at that time was Hank Snow. Hank and his tea. Skeeter says, “Tea now! I can‟t drink tea now!!!” Tex Ritter Rainbow Ranch Boys came to Oslo, Norway and we rented a bus put his hand on my shoulder and said, “Son, don‟t fell bad, she‟s loaded with Snow fans. Mixed emotions – the show was perfect, like that when she waits for her turn to sing!” Another episode much too perfect, no room for unexpected solos and when trying happened backstage at the Grand Ole Opry. I had been out to to have an interview with Hank he turned out to be rather high- talk to friends in the audience and came back to listen to Skeeter strung and snobbish. Didn‟t know if he was tired or just unfriendly. when in the dark I stepped on somebody‟s foot. A loud Later I heard he was all that. Thanks to Chubby Wise and the “Oooouch!” which almost stopped the show, happened to come others in the band that day wasn‟t too bad after all. But Mr. Snow

10 faded…too bad. He was a tremendous guitarist and singer/ and southern Custer County in 1910. (The Montana legislature songwriter. created Powder River County out of Custer County in 1919.) The As you probably know we have non-commercial radio, Radio question-and-answer session I eavesdropped on in 1964 provided Sweden. Tried to have two commercial stations, Radio Nord and information on both my father‟s family and the Coalwood commu- Radio Syd with music that the young listeners loved, but that was killed by our government. I used to have programs at Radio Swe- nity where I was raised. That information later appeared in Echo- den and later on at a local station in our country but times ing Footsteps. My mother and a neighbor designed the cover of changed. They say it is a computer that selects what is to be the book, tweaking and refining pencil sketches until it met com- played. I have a feeling it is close to another Payola affair. Any- mittee approval. The entire process was intriguing to me. how, today we have local, and I mean local, radio stations all over Fast forward; it‟s my turn to contribute to a second edition. Over the country and for my part there are folks in Sala that have the past several months my brothers, mother, and I have dis- started Radio Sala and I am invited to play my records there so cussed what photos and information to include as we prepare our before long Bob Wills & The Texas Playboys‟ music will hit the farmers here. individual stories. The process has prompted a lot of reminiscing Running a magazine and pushing/promoting Country music, along with one of my favorite pastimes–looking through old photo- Western Swing, etc. are certainly not a lucrative business. But graphs. [Ed. note: see some links with family photos and stories there are things money cannot buy – I have made friends all over below.] the US and in many foreign countries. That is good enough for me. As for the magazine Kountry Korral, it is today a nonprofit organi- A handful of Montana ranch families completed a similar task this zation. Some 20+ years ago I met a farmer‟s daughter and we decided to take year. In commemoration of the 125th anniversary of the Montana over her dad‟s Stockgrowers Association, owners of farm. So I had to ranches that have been in operation for learn how to plow, more than 100 years were invited to submit harrow, keep a photos and a 1,000-word narrative about tractor in order, all their heritage. Despite attempts to get the about harvest, to use a harvester word out, co-editor Linda Grosskopf admits and I have loved that not all the qualifying ranches are repre- every minute. sented. Having said that, more than 142 Unfortunately the ranches are included in The Weak Ones EU (European Turned Back, The Cowards Never Started: Union) are doing A Century of Ranching in Montana. whatever they can Lillies and Rocky The 472-page hardback has a full-color dust jacket and b/w his- to kill all us small farmers in order to have bigger units. EU are a bunch of desk dudes that have never seen nor smelled a moo- torical images. Three thousand copies are to be printed. They will cow. There are also unfortunately several suicides among Swed- be delivered in early December 2009, in time for Christmas. Ap- ish farmers as well as all over Europe. There must be something proximately half of the books had already been sold as of mid- very wrong when farmers, instead of sending their oats to the mill September. To order your copy send $50 to MSGA, 420 N. Cali- are using it to warm their houses! Burning up the oats – a crazy fornia, Helena, MT 59601; (406) 442-3420; http://aghost.net/ world. We are leasing our fields to a nearby cow farmer. images/e0242501/RanchBookOF.pdf Thank God there is Western Swing music to ease our souls. I will welcome one and all to send their new (and by all means also old) releases (and info) so that we can let our listeners/readers get to know the real stuff! If you‟ve ever attended an auction sale conducted by South Da- By the way, I have understood that many are uncertain about my kota native Bob Penfield, you‟ve heard him stop the sale to ex- name Lillies. Spelled Lillis it is really a nickname similar to Pee pound on the history or significance of an item. Most of his stories Wee, Shorty, whatever (Harry Lillis Bing Crosby). There are 26 relate to pioneering, homesteading, and ranching in the Dakotas females and 22 males with the name Lillis in Sweden – but I am and Montana. Penfield‟s knowledge goes beyond providing bid- the only one with Lillies! And I am a Sueco Vaquero who just happens to love Western Swing! enhancing banter. He is a walking, talking Lillies Ohlsson treasure trove of regional facts and lore. [email protected] A couple years back, Bob told me he was writing a book and sent me a sample chapter enti- tled “Hill Brothers Horses.” Set in 1951, it Cowboy Jam Session: chronicles the adventure of gathering 200+ Western Culture News & Reviews head of range delivery horses near Lindsay, -by Jeri L. Dobrowski Mont. It is one of 18 stories from the 40s, 50s Telling Tales: Celebrating Family, Ranch and 60s in Horse Tails. & Community I caught up with Bob at a book signing last A December 1 deadline is foremost in my month and discovered that he has a second book: Dad Lemmon‟s mind these days. That‟s when submis- Friends. Dad is Ed Lemmon (1857-1946), the boss cowman after sions are due for Beyond Echoing Foot- whom Lemmon, S.D., was named. Lemmon steps, a sequel to Echoing Footsteps. once managed the largest fenced pasture in the The latter, published in 1967, chronicles world–865,000 acres–an area larger than the the history of individuals and communities in Montana‟s Powder state of Rhode Island. He bossed the single River County. Broadus, the county seat, is celebrating its centen- largest cattle roundup in history and held the nial in 2010. record for largest number of cattle (900) cut out, I vividly recall my paternal grandfather–seated at our family‟s din- roped, and brought to the branding fire in a sin- ing table, in front of a newfangled, reel-to-reel tape recorder– gle day. recounting how he, his father, and one brother came to Miles City The 128-page Horse Tails, with horses as the

11 common theme, sells for $19. Dad Lemmon‟s Friends is 220 Cusimano, Tommy Allsup and Fid- pages about the characters who lived in and around Lemmon dlers and more performances from prior to the 1950s. It sells for $21. Ever the salesman, Bob offers R. J. Vandygriff, J. W. Beeson, both books, postage included, for $35. Send orders to Bob Pen- Pete Laumbach, Rollie Stevens field, PO Box 111, Bowman, ND 58623; 701-523-3652; and The Sidekicks. In addition to www.penfieldauctions.com/books.html (Note: Horse Tails is cur- these stages, in Billy‟s Sports Bar rently sold out. A fourth printing is expected to arrive by the first of within the Casino from 10 AM til 1 November.) AM there was constant music from Bob has two other titles for sale, both by Wyoming author Paul Brady Bowen, Bobby Flores, Heart Hennessey. Paul moved into a nursing home not long ago, and of Texas and The Sidekicks with Bob purchased his remaining inventory of books. Tipperary: The vocals from Amber Digby, Justin Diary of a Bucking Horse, 1905-1932 (1989, 157 pages) is avail- Trevino, Liz Talley, Darrell McCall, able in paperback for $14 and in hardback $24. The hardback 'Tin Bobby Flores Tony Booth, Curtis Potter and Horn Hank' Keenen and the World's Youngest Cowboy (1993, more! 184 pages) is $19. Friday evening ended with a concert with Floyd Domino and The [email protected] All Stars opening to another packed house! Next up was Larry Gatlin with The Texas Playboys! Everyone Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium was talking about it the next morn- By Totsie Slover ing! I heard no complaints! It was a If you missed the Lincoln County Cowboy great evening of entertainment! Symposium this year…you missed a great The three stages opened Saturday time! The weather in Ruidoso, New Mexico morning at 9:00 AM so you had the was cool and beautiful and the entire town was opportunity to catch the performers involved! The kickoff was Thursday evening at that you missed on Friday or listen 7:00 when Tommy Allsup and The Texas Playboys took the stage again to the ones you enjoyed most. in a “sell out” house to get everyone in the mood! The next up The performances at Billy‟s Sports were the beautiful, young, talented Quebe sisters with The Quebe Bar started at 10 AM. Sisters Band and they rocked the house. Then the star of the The entertainment culminated Sun- Red Steagall evening, Mel Tillis took the stage and truly entertained for two day morning with many artists par- hours! If you think Mel Tillis has lost anything over the years, you ticipating in Cowboy Church, singing and playing beautiful Gospel need to see him again. The voice is great, the jokes are funny Music. and he holds an audience in the palm of his hand. All weekend the entire place was packed! In between the stages Friday morning started off with entertainers on three stages at 9 were dozens of venders. They were selling, books, artwork, cloth- o‟clock! R. J. Vandygriff and J. W. Beeson (is Lipscomb, TX so ing, western sculptures, hats, food and drink, jewelry…it was all small the guys don‟t have full there! Outside you could find the World‟s Richest Chuckwagon names??), Pete Laumbach and the Cook-off, Craig Cameron‟s horse training seminar, and events for Sidekicks started the day off early. the family and kids! You could start the weekend Thursday eve- The audiences were fairly sparse ning and not leave until Sunday noon and still miss something. at the beginning but by the time the I‟m sure of it! 10 o‟clock show started, the place The thing that impressed me most was the range in age of the was hummin‟. There were sea- entertainers. Billy Doshier celebrated his 80th birthday at the Sym- soned, efficient stage managers at posium on October 10th. Billy has played for many years for folks all four locations to keep everything like Patsy Cline and Leon McAuliffe running as planned and emcee the and is now playing guitar and fiddle program. Joe Baker was at Billy‟s for Brady Bowen, the AWA Western Sports Bar, Larry and Kelly Scott at Swing group of the Year 2009. 17 the Ray Reed Stage, Pete Laum- years old fiddler, Jess Meador, was bach at the Larry McWhorter Stage Billy Mata there with him, on the stage as part and Carolyn Wilson at the Three of the same band, with well de- Rivers Stage. The stages were also festively decorated by Jean served respect from the other band Stoddard, Sunny Hirshfeld, Gail Scott, Bruce & Lynn Morgan. members. The Quebe Sisters and During the day, audiences were treated to performances by The Ginny Mac are very young, beauti- Flying J Wranglers, Call of the West, Heart of Texas, Red Stea- ful, energetic and enthusiastic! The Jess Meador gall, Jimmy Burson, whole picture of the old, the young, Bobby Flores, Jim the relatively new entertainers and the ones who have been doing Chancellor & Brien it for decades and all in between, is so refreshing. All of these Berline, Floyd Domino folks have the utmost respect for each other and will pitch in and and The All Stars do whatever needs to be done to get everyone time with the mike. (which included head- It reinforces my feeling that Western Music is here to stay!!! liners like Billy Mata, Make your plans now to attend the Lincoln County Cowboy Sym- Ginny Mac, Amber posium 2010! www.CowboySymposium.org Digby, Justin Totsie Slover Trevino…) The Quebe [email protected] Sisters Band, Chuck Brady Bowen & Friends 12 Waynetta’s Roundup on LIVE365 AMERICA'S OLD TIME COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME Waynetta Ausmus KJIM, 1500 AM, Sherman/Denison, Tx. What began in 1976 as a means to honor significant contributors to America's rural musical art forms on a local basis, over the 9-27-09 years has progressed into a National forum to honor all those in • Ragtime Cowboy Joe – Rod Nichols the United States (and sometimes internationally) that have made • Cheek to Cheek – Ginny Mac significant contributions to what we call 'old time country music.' • Drip Coffee – Larry McWhorter This musical genre is a huge umbrella, and of course includes all • If I Hadn’t Seen the West – Joyce the early old-time styles; mountain music; ragtime music; hillbilly Woodson music; rustic country music; bluegrass music; folk music; cajun • Working Class Man – Lacy J Dalton music; and all of the elements that make up what we call 'old-time • Rm. 411 – Jerry Clower music.' It was decided early on that the only way into the Hall of • Wild Horse - Scotty and The Ranch Hands Fame, once it was established, was to be nominated by someone • Texas in Your Swing – Liz Talley already in the Hall of Fame. In this way the large number of de- • Nineteen Eighty Four – Doc Mayer serving individuals and groups could be controlled. At the same • I Rode In As a Stranger – Lynn Anderson time this would be a source of eligible participants, provided by those that have the most knowledge and ability to select the most 9-20-09 deserving. The awards and inductions were done at the annual festival of the NTCMA, held at the Plymouth County Fairgrounds

in LeMars, Iowa, Aug 31-Sept. 6, 2009 • From Town - Ken Cook • Ballad of Oliver Loving – Tony Vice 2009 INDUCTEES • When the Cactus is in Bloom – Liz Masterson • Pecos Bill – Tumbling Tumbleweeds Rex Allen Sr. (deceased, accepted by Rex Allen Jr.) • Waddie Get Your Boots On – Joyce Woodson Rex Allen Jr. • Another Casualty – Doc Mayer Marty Robbins (deceased, accepted by Juanita Buckley) • In America – TJ Casey • On the Border – Royal Wade Kimes Maria Rose & Denny Elswick, Maryland Perk Washenberger, South Dakota 09-13-09 Razzy Bailey, Nashville, Tennessee • Plano Man – E Flat Porch Band • The Wealthy Texan – Jerry Clower Wayne Longtin, Sr., Iowa • I’ve Got A Woman Crazy For Me – Saddle Cats Bruce & Elaine Nelson, Minnesota • Man in the Moon – Mike Puhallo Merv & Norma Pelham, New Zealand • Sleepin’ Out Under the Stars – TJ Casey • Stackin’ Hay – Jerry Schleicher Leroy New, Branson, Missouri • The Wild West is Going to Get Wilder – Michael Martin Mur- Elaine Peacock, South Dakota phey Scotty Gosson, Oregon • Woman of the Wind – Paul Hendel John Levan, Texas • Little Girl’s Heroes –Tom and Donna Hatton Bobby Ray Spears, Texas 9-06- 07 Jody Bill Green, Oklahoma • Crack, W.L. and Rover – Jerry Clower Dawn Petty, Kansas • Freedom’s Getting Harder to Find – Jim Jones • Geronimo’s Cadillac - Michael Martin Murphey Robert & Candy Ownby, Kentucky • City Folks – Jane Morton Eddy Harrison, New Mexico • I Didn’t Know the Gun Was Loaded – Patty Clayton Tommy Helms, Texas • A Soft Spoken Man – AK Moss • Homeward Bound – RW Hampton Ed & Kathy Dovel, Nebraska • The Old Felt Hat – Yvonne Hollenbeck Mike Mullalley, Iowa

[email protected] Congratulations to all award winners from Backforty Bunkhouse Productions!

[email protected] 13 News From The Back Porch Oct. 26th Evelyn Roper First, let me introduce Tamara Don Edwards Boatright and myself and the Ralphs Back Porch show. We use Oct. 30th Richard Lee Cody & Mary Kaye today's technology to step back in Y‟all log on and tune in to www.blogtalkradio.com/ time and bring our listeners some of ralphsbackporch on Monday & Wednesday nights for some good the best in old-timey live WESTERN talk, good music and GOOD RADIO! radio. We do this each Monday & Friday night from 7pm to 9pm CST Back Porch Picks which in our world is TEXAS time and you can join us @ (In no particular order!) www.blogtalkradio.com/ralphsbackporch Just log on and tune in! Along with the singing Cowboys of yesteryear, we also showcase 1. Baxter Black "He Sang Lil Joe, The Wrangler" some of the most wonderful up and coming talent of today be- 2. Mack Abernathy "Young Guns & Old Pistoleros" cause, believe it or not, there are tons of great NEW people up- 3. Kail Mantle "No Mares" holding the traditions and culture of the American West! 4. Allan Chapman "These Cowboy Boots" 5. Richard Lee Cody & Mary Kaye Listed below are some of the BEST contemporary cowboy sing- 6. Daron Little "A Workin Cowboy" ers in the business. Not all of 'em, cause I naturally didn‟t have 7. Bryan Ragsdale "A Cowboy Lives" room to post them all, but I did post these cause they are the 8. Red Steagall "Red River Rose" crème de la crème in "Cowboy" music today. You would be 9. Tim Hus "Cattlerack Cadillac" amazed at how so-called Western music has changed in the last 10. Paul Bogart "The Cowboy Way" few years. For the better, I think. there is STILL room for the B Western singing cowboy of course, always will be! Chuck Cusi- [email protected] mano, Brook Turner, Gary S Pratt, Oklahoma Co. Cowboys, Charlie Ewing, Deborah Liv Johnson, Gary Prescott, Daron Little, John Reedy, Jim Dalglish, Prairie Moon, Randy Huston, Dan The Big Fred Walker Show WOES 91.3 FM Mid-Michigan Roberts and a whole host of others!

TOP TEN SONGS It's just that most folks out there...somewhere in the yondering, the man who makes a livin‟ horseback and the guy who runs a 01 Mike Headrick – I Threw Away The Rose tractor or a backhoe for a living, the suit and tie guy who always 02 Dottie Jack – With Every Heartbeat wanted to be a cowboy, truck driver, carpenter, mechanic, factory 03 Arty Hill – Church On Saturday Night worker, and almost everyone else who likes his lyrics with a story, 04 Bobby Flores – Are You Teasing Me 05 James Hand – In The Corner, At The Table who enjoys his music straight up & direct..these folks who hold 06 David Church – A Legend Froze In Time dear clear cut image of America and not just what America once 07 David Cline – Move It On Over was, but what her potential is today and tomorrow and in future 08 Jim Gough – Lone Star Beer and Bob Wills Music generations and the good old grit & determination to make a dif- 09 Mike Siler – Driving Nails In My Coffin ference in life here in this country to make a home and family. 10 Lonnie Burkhart – Mother Nature And Father Time WESTERN music is for them, it's dedicated to these folks and 11 Stephen Pride – Perfect Picture sung BY these people. We are proud to be one of number of TOP TEN CD‟s growing radio stations that feel the COWBOY WAY is not something cooked up by Nashville, but something cherished by millions 01 Dottie Jack – With Every Heartbeat of people all across this land. www.ralphsbackporch.com hosts 02 Mike Headrick – Old Hag these little known and underappreciated singers, songwriters, 03 Red Kilby – Keepin‟ it Real cowboy poets, story-tellers and flat-out good people doing good 04 James Hand – Shadow On The Ground things for the US every Monday & Friday nights 7 until 9 PM 05 Bobby Mackey – Ten Shades of Green 06 Billy Mata – This Is Tommy Duncan Vol. 1 TEXAS time! 07 Electa Winter – Heart To Heart 08 Jody Nix – The Fiddle Man And.....another thing! 09 Stephanie Davis – Western Bliss 10 Bobby Flores – Eleven Roses It's almost time for the Western Music Association Awards Show 11 Gunsmoke – Tradition in New Mexico, where we get to pal around with Joe Baker and [email protected] the rest of the western stars, so in preparation for the big WMA to -do we are having some spectacular guests on the Back Porch in October!

Oct 16th Jean Prescott

HorseCrazy See you all in Albuquerque for the Bill Barwick Western Music Assn.

Showcase and Awards Show Oct. 19th Red Steagall November 19-22, 2009 For information regarding Registration and Tickets Oct 23rd The Hanson Family Log onto www.westernmusic.org Wylie Gustafson

Roy Rogers Museum

I have been personally agonizing over how to start this letter. I guess I will start by saying thank you. Thank you for the years of love, support, prayers and loyalty to the Rogers Family. You, the fans, and our Board of Directors, are the ones who have kept our family's museum going for over 42 years. It has been a wonderful ride. After millions of visitors and countless stories of what Roy and Dale have meant to you, the Board of Directors have voted to close our doors of the Museum at the end of 2009. This has not been an easy decision. Many very emotional and financial issues have been addressed by all of us, as you can well imagine.

The decision to close the Museum has come after two years of steady decline in visitors to the Museum. A lot of factors have made our decision for us. The economy for one, people are just not traveling as much. Dad's fans are getting older, and concerned about their retirement funds. Everyone is concerned about their future in this present economy. Secondly, with our high fiscal obli- gations we cannot continue to accumulate debt to keep the doors open. This situation is one I have not wanted to happen. Dad always said, “If the museum starts costing you money, then liquidate everything and move on.” Myself and my family have tried to hold together the Museum and collection for over 15 years, so it is very difficult to think that it will all be gone soon.

What will happen to Roy Rogers, Jr. and his family? For those of you that have heard I am retiring, nothing could be farther from the truth. My company, Golden Stallion, and its show tribute to Roy and Dale, will continue. I plan on taking the show to another venue in Branson. We are looking for space now. The show will also be available to travel around the country and take the message of Roy and Dale wherever we travel. I feel that this country needs the message that Roy and Dale always put forth, not only in their professional lives, but in their private lives as well.

The Museum's last day of operation will be December 12th. We want everyone to have the opportunity to visit the Museum one last time to see the collection in its entirety. This will be your last chance to see Roy and Dale's collection. Tell your friends and encourage them to come, before we close. This will be your final chance!!

Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Remember, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans will live forever in our hearts and minds, and will continue to ride across the silver screen through their movies. Every time you think of Roy and Dale, that warm feeling you have always felt, will always return.

Watch our website for further announcements and special dates.

I leave you all with Dad's favorite saying- Good bye, Good luck, and may the good Lord take a likin' to ya! See you in Branson, or on the road.

Love to all of you! Happy Trails. Dusty Rogers and Family

15 The messenger…Rhonda Craig from ets. Again, filling theirs fills ours….the magic always happens Enid, OK when we fill another‟s bucket. October 09 Case in point: Ruidoso Cowboy Symposium: Last month when Dugg Collins wrote the wonderful article about his friend and fellow musician, Jody Nix, he certainly filled Jody‟s Oleda Flud was right….it is the grand- bucket. daddy of them all! One of my highlights on Dugg‟s article acquainted newcomers like me with the life, musical this trip was getting to meet face to face talent, and success of Jody Nix. The words of praise for Jody some of the folks on the Western Swing revealed Dugg‟s love and admiration for his friend‟s talents, and email network that receive my updates. They were just as delight- how he delighted in Jody‟s success. How refreshing to see one ful in person as I had imagined them to be. artist singing the praises of another artist. Dugg‟s accolades What a terrific time Dick and I had trying to take in all the Sympo- spoke volumes about his own splendid character. By extolling sium‟s offerings. It was different than any event we have at- Jody‟s achievements Dugg filled his own bucket to overflowing, tended. There were so many great bands running simultaneously creating a reserve from which to draw when needed. on four stages that deciding where to go was almost overwhelm- This was a good example of the „Bucket‟ part of the theory. ing! So much to see and do in such a short time. It was absolutely Now for the „Dipper‟ part of this theory wonderful! I could never get enough of the fabulous Texas Play- • Handling those who want what’s in your bucket: boys! They are the standard for our beloved Western Swing mu- Sometimes we are forced to deal with folks who try to fill their sic. I did manage to tear myself away from the music and danc- bucket by dipping into ours! NO sir-ee-bob! THAT‟S NOT THE ing long enough to watch the horse trainer. Incredible! The Sun- WAY IT WORKS! day Gospel time was just awesome! They do this by putting us down, finding fault, blaming instead of Thank You: taking responsibility, being overly critical or generally trashing My hat is off to all the planners and workers who put this wonder- what we do to boost themselves. ful event together. They do a great job. I am so looking forward to Don‟t let them do that to you! next year. That‟s when you and I have to put our foot down and shout “YOU Thank you Joe Baker…what a delight you are. I can see why eve- GET YOUR DANG DIPPER OUT OF MY BUCKET! You can‟t fill ryone loves you, even if you are an “ornery ole cuss”. Thanks for your bucket by dipping into mine by trying to bring me down…it making our time at the Symposium so much fun. Congratulations just doesn‟t work that way!” A lesson from you on the Bucket and on your induction into the Hall of Fame in Sacramento in early Dipper theory might be in order for this unlearned individual!! October. Thank you for this publication, the Backforty Bunkhouse and all you do for us. Wish the world would catch on to the Bucket and Dipper Theory.

But I‟m afraid most folks don‟t even know what a bucket and dip- It was also great meeting your editor, Totsie Slover. What a gem. per is!! (Does that date me or what?) She has her hands full!

I suspect you dear western swing friends know well what the old Speaking of this publication… while reading a Backforty Bunk- bucket and dipper was that sat on a stand in the kitchen before we house article by Dugg Collins last month I was reminded about a had running water in our homes. You have been filling another‟s lesson I learned at a motivational meeting several years ago that bucket all your life but just didn‟t have a name for it. That‟s why I have never forgotten called the Bucket and Dipper Theory. you have plenty to give back. Your bucket is full because you fill everyone else‟s. The Bucket & Dipper Theory: Until the next time, I‟m still serving with joy while getting my It basically has three parts. bucket filled by all of you “obscure gems‟ on the network. You are • Handling the ill tempered: Sometimes we find ourselves the best. having to spend time with someone who is ill tempered, cross, and generally behaves as though they were weaned on sour pick- The messenger….Rhonda les. (These are not my friends in the western swing community!) [email protected] The bucket and dipper theory offers a great way to handle this person. We should say to ourselves: “Oh dear …this person‟s bucket must be empty! I must fill it.” So you set about to fill his/her bucket…by complimenting that person, using words of genuine praise and appreciation. No flattery, just honest genuine positive praise. (There is always something good we can find about even the most unlikable person.)

Low and behold…A magic thing happens as we fill his/her empty bucket… Our own bucket becomes full too! • Handling friends and loved ones: More importantly, this theory is especially true in our relationship with our loved ones, co workers and friends. We often are negligent about filling the buckets of those we care bout the most... We should always be filling their buckets with genuine praise and appreciation but we often take them for granted and pass up opportunities to fill their buck- Chuck Cusimano at the Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium 16 News From BobWills.com

Howdy again from Austin, where Bob wills is still the King! Right off I want to thank all you western swing

fans for your support of our radio When I read the Backforty Newsletter, I feel that Joe shows on the web site. We‟re proud to say that we are creating an Baker is in my home visiting with me. We see Joe at amazing archive of interviews and some events and I 'talk' to him on-line, sometimes with music by the great pioneers of this questions that he works hard to answer. I enjoy read- unique genre. Remember, these ing the Backforty Newsletter because I get information shows can be heard 24/7 just by on upcoming events, especially those that involve logging on to BobWills.Com. In the dancing to western swing music. Since we live in Ari- weeks ahead we have lots of inter- zona, we need extra time to plan for trips to other esting shows to bring to the internet. Historic interviews with leg- states, so I like getting a 'head's up' a little early. My ends like Laura Lee McBride, Lefty Nason (Hank Thompson‟s first only complaint is that sometimes there's no informa- steel-man) Cliff Bruner and Bob White from Wills‟ and Thomp- son‟s bands, just to name a few. You‟ll enjoy the programs de- tion included in the articles about who to contact if we voted to Cindy Cashdollar as well as the fine Austin-based piano have questions. I also like to read about the events we player Floyd Domino. weren't able to attend, because the people writing them We‟d like you to know that Bob Wills Radio is earnestly seeking are so upbeat. Keep up the good work! sponsors for our shows to enable us to broaden our menu of programs to come. If you are your company is interested, contact Janet Smuda, Sierra Vista, AZ. Dwight Adair at www.bobwills.com We are quite pleased that our programs have prompted several [email protected] Western Swing musicians and their families to contact us. We hope to create a forum or „blog‟ soon so more folks can write about their thoughts and memories of Bob Wills and hisTexas Playboys. Real West from the Old West We also want to remind you of the rare recordings of Bob‟s that Totsie Slover we have archived on the web site as well. Log in often and tell KOTS AM1230, Deming, NM your friends about the site. Top 10 CDs

Until next time, Happy Listening… Brady Bowen - In My Spare Time Vol. 5 Jim Gough [email protected] Cornell Hurd Band - Songs of Moon Mullican Stephanie Davis - Western Bling Please take a moment to visit our sponsors below: Stephanie Davis - Western Bliss Bobby Flores - Festival Favorites Juni Fisher - Gone For Colorado

Stardust Cowboys - Ridin‟ Back To You

Billy Mata - This Is Tommy Duncan Vol. 1 Pat Jacobs & The Over The Hill Gang - Legendary West. Swing Willie Nelson & Asleep At The Wheel - Willie & The Wheel [email protected]

Fred Berry Jimal Bible Bob Bone Family Tom Burgess Rosie Carberry Leon Chambers Family Joyce Collins Jim Cox and Family Mark Giles Paige Haas Darci Hahn Lelsie Harris Briggs Hill and his family Earl Hill Marian Howell Ray Hunter Dennis Ivey Norma Johnson Rick Langford Mel McDaniel Bob Nible Joe Paul Nichols Beverly and Joel North Rich O‟Brien Walter Pate Johnny Patterson Lyall and Donna Paulson Jim Quisenberry Louise Rowe Ronona Sellars Family Connie Stom Mike Ward Charlie Watkins Ed White Amber Digby, Jess Meador and Justin Trevino at the Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium 17 Empty Saddles

Loyd Jones, Sacramento musician and Western Mr. Jones mentored many musicians and enjoyed sharing stories Swing Society co-founder about his life in music. He shared his passion with his wife and children, who all sang and played instruments. "He loved the way Loyd Jones, a well-known Western music made people feel," said his daughter, Lolita "Lolli" Jones, a swing bandleader and musician professional fiddler. "He loved watching people having fun on the who played with industry icons be- dance floor. It made him smile." fore leading his own band for half a century, has died at age 83. Mr. By Robert D. Davila Jones died in his sleep Sept. 24 at [email protected] his Rio Linda home, longtime friend Charles Hull aid. He had Alz- heimer's disease but had received a Leon Chambers clean bill of health at a physical the 1933 - 2009 day before he died, Hull said. He made it look so easy Mr. Jones was an enduring link to While most guitarists play the golden era of Western swing, a one part, Leon played three country sound that borrows from at once. Alongside his life- blues, jazz, dance and big band music. He moved to Sacramento time friends and musical in 1949 and played with MGM recording artist Bud Hobbs. He compadres, Leon Rausch, played steel guitar in Billy Jack Wills' first band at Wills Point, the Tommy Morrell, and Bobby legendary dance hall at Auburn Boulevard and Winding Way Boatright, Leon gave his gift founded by Wills' older brother, Western swing king Bob Wills. He of music to the world. also played with Billy Jack Wills for a weekly TV show on Channel As a gangly 12-year-old in 3 (KCRA) in 1958 and 1959. Mr. Jones left the Wills band to form West Dallas, Leon picked his own group, the Town and Country Western Swing Band. up his first guitar and began Dressed as Western gentlemen in sharp satin jackets, cowboy the musical journey that hats and string ties, the Town and Country kept the sound and would last over 60 years. traditions of Western swing alive at dance halls, hotels, private Shortly after closing time parties and political events in the Sacramento region for many Tuesday morning, Leon left years. this earthly life to play and Mr. Jones also led the band on swing favorites such as "In the sing again with Wolf, Trap- Mood" and jazzy versions of Hank Williams songs at the Sacra- per and the host of friends he performed with during his long ca- mento Jazz Jubilee, where the Town and Country was one of the reer. While proud to have been a Texas Playboy performing with first Western swing groups to play. He was a regular at Tex's Sa- the late Bob Wills, he was proudest of being a Time Warp loon in North Highlands, which was managed by his son, Perry, Tophand, the group he considered to be the "best damn western also a musician. Calling himself "the world's greatest fan of West- swing band in history." ern swing music," Mr. Jones continued performing until declining Leon is survived by his beloved wife Sarah, affectionately known health forced him to disband the Town and Country about three as "Red," son Gerald Chambers, Jr. and daughter Trisha Cham- years ago."He loved to play -- it was just fun," said Hull, a long- bers of Garland, sons Matt Cashatt and wife Heidi of Texarkana, time band member. "He had a low-key personality, and he'd just Judd Cashatt and wife Kellie of Austin, stepson Jason Burch and look at you and you knew the next chorus was yours." wife Melissa of Athens, stepdaughters Linda Bean and Billie Rob- In 1981, Mr. Jones and his son co-founded the Western Swing inson of Garland, brother Ken Chambers and wife Iwalani of Dal- Society to promote the home-grown music genre. He was in- las, numerous grandchildren, beloved pets Annie and Brazos ducted into the society's Hall of Fame and was honored as a Bonner and the many, many friends and members of his musical pioneer by the Seattle Western Swing Music Society. In 2002, the family. Leon was preceded in death by his son Gregg, parents J.L. California Legislature honored his contributions to the music in- and Dovie Chambers, and brothers Bill and Hillie Chambers. To dustry. Bruce and Pat Hendley, Albert and Debbie Talley, and the The son of a fiddle-playing preacher, Loyd Hampton Jones was T.S.G.A., as well as all those who worked so hard to make his born in 1926 in Prairie Branch, Texas. He moved with his family at tribute show a success, all those who came and made it possible age 10 to Las Cruces, N.M. He grew up listening to Bob Wills for Leon to be at home for his last days; Tara and Cheri Davis for perform on live radio shows and took violin lessons in school. the loving care they gave Leon, and all the many, many close Bored by classical music, he took up the fiddle and guitar in friends who helped make Leon's last days peaceful, Sarah would hopes of playing livelier Western swing. He played fiddle with a like to say a heartfelt thanks. The family would also like to thank three-piece square dance band in Las Cruces and starting his Drs. Wixtrom, Li, Bret and Boyd, as well as Seasons Hospice for own band, the Western Swing Stars. He married his piano player, the wonderful care they provided. Bonnie Jo Berry, in 1944 and moved to Porterville before settling True to form, Leon donated his body to medical research and re- in Rio Linda. quested no funeral be held. Donations in Leon's memory may be Mr. Jones worked in the heavy-truck parts industry to support his made to the SPCA or your local hospice group. Memorial plans family while making music. He had three children with his wife, are pending. who died in 2008. He was predeceased by his son, Perry, in 2000, and a daughter, Rebecca Davidson, in 2006.

18 Empty Saddles

Tom McEntee his love for the genre. Listed below are a few of his Professional Career Highlights. The Nashville music industry lost a tremendous innovator and creator, Tom McEntee. Tom passed away in Florida with his 1963-64: Trinanon Ballroom House Band, Oklahoma family on September 24th, 2009. City, OK 1965-67: Panther Hall House Band Leader, Tom McEntee marched to his own drumbeat and was always Ft. Worth, Texas ahead of his time. 1967-68: Tony Douglas and the Shrimpers, Band Member Tom was the Founder and Creator of the famed COUNTRY RA- 1971: Bill Mac and the Midnight Cowboys, DIO SEMINAR, and served as Executive Chairman/President of Band Leader CRS for its first decade. This event, in its 41st year, has gener- 1972-76: Formed and led the Sundowners Band ated many millions of dollars into the Nashville economy and is 1976: Toured with Jerry Max Lane currently the largest and most successful educational event ever 1977-88: Toured with Dick Hammonds, former front man established in the music/radio industries. for Ray Price 1988-92: Cattle Baron Steak House Band Leader Tom was also a publicity innovator, a bio writer, (writing bio‟s for Ft. Worth, Texas some of the largest stars in country and pop music) an artist man- 1992-94: Texas Opry Band Leader, Weatherford, ager, a songwriter, created and operated a radio tip-sheet called Texas COUNTRY MUSIC SURVEY, a country chart editor of CASHBOX 1999-2004: Bob played the Annual Billy The Kid MAGAZINE two different times, National Promotion Director of Festival in Hico, Texas GRT Records & Ovation Records, and a Promotion Executive at 2000–2003: Bob played at Ernest Tubb Record several major and Indy labels. Shop in the Ft. Worth Stockyards. 2005: Bob played at the VIP opening of Cabela‟s To name but a few, Tom was instrumental in the careers of Ft. Worth, Texas Jimmy Buffet (Tom‟s quoted in Buffet‟s book), Alabama, The Most Recent: Chuck Curtis‟ Western Swing & More Amazing Rhythm Aces, Eddie Rabbit, Earl Thomas Conley, Band Member Jimmy Dean, The Kendalls, Hank Williams, Jr., Ronnie McDowell, Most Recent: Durwood Strube‟s Best Texas Susan Marshall, and Lefty Frizzell, even writing the liner notes on Band Member Lefty’s last album. Tom was the very first record company execu- Most Recent: Texas Express Band Member tive to hear super-group Alabama’s debut recording. After one listen, he said they would be enormous stars. He was right like Bob served as a Board Member of Cowtown Society of that, a lot! He helped them get their first record deal… along with Western Music for the past several years. He was an active many other artists. member and always made the board meetings and was a valued contributor of ideas, planning and promoting. He always had a In 2001, Tom graduated on the Dean‟s List from Tennessee State joke or humorous comeback. Everyone enjoyed his light-hearted University with a BS in Psychology, and won The President’s and funny sayings. I must say, on a personal note, I will miss all Award from the Country Radio Broadcasters. Tom also received the help Bob gave me the past several years in preparing for fund- the Nashville Mayor’s Award in 1994, and the BMI Commendation raisers and benefits and especially preparing for and promoting of Excellence in 1989. Swing Fest every year. He was generous with his time and fid- dling talents and inevitably seemed to be able to come up with He moved from working in the music industry in New York City, to musicians, PA systems, microphones, and various other items Nashville in 1969, after serving as a sergeant in the U.S. Special needed for CSWM events when Gary and I had exhausted our Forces in Vietnam. Even then, Tom was the best in the entire resources. He was a “go to” person when we needed help to get Special Forces at translating code. things done. He was inducted as a Hero of Western Music by Cow- Tom will certainly be missed by his family and friends, and by all town Society in 2006. His most recent honor will be his induction of those that he mentored, trained, taught, and guided on their into the Western Swing Society Hall of Fame in Sacramento, Cali- own music careers. THANKS TOM! fornia on October 4th. He will miss it, but I‟m sure wherever he is, he‟ll be watching with an approving glint in his eye, a smile on his Scott Tutt, Jack Griffin, and Susan Marshall face, and he‟ll have a corny but witty tale to tell to all who‟ll listen.

Bob Bone He is survived by his wife of many years, Bobbie, his son, Randy, daughter, Tonda, and beloved granddaughter, Chey- CSWM LOSES BOARD MEMBER AND FRIEND enne, and a multitude of family members friends.

Our good friend, Bob Bone, passed away September 30, Keep Swingin‟ Bob 2009 at about 1:00 P.M. After battling Leukemia for several months, he surrendered his fight. ***January 1, 1929 – September 30, 2009*** Bob Bone was an ambassador for Country Music and Western Swing Music all his life. His illustrious Career represents