Volume 31 Issue 3 Summer 2021 $5.95 THE

The Official Publication of the International Western Music Association

IN THE CROSSHAIRS: Lori Beth Brooke “WHAT LORI DOES WITH AN ACCORDION IS ILLEGAL IN SEVEN STATES.” – LEO EILTS (3 TRAILS WEST) PAGE 6

Save the Date! IWMA Benefit Dinner, Auction & Concert A Fun-raising, Barn-raising, Heart-raising night to remember!

Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021

Reception with The Stars Opportunity Drawing for Prizes Silent Auction Benefit Dinner Entertainment: 3 Trails West with The Trailhand Orchestra

Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town 800 Rio Grande Blvd NW Albuquerque, NM 87104 Reception 5:00-6:15 Dinner 6:30 Show 7:15

• Awards are Saturday Night, 6:30 Pre-Show, 7:00 Show • Cowboy Poetry Contest Saturday 10:00-11:30 am • Guitar Workshop with Ernie Martinez Friday, 1:00 Beginner, 2:00 Advanced • Star-Studded Showcases Everyday

Order tickets at [email protected] or 505-563-0673 $50 IWMA Member/$60 Non-Members FOUNDER Bill Wiley

From The President... OFFICERS Robert Lorbeer, President Jerry Hall, Executive V.P. Marvin O’Dell, V.P. Belinda Gail, Secretary Diana Raven, Treasurer

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Robert’s Marsha Short BOARD OF DIRECTORS Juni Fisher Theresa O’Dell Ramblings Belinda Gail Diana Raven Jerry Hall LeeLee Robert Robert Lorbeer Dennis Russell I WANT TO GIVE A GREAT BIG Marvin O’Dell Tom Swearingen

SHOUT OUT TO the IWMA Executive 2021 BOARD INTERNS Director, Marsha Short. Marsha has been Bobbi Jean Bell Robert Lorbeer Leo Eilts IWMA President holding everything together for IWMA for the Roger Eilts past chaotic year of uncertainty, working and Carol Markstrom planning for the convention, not knowing whether it could even be held this BOARD OF ADVISORS Rex Allen, Jr. year. But, she never lost track of the goal or for each of you and the Board, Cheryl Rogers Barnett Ray Benson encouraging us all that we will be back together again at some point. SO, Tom Chambers thank you Marsha for all that you have done to keep IWMA afloat. Don Edwards Robert E. Fee, Esq. We have been working closely with Hotel Albuquerque to make sure that Douglas B. Green the Convention goes off smoothly and without risk to our members and the Mike Mahaney Suze Spencer Marshall public. As time progresses, I think that things will loosen up a bit. Gary McMahan Michael Martin Murphey I also want to thank the Board of Directors for the good work they have Rusty Richards done in keeping our membership in the forefront of our organization. Roy “Dusty” Rogers, Jr. O.J. Sikes Throughout this past year all Board meetings have been held via ZOOM Red Steagall calls. Quite frankly, the ZOOM meetings have worked out very well and Steve Taylor Marilyn Tuttle been a cost savings to the IWMA as well as to each of the individual board Johnny Western members, eliminating expensive hotel rooms and travel expenses. Not STAFF WRITERS to mention the valuable time saved by not traveling! If you do not know, Rick Huff, Robert Lorbeer, Marvin O’Dell, Theresa O’Dell, Ollie Reed, Jr., ZOOM meetings take place wherever the board member may be at the Marsha Short, O.J. Sikes time as long as there is Internet availability. All participants can see and hear EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS one another in real time, and can professionally conduct the business of Les Buffham, Jim Jones, Bryan Kuban, Dakota Livesay, the Association. Terry Nash, Jim WIlson

Our bylaws require that our Board meetings are face to face THE WESTERN WAY meetings. Things are changing in the way business is conducted in all The Official Quarterly Publication of the IWMA Deadline for next issue: September 1, 2021 corporate arenas. It may be necessary for the Board to review our bylaws to ensure we adjust to and accommodate the changing technological advances MANAGING EDITOR/ADVERTISING Theresa O’Dell such as ZOOM while remaining compliant with the law. [email protected]; 805-551-7763 I am hoping that every one of our members will be able to attend the GRAPHIC DESIGN Convention this year. Let’s come together. Reserve your room at Hotel Kim Tappan/Tappan Design Albuquerque or get your RV serviced and ready to go! Start making plans… [email protected] I will see you in November. PRINTING Modern Litho, Jefferson City, MO HAPPY TRAILS UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN! INTERNATIONAL WESTERN MUSIC ASSOCIATION P.O. Box 648, Coppell, TX 75019 Robert Lorbeer Cell Phone 505-563-0673 President, IWMA [email protected] www.westernmusic.org

2 | Summer 2021 The WESTERN WAY CONTENTS FEATURES NEW! “A Night to Remember” Team Penning Competition 1 at IWMA2021 PAGE 10 In The Crosshairs 6 Lori Beth Brooke 2021 AWARDS NOMINATION BALLOT IWMA2021 Preliminary PAGE 22 30 Convention Schedule 2020 Poetry juried ARTICLES, UPDATES & MORE awards for cd and book 2 President’s Message PAGE 26 4 Editor’s Insight 5 From the Executive Director 11 Penned By Lantern Light 13 The Western World Tour – Rick Huff 14 Chapter Update 15 Tales of the West – Jim Wilson 17 From the Trail – Terry Nash REVIEWS – CDs, DVDs & BOOKS 18 In Memoriam 35 Red River Dave 38 Mark Munzert 24 In The Spotlight 35 Frankie Marvin 38 Chris Mortensen 28 Chronicle Of The Old West – D. Livesay 35 Roy Rogers and 38 Nineteen Hand Horse 29 Buffham’s Buffoonery Dale Evans 39 Carlos Washington’s 33 Behind the Studio Door – Bryan Kuban 36 John Bergstrom Steel Horse Swing (Single) 34 O.J. Sikes Musical Note and Reviews 36 Brazos Valley Boys 39 B.J. Smith (Book) 36 Huff’s Best Of The West Reviews 36 The Dan Canyon Band 40 Prickly Pair (Classic) 40 Classic Profiles by Rick Huff 37 Dawn Anita 40 Kyle Evans (Classic) 42 Reed’s Reading – Book Reviews 37 Gabrielle Gore 42 Ralph Estes (Book) 44 Western Charts 37 Kerry Grombacher 42 Melody Groves (Book) 45 Mailbag 37 Susie Knight (Single) 45 Curly Bradley 46 Western Playlists – Reporters 38 Dan McCorison 47 Patron Members 48 IWMA Lifetime Members

Volume 31 Issue 3 Summer 2021 $5.95

THE

The Official Publication of the International Western Music Association ON THE COVER...

IN THE CROSSHAIRS: Lori Beth Lori Beth is accordionist, singer, songwriter and Brooke yodeler and has found a place in a variety of music “WHAT LORI DOES WITH AN ACCORDION IS ILLEGAL IN SEVEN STATES.” – LEO EILTS (3 TRAILS WEST) PAGE 6 genres from classical to German folk and from big band to western. She is the total package and is wrapped in professionalism. What Lori Beth says of her accordion music is, “It’s not just for oom pah pah!” We think she’s on to something.

Content and opinions expressed in articles and reviews published in The Western Way are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the IWMA or The Western Way.

The WESTERN WAY Summer 2021 | 3 Editor’s Insight

The “MRP” Performer I recently received a piece Probably most importantly, set a goal to become a of literature that used a market-ready professional. By doing so, you will raise phrase that grabbed my yourself and your career to the next level and you will attention…“market-ready also raise the bar for others who come alongside to also professionals (MRP).” I really support the mission of the IWMA. liked the sound of it! Although Many of you have had time these past months and Theresa O’Dell they were using the phrase in used it to advance to become an “MRP.” Doors are Editor the context of education and beginning to open now; performance opportunities are preparing students for the out there. Be the ‘professional’ that will be in demand future, I thought of us. It is a description that could be as venues search to bring music and poetry back to their applied to all that we are and do in the IWMA. communities. I think they will choose those who are As I pondered the phrase, I asked myself what it might ‘market-ready.’ take to be market-ready in our world today as it relates to music, writing, performances, event planning, or Theresa even appearance. The way my mind works, I jotted down just a few non-flashy words that might possibly define the phrase. n Diligent – focused and committed without faltering n Prepared – capable to keep going in spite of unforeseen distractions or unexpected circumstances n Extra Ordinary – doing ordinary things extra times, and extra well NEW CD RELEASE n Schooled – stretching the boundaries of what is already known (music, performance skills, writing) and Swingin’ Our Way conquering what may not be familiar (new instruments, business acumen, marketing skills, technology in all WITH GUEST STARS: forms) Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel n Personal care – overall well being that keeps an Rex Allen, Jr. equilibrium in place for busy careers, family, travel, “...Swingin’ Our Way is a personal health and personal appearance disc that would, I think, make their former boss, I know the list could go on and these areas overlap. Hank Thompson, So, create your own (honest) list of defining terms. Ask very proud.” yourself, “Am I a market-ready professional?” “What sets Author, Journalist, Broadcaster, John Wooley me apart from others?” “Am I ‘market-ready’ but maybe I lack the ‘professional’ piece?” TO ORDER VISIT: Whatever your own (honest) answer, make a second www.brazosvalleyboys.com list of what it will take to get you where you want to be. and purchase via PayPal or www.Amazon.com

4 | Summer 2021 The WESTERN WAY From The Executive Director... ADVERTISE IN

Here we are in the middle THE WESTERN WAY of summer and the IWMA AND REACH THE PEOPLE Convention is a reality! It YOU NEED TO KNOW! seems like years since we were all able to get together to eat and laugh and enjoy – Limited Time some great entertainment! SPECIAL OFFER I hope you can be IWMA COVID RELIEF with us November 10- 14 in Albuquerque to Marsha Short help celebrate our return Executive Director to “almost normal.” The RESERVE YOUR program and ticket order DON’TWAIT form are included in this issue of The Western Way as SPACE TODAY! well as information on how to make reservations at the Rate/Issue 4X Rate/Issue Hotel Albuquerque. B&W or Color B&W or Color There are a couple of new things this year. What has Full Page $800 – $535 $750 – $500 traditionally been the Crisis Fund Benefit Dinner on Full Page Inside Cover $900 – $600 $850 – $575 Thursday night, will be the IWMA Benefit Dinner this Back 3/4 Page Color $900 – $600 $850 – $575 year. The Crisis Fund is in very good shape and we’ve been Half Page $500 – $335 $450 – $300 able to respond to several situations. With the number Third Page $450 – $300 $400 – $265 of IWMA members who have been out of work, our Quarter Page­ $400 – $265 $325 – $200 general fund has decreased rapidly. In order to manage Sixth Page $300 – $200 $275 – $125 daily operations, we need to build that fund back up. The general fund is used to publish The Western Way and pay 1/12th Page (Logo with text only) $150 – $100 $135 – $75 $20 for the first 10 words, for insurance and other operating expenses like the phone Classified ads then 10¢ per word and mailbox rental. We plan to have a night full of fun and surprises plus a great concert by 3 Trails West and INCLUDE THE WESTERN WAY the Trailhand Orchestra! IN YOUR MARKETING PLAN This year there is a Team Penning competition. Songwriters will pair up to write songs on a theme that Multiple copies are placed in strategic locations throughout the will be given to them a couple of months before the US and distributed internationally through our broad global membership outreach. As a quarterly publication with a dynamic Convention. They’ll then perform those songs in front online digital presence, your ad continues to work for you into the of judges on Saturday afternoon. A great opportunity to future.The Western Way readership is “mobile and on the go” ... hear some brand-new music! Learn more about the shouldn’t they know your business is where they are going to be? Team Penning competition on Page 10 in this issue. Example of Distribution Outlets: Also included in this issue of the magazine is the 2021 • Arizona Folklore Preserve – Sierra Vista, AZ IWMA Awards of Excellence Nomination Form. Every • Autry National Center – Los Angeles, CA • Museum of Western Film History – Lone Pine, CA year, fewer nominations are received. Be sure your favorite • Booth Western Art Museum – Cartersville, GA performer is nominated. Send in your nominations today • Stockyards Museum – Ft. Worth, TX and make sure your voice is heard. You can also find this • Rex Allen Arizona Cowboy Museum – Willcox, AZ • Friends of Marty Robbins Museum – Wllcox, AZ form on the IWMA website iwesternmusic.org. • IWMA Chapters at Local Gatherings and Festivals • www.westernmusic.org Looking forward to a really good year! The Western Way is the official magazine of the International Western Music Association, a non-profit 501(c)3 Corporation, Marsha and is supported through paid advertising.

The WESTERN WAY Summer 2021 | 5 LORI BETH BROOKE

BY JIM JONES

Lori Beth Brooke grew up on a dairy farm outside of Nordheim in south central Texas (population 369 “Hee Haw!”). For those of you who don’t know, that’s a little north of Pettus and Tuleta and a bit west of Weesatche. She started taking accordion lessons in the 2nd grade and writing songs in middle school. There were nine people in her high school graduating class. She has a BA in Music, an MS in Computer Information Systems and she works in the computer industry. Her true calling is music however and she has performed around the state for more than twenty years, playing German folk, big band and more recently, Western Swing music. Explaining why she waited to learn how to yodel until after college, she says, “My music professors would have been devastated that I was deliberately making my voice flip!” It was yodeling that brought Lori Beth to her first IWMA convention in 2013. A few years before that, she had Googled “yodeling competitions” and learned about the organization’s annual contest. She contacted Judy Coder for an on-line yodeling lesson and wound up getting critical fashion advice as well, including the fact that a cowboy hat was a must. Armed with this knowledge (and her accordion), she set out for Albuquerque. Although she says her initial experience made her realize how much she had to learn about Western music, she found that the music, especially Lori Beth is rarely seen on stage without her accordion friend. Western Swing, really resonated with her. She also met people whom she described as “honest, friendly, encouraging, phenomenal musicians and just down- right fun. They showed an interest in me and gave me opportunities and encouragement to delve into the music.”

6 | Summer 2021 The WESTERN WAY to you deserves your time and attention. So, I started writing a song on the flight back to Austin from that convention which made it onto my 2020 album, “Texas Star.” It’s called “Cowgirl Outfit” and it’s based on a true story of my preparation and experience for my first IWMA convention. Although it probably wasn’t Joyce’s intention, I thank her for lighting the fire under me.

JJ: She’s definitely a songwriting inspiration. On your “Texas Star” album, you wrote ten of the fifteen songs. Tell us about your songwriting process.

Lori Beth Brooke, all “cowgirled up.” LBB: I felt like the story-telling of Western music was a great match for the songs I’d written. I’d say there is not a set process as I’ve approached songwriting in many Even as Lori Beth has felt like the IWMA was an different ways. Sometimes it starts with a catchy phrase excellent fit for her, the organization has reciprocated that I encounter in life like “Knock, Knock, Who’s that feeling. She was named 2016 Female Yodeler of the There?” and I build a story around that phrase. The Year and her 2020 CD release, “Texas Star,” received the music is born out of the lyric with trial and error. award for Cowboy/Swing Album of the year. I caught up with Lori Beth at her home in Austin. Explaining why she waited to learn how to yodel until after college, JJ: It sounds like your involvement in the IWMA has she says, “My music professors would been a meaningful and positive experience. Would have been devastated that I was you mind talking about some of the things you’ve deliberately making my voice flip!” gotten from being a part of the Western Music family? LBB: In addition to the valuable friendships, what I have gotten is an education. I came to IWMA as a seasoned musician, but as green as they come with regard to the Western music repertoire. Some of the music was familiar to me from growing up in Texas, but there was a whole genre of music and standard tunes that opened up for me as well. I bought a bunch of CDs in 2013 and every year after that I listen to and study them for style, harmonies, chord progressions, lyrics etc. Furthermore, I’ve relearned how to improvise and play by ear. It’d been years since I’d done that and it’s been great to dust off those skills. Another thing I’ve gotten through IWMA is the reawakening of my songwriting which had been mostly dormant for about 10 years. I got busy with life, being a wife and mom, working a full-time job and playing German folk music gigs in between. At that first IWMA Festival in Albuquerque in 2013, I met Joyce Woodson and she asked if I was a songwriter. I heard the words come out of my mouth about how I “used to be a songwriter” and how I’d gotten busy and hadn’t written Washtub Jerry joins Lori Beth on stage. anything in a long time. Saying it out loud made me realize it was just an excuse; anything that is important Continued on page 8

The WESTERN WAY Summer 2021 | 7 IN THE CROSSHAIRS Western accordionists through history! Then my husband Continued from page 7 and I visited them for a day in Ft. Wayne, IN in December of 2018. Dave took us on a personal tour of the Sweetwater headquarters, including their top notch recording studios. At the 2019 IWMA Convention, Dave Martin and Juni Fisher presented a seminar about preparing to record an album; that seminar along with the quality of albums that Dave produced swayed my decision to seek out Dave as the producer in January 2020. Once we’d agreed to record my album, I provided scratch tracks of the songs to Dave. He wrote out the Nashville charts, and lined up the professional musicians. When I got to Sweetwater for the recording sessions in early March 2020, Dave and I spent an evening walking through the tunes to discuss instrumentation, solos and fills. We spent two days recording the instrumental tracks for 18 songs at Sweetwater Studios. The team of musicians listened to each scratch track to get a feel for A little folk music necessitates the tune, after which Dave gave instructions for solos, a wardrobe change, and Lori Beth is ready. fills, etc. Then we headed to the sound booths where we all recorded together with me singing and playing. Sometimes I will noodle around with a melody and Anyone with questions raised them and we recorded the chord progression and the lyrics are born out of the whole song a second time. The instrumentalists would music. Sometimes I just challenge myself to write a song ask to record any spots they missed or thought they about a random idea which is how “What Must I Do to Over the short term, I’d like to play Be Cowgirl” came into being. “Bride of the Brazos” was more festivals and local gigs in Western a little different. I’d had the idea of writing a song about and Western Swing as a solo artist or a story that had been passed down in my family about in larger band configurations. an ancestor winning a bride in a poker game; it felt like it would be a rowdy fast song from the groom’s point of view. Then I wondered if a haunting melody that came to me on the way home from a gig could be used to tell the story from the bride’s point of view. Once that idea sparked, the song seemed to write itself. There are some songs that took years to complete to my satisfaction. One song idea even came to me in a dream! There is no wrong or right way; however, once you have the idea, it usually involves some intense focus to work out a whole song.

JJ: You worked with the super talented Dave Martin as producer of your record. What was that like and how did your working relationship evolve? LBB: I totally agree with your assessment of Dave! I enjoyed meeting Dave and Carolyn Martin at the IWMA convention a few years back and had the pleasure of performing with Dave in the Awards Ceremony orchestra led by Jeanne Cahill. Dave gave me a great lesson in Lori’s new “best friend” since 2nd grade.

8 | Summer 2021 The WESTERN WAY could do better. This took maybe 30 minutes per song. JJ: It’s been a pleasure conversing with you, Unbelievable! It took me much longer to lay down the congratulations on your success and good luck in the accordion tracks. I had another whole day to record my future. vocals, and a final day of mixing. It was so incredible working with such fine talent and experiencing the flow As I pull together my final thoughts on this of creative ideas that spawned as we progressed though interview, it occurs to me that Lori Beth Brooke’s those days. I wish I could do this once a year! approach to her music could serve as a template for those of us pursuing a career in the field. First, she JJ: There really is something magical about working is well-trained and highly proficient in all aspects of with true professionals in the recording studio. What her performance … instrument, vocals, songwriting. do you see for yourself musically as you move forward Second, she has taken a thorough look at the broad over the next five years or so? musical field and identified a niche that seems to be a LBB: Over the short term, I’d like to play more festivals good fit. Third, even as she had doubts (was the IWMA and local gigs in Western and Western Swing as a solo really ready for an accordion?), she forged ahead and artist or in larger band configurations. I’ve built up took chances. Through her networking, she established enough of a repertoire to make that happen now. I also important relationships with other professionals enjoy performing as a side musician like I sometimes do with whom she now collaborates, and perhaps more with 3 Trails West as it gives me an opportunity to learn importantly, with whom she is friends. Finally, as she more music and build those chops. Plus I just love those looks ahead, she is exploring ways to give back to that guys! I’d love to get back into a recording studio singing musical family to which she now belongs. Well done, backup vocals or playing accordion on other recordings Lori Beth Brooke. in any genre where they’ll have me. I’ll continue to write songs, and may venture back to some popular songs that I’ve neglected the last several years. I’m working on a fun yodeling seminar with more stress on the word “fun” than “yodeling” that I hope to present a couple of times in the next year, and I am preparing a Western Swing accordion seminar for an annual series in Austin called “It’s Not Just For Oom Pah Pah” in 2022. I’ll continue taking voice lessons twice a month to keep improving the pipes. In March 2021, I filmed my very first official music video for the song, “Guys Love Chicks Who Yodel,” which was released on May 21st. If that goes well, I may release other music videos. Over the longer term, I hope to be in a position to retire from my day job and open a studio teaching singing, accordion and yodeling lessons. Maybe I could play some small part in getting younger folks interested in German folk music and Western/ Lori’s bovine friends agree she has big plans Western Swing music. and a bright future on the horizon.

Jim Jones was the winner of International Western Music Association 2019 Western Song of the Year as well as the 2016 Academy of Western Artists Western Song of the Year and Western Writers of America 2013, 2017 and 2021 Spur Awards for Best Western Song. He writes about the West…cowboys, horses & cattle, cattle rustlers, the coming of the train…stories about people and land, rivers and mountains, the beauty of the Western sky. Jim is also the successful published author of several western novels, and he is actively involved in the International Western Music Association.

The WESTERN WAY Summer 2021 | 9 Available in Bookstores Everywhere

IWMA TEAM PENNING RULES & APPLICATION SATURDAY – NOVEMBER 13, 2021 HOTEL ALBUQUERQUE FRANCISCAN ROOM

committee will create a theme for the song and email it to the contestants two months A prior to the competition. Be prepared to perform the song at the IWMA Convention on Saturday afternoon. The song can only be performed by the writers, with no additional musicians or singers allowed. A team will consist of two people (one musician and one poet recommended but not required). Songs must be no longer than 4 minutes. Because of time constraints this competition will be limited to 18 teams. Once registered, watch for more information via email.

Registrant #1 ______

Email ______

Registrant #2 ______

Email ______

All entry forms must be received before September 1. On-site entries will be on a space available basis. There is no entry fee for this contest.

Return this entry form to: Visit www.westernwriters.org IWMA | P. O. Box 648 | Coppell, TX 75019 [email protected] to order your copy today!

10 | Summer 2021 The WESTERN WAY Penned by Lantern Light

This column will spotlight members of the Western Wordsmiths Chapter of the International Western Music Association. It will highlight an invited poet guest with possible short biographical information of his/her works. If a member of the Western Wordsmiths Chapter and if interested in submitting one piece of original work for publication, please contact the Western Wordsmiths chapter president.

PROMISE by Terry Nash

Mid-summer’s sun hangs bright and harsh That’s dang sure hard to visualize Don’t dare to look too often now, And blisters everything in sight. When breezes only stir up dust. For fear that you might jinx the chance. We hope for dark to bring relief, The sky, she rarely brings a cloud You can’t resist another look- But here, it’s even hot at night. So how the heck are we to trust? And so you cast a hopeful glance.

We’ve heard of rain on other range. But now a breeze builds in the east... Now, updraft anvils out the cloud. That’s just a vicious rumor. We hold our breath in silent prayer. A darkened layer forms below. There’s morbid jokes about wet spells. And Look! Southwest - durn, can that be? There’s lightning sparks now, here and there, We fail to see the humor. Is that a thunderhead out there? And thunder’s voice comes soft and low.

The cows so far, show decent flesh Now, there is something ‘bout this cloud! There’s streaks of moisture starting down Because there’s feed left on the range. We watch it drift across the range. You feel the wind turn to your face, Spring’s meager grass is getting scarce It’s like there’s energy out there, See promise dripping to the range, We know that something’s got to change. The horses seem to sense a change! Your cowman’s heart begins to race.

The market drops and feed goes up Ma Nature’s fickle though, indeed. The heavy drops just seem surreal, As tanks, meanwhile, evaporate. She’ll flirt and promise you a rain. They make small clouds of dust poof up. The banker says we’re overdue She’ll have you lookin’ at the sky Then moisture seems to fill the sky And payment? Well it just can’t wait. And then deliver you more pain. And now you’re grinnin’ like a pup!

There’s middlin’ chance for good outcome You’ll think that it’s about to change That night you hear the toads that croak But scant, to say the very least. Like past rain season’s that you’ve had, When there’s been a heavy rain, It’s just another durn dry spell Then like as not she’ll turn on you. And you know the promise has been kept And that’s the nature of the beast. You know her timing’s always bad. By Mother Nature once again

The weatherman sounds full of hope... But look! This cloud! It ain’t the same! He sometimes speaks the word monsoon. It carries color as it looms! He says “This heat’s just what we want” You peer southwestward once again And needed moisture’s coming soon. And you are giving hope some room.

Terry Nash is one of the most sought-out poets around, due to his creative ability to put words together and deliver them in a captivating way. A cattle raiser from the Grand Junction, CO, area, Terry knows what he’s talking about and he knows how to draw you into his stories. His tales are of the West not seen from an interstate or from the bleachers at a rodeo. He lives the life he writes about, and he’s a master at showing it to you. “Promise” comes from a cowman’s first-hand experience dealing with the major drought that the West currently suffers.

The WESTERN WAY Summer 2021 | 11 Cimarron Cowboy Music and Poetry Gathering August 27-29, 2021 | Cimarron, New Mexico

CimarronCowboyGathering.com

12 | Summer 2021 The WESTERN WAY The Western World Tour WWesternestern by Rick Huff W R O U RLD TO Western Music is most often acoustic in its core instrumentation. Tips? Comments? Ideas for the column, send to: Its lyrics are typically about the lives, loves, lore, locales, legends and Rick Huff, P.O. Box 8442, Albuquerque, NM 87198-8442 legacy of the old and new West, its peoples or Cowboying worldwide. or [email protected]

Well, here’s some news that’s fit to print! It deals with a potpourri including some robust changes that have come to TRUSA, a.k.a. Western-themed songs “TruckersRadioUSA.com!” Western changes. This came to from artists outside of my attention through an ad they placed in the Western Way the genre. Next come (hint-hint)!! When new co-owners Rex Allen, Jr. and The sounds from Western’s Farrells (Martha & Diamond W Wrangler Jim) picked up past and new versions the TRUSA reins from the late Ron Tyler, things “picked up” of classic songs, then there in a most productive way! he wraps with the self- “Western Music is a great fit for us,” says Jim Farrell. explanatory category “Truckers are concrete cowboys...keeping the commerce “New West!” And all going today. It’s the modern day cattle ‘drive!’” Co-owner/ five TRUSA flagship station Operations Manager Martha Farrell (who grew up in shows repeat during Jim Farrell and Rex Allen, Jr. her family’s radio business) adds: “With TruckersRadioUSA the week. we have a platform to help highlight the best in Western “Any genre has to be relevant in the times,” Jim Farrell Music. All of our hosts are performing musicians! They all says of Western’s consoling quality. “This is the perfect time wear Cowboy hats!!” One of those hatted hosts also serves for Western Music to be successful, (but) there is something as TRUSA’s President. Rex Allen, Jr. recalls, “When I got that any successful commercial genre of music does–make involved I felt (the format) was lacking a Western Music money for other people. There has to be commerce involved. presence. With the addition of Martha & Jim Farrell as Otherwise it should be considered a ‘hobby.’” That, friends, owners, the corporate offices have moved to Kansas and we really need to take to heart!! TRUSA’s philosophy may the Western presence on TruckersRadioUSA is increasing seem idyllic, but it’s not starry-eyed. Success is built on all the time!” numbers, and they know it. Beyond having heard from all You’ve surely heard the joke line that goes “I like both sorts of listeners across North & South America, Mexico, the kinds of music...Country and Western!” TRUSA is out to British Isles, eleven different European countries, Australia, prove their international audience of truckers and others The Philippines and the South Seas, TRUSA pads its hand will like far more than that! It’s a magic stew of 50s to 90s with proven audience boosters. Classic Grand Ol’ Opry Country, Americana, Bluegrass and liberal doses of Western. broadcasts are a weekend feature and there’s the daily report In addition to Rex, Jr.’s fine weekly hour of C & plenty of W, “Land Line Now” from OOIDA, the Owner-Operators longtime radio hosts Marshall Allen Bailey & Cowgirl Janey Independent Drivers Association, with its confirmed offer a custom version of their popular “Western Swing & listenership of 100,000!! TRUSA President Rex Allen, Jr. is big Other Things.” Western shows up on hosting legend Orin on the outfit’s potential. “We are exploring the sponsorship Friesen’s “Bluegrass From The Rockin’ Banjo Ranch.” Dipping of live Western Music starting in Kansas and expanding in for just a quick listen, we caught the Byron Berline Band’s outward.” Martha Farrell echoes that excitement and hints at superior Bluegrass take of Johnny Bond’s classic “Cimarron,” even more to come, saying “we think we could provide one written for the Jimmy Wakely Trio! Also on TRUSA brothers missing link in helping Western Music grow by connecting Roger & Leo Eilts (as “The Derrieres”) bring humor and artists with venues, then promoting and sponsoring those musical acumen to their eclectic “Americana Roadshow.” events around the country. I hope people will feel the heart The Eilts are two-thirds of 3 Trails West and the nucleus of in TruckersRadioUSA. I am constantly reminded of growing that popular hotel lobby jamming band at IWMA gathers in up in a family-owned radio station that was extremely Albuquerque! Martha Farrell affirms “My face literally hurts important to the local community. Well, now the world is our from smiling after an hour of their show!!” Then there’s her ‘community.’ We intend to make a difference!” husband “Tennessee Jim’s” hour “Full Gallop,” which may hold TRUSA’s greatest spread of Western. The first segment is Gee I love that kinda talk…

The WESTERN WAY Summer 2021 | 13 Chapter Update

the other IWMA chapters, the Colorado chapter is still here and hoping to bring new and fun opportunities for both performers and fans in the coming year. The chapter welcomes any ideas you would like to share. Please feel free to reach out to me at the email address above. ARIZONA CHAPTER Belinda Gail joins the jam. President: John Paulson COLUMBIA CHAPTER [email protected] evenings at El Tracadero and hope to President: Tom Swearingen We are still on hiatus with the Arizona resume our appearances at the Autry [email protected] chapter, but as you know, things are Museum. Our VP Scott Tonelson just Columbia Chapter members in looking more positive for having returned from performing at the Padre Oregon, Washington, Idaho, British meetings and events here this fall. Junipero Serra Riders, Las Tortugas Columbia, and farther afield wish Assuming that the positive trend Ride 2021 in south San Diego County. you all a happy summer. With recent continues, we should be back to Highlight of the 4-day weekend was a physical Chapter get-togethers and planning some chapter events by guest appearance by Rusty Richards. performing events not possible we’ve mid-summer. That’s the goal, so watch Seems like things can only get been meeting monthly via Zoom to for announcements. Until then, we better from here. Looking forward catch up and share songs and poems. sure hope to see our music and poetry to Albuquerque! Our most recent have allowed us to friends in Albuquerque in November. enjoy the talents of Scott Tonelson, Venessa Carpenter, Almeda Bradshaw, CALIFORNIA CHAPTER Bodie Dominguez, Ned Bodie, Mike President: Greg Khougaz Dygert, Jim Crotts, Barbara Nelson, Ted [email protected] Hunt, Tom Swearingen, the Notable Greetings from the Sunshine State! Exceptions, and Ed Wahl. We were Starting June 15, citizens will be also pleased to have several other allowed out to enjoy the sunshine. members and friends looking on. We’re starting to open but playing lots Meanwhile, as restrictions lessen and of Western music. Our monthly Zoom Rusty Richards with Scott Tonelson. vaccination numbers increase, we’re seeing it more and more likely we’ll COLORADO CHAPTER be able to get together in person President: Donna Hatton soon. We’re full steam ahead with [email protected] planning for our annual October As reported in an earlier issue for The meeting and Cowboys in the Hood Western Way, the Chapter has been concert in Hood River, Oregon. Fingers working on two shows. The first is crossed. Western music and classic July 31 in Florissant, Colorado at the country entertainer Marty Davis reports Florissant Grange. The Show with Lon from southern Oregon that after a Jammin’ again. Hannah is scheduled for September looooong dry spell (boy it sure has Guitar Circle and V-Jam Showcase 3 in Woodland Park at the Cultural been!) he’s looking forward to getting allow us to perform remotely and Center. The chapter is also making back to what he loves to do. Marty connect with IWMA members from plans for a November Thanksgiving has several upcoming county and state CA and other Chapters. See them on Show. A listing of the guest performers fairs booked for later this summer, Facebook or contact me to participate. will be on the IWMA Facebook page so with fellow Oregonian Daniel Hansen Performers are booking dates for later be sure to watch for the post! We hope supporting on bass. Meanwhile, Marty’s this year! Our Chapter Board held a to have more news in the next update, wife Kate is nearing completion of her potluck / jam to jumpstart normal life but we are working on making sure to book Legends of the Silver Screen and enjoyed each other’s company bring news and some more shows for Cowboys. Due out in the next few for the first time since the draconian our Chapter members. Like all of you, months it’s a detailed look at the lockdowns. John Bergstrom and Greg COVID left us a little ragged, but we lives and careers of the actors and Khougaz are resuming regular IWMA are working to get back on top. Like Continued on page 16

14 | Summer 2021 The WESTERN WAY TALES OF THE

WESTby Jim Wilson I suppose that one of the reasons that I enjoy studying old west history is because it is plumb full of interesting characters. A good example would be African-American cowboy Bill Pickett (1870-1932). Born in Williamson County, Texas, Pickett and his brothers started working as cowboys at a very early age. Somewhere along the way, they came up with the idea of putting on bronc riding exhibitions at rodeos and other gatherings, probably to supplement their meager cowboy wages. Finally, Bill came up with an idea that was guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser; he called it bulldogging. Bill would ride alongside a steer and drop onto its head and horns, much like you see today’s bulldoggers do. The only difference was, in this early version, he would twist the steer’s horns, turning its head up, and then bite the animal’s lip and fall back, thus flipping the steer. Yep, he bit the steer’s lip, just like a bulldog would do when working cattle! Bill Pickett got so famous with his technique that he was finally invited to join the 101 Ranch Wild West Show along with other performers such as Will Rogers and Tom Mix. Modern cowboys, lacking a taste for steer lips, SOMETHING TO modified the technique and made it a part of modern rodeo. THINK ABOUT... In the days prior to the first trans-continental railroad mail delivery across Do you remember western the country was a sometimes thing. However, in 1860, three men, Majors, actor Charles Starrett and his Russell, and Waddell, came up with the idea of hiring men on horses to run series of movies about the the mail, by relays, from St. Joseph, Missouri to Sacramento, California. Durango Kid? Starrett would ride They guaranteed that the mail would make this trip in only 10 days. They did it with 80 riders, 184 relay stations, 400 horses, and hundreds of support into town on a nice sorrel horse personnel. A 1/2 ounce letter cost $5 to send across the country. The Pony and discover that the bad guys Express was born. were running rampant. Quickly, Now, while all of this might sound like a doable deal, the owners did not take then, he would ride out of town into proper consideration that the various plains Indian tribes might object. and go behind a convenient, big Their riders were small in stature and weight. In addition, they rode special boulder. In just a moment, as the lightweight saddles, and only carried one small Colt percussion revolver in stirring music rose to a high level, .31 caliber. Their job was to run from trouble and get the mail delivered on he would ride out on a big white time. The owners probably didn’t fully consider the losses to Indians, the horse horse with Starrett all dressed in wrecks, and all the other stuff that it took to keep things going. In addition, black and wearing a black mask. they failed to understand that the public might think that $5 per letter was a The Durango Kid was ready to bit expensive for 1860. The Pony Express went bankrupt in 1861, after only do business. What’s really 18 months of service. But it forever became a part of our frontier history. amazing is that it never bothered One of the favorite musical groups of all time is Bob Wills & The Texas us 10-year olds. Nor did we ever Playboys. When studying that group, it is interesting to note that they did not try to figure out how he kept start out wearing western attire. In the early days, they dressed just like the other that extra horse and all that gear bands and popular orchestras. However, somewhere along in the 1930’s Bob hidden behind the big boulder. and the boys began to don hats and boots and really get with the cowboy image. Life was truly simpler when we About 1940, they also began to be included as the musical entertainment in quite were 10-years old. a number of B-grade western movies. From then on, it wasn’t just swing music; it was western swing and Bob Wills was the king of the genre. Continued on page 16 The WESTERN WAY Summer 2021 | 15 Chapter Update up the spring, he has released his TALES OF THE WEST latest album, number six for him, Continued from page 15 Continued from page 14 called Warm Breeze, featuring 15 tunes, mostly original, that reflect on At about the same time, Bob musicians who became on-screen the western lifestyle he is proud to singing cowboys, as well as what the represent. Mike Dygert, bass player bought a nice ranch and even had show biz environment was like at the from the far North reports that the ice visions of the Playboys all having time. Sounds like a “must read” for just went off the lake the other day, and homes on the ranch. He even fans of the genre. Singer and guitar that Alberta’s Canadian government bought horses for the entire band so master Scott Tonelson reports from COVID restrictions continue to prevent they could really enjoy the cowboy California that he’s working on a new traveling outside of home provinces lifestyle. Some of the performers, album to be titled Prairie Moon. In and in some cases outside of smaller like Tommy Duncan and Frankie May, Scott performed at a private ride/ Health Regions. They are struggling McWhorter (Larry McWhorter’s with rising COVID infections and with ranch event in the San Diego area, daddy) came from rural upbringings and he has a July road trip planned for the scarcity of vaccines. We join Mike in and could really get with the Oregon and Washington, and east to hoping this clears soon and once again Montana, and Wyoming. We are quite they can get on the road. Meanwhile cowboy thing, horses and all. The pleased and honored to now have Mike is working on new material and big problem, though, was that Bob four Canadian members – one from some virtual concerts. Take a look on also had band members who were each of the western provinces! BC’s YouTube for “Tom Cole Music” for a actually jazz musicians from places Ed Wahl, Mike Dygert from Alberta, number of them including the 2021 like Chicago and New York City. Geoff “Poppa Mac” Mackay from Virtual Cowboy Concert in celebration Those boys didn’t even know which Manitoba, and now singer Larry Krause of the canceled Kamloops Cowboy end of a cow gets off the ground from Saskatchewan. Larry has been Festival. Oregon’s Kathy Moss’ life is first and they weren’t altogether busy lately, having been selected to as busy as can be, but she’s making comfortable around horses. To do a full hour TV special with his band, progress on editing her latest novel make it even worse, some of them Timberline, for SasktelMAX, that is Red Roan. At last report she was currently being aired throughout the half the way through its 368 pages. were what we might gently call coverage region. As well, he was Montanan Almeda Bradshaw has an portly. The consensus was that Mr. invited to bring his brand of Western album titled Between a Horse and Wills had carried this cowboy thing music to a Saskatchewan Country Me in production with Aaron Meador much too far. Bob sold the horses, Music Association online Songwriters and Kristyn Harris. Fellow Columbia eventually sold the ranch, and just Circle, to be presented during the Chapter members Judy Cody and went on playing the best western SCMA Awards weekend. To wrap Jennifer Epps (Notable Exceptions) swing that anyone has yet heard. Continued on page 20

16 | Summer 2021 The WESTERN WAY FROM theT GATHERING & EVENT ORGANIZERS RAILWEIGH IN

WESTERN SLOPE COWBOY GATHERING IS COMIN’ BACK, BY GOSH!! By Terry Nash

WELCOME BACK! and grinning a little more. And less grumpy (which my wife It’s been a year now since the pandemic struck, and we’ve and the dogs are all in favor of.) all experienced much more than we probably thought. Events WSCG is making plans and moving forward. By early canceled, most postponed till 2021 (some even till ’22). As for November 2021 things are going to look pretty normal, if me, with every cancellation notice that came my way in late we have a say about it. And when our event is over, most Winter and into Spring, I stayed determined to “by gosh” keep of us will be packing the suitcases and loading up for our Western Slope Cowboy Gathering (WSCG) on course for Albuquerque and the IWMA convention! Stay positive 2020 and we’d have it as planned! Our annual first weekend of friends, there’s gonna be life and music and poetry after November event would NOT be cancelled! By Gosh! the pandemic! Well. As summer drew on and the Covid beast appeared ready to lift its ugly head and roar even louder come Fall, our local health department, in its wisdom, tightened up restrictions and essentially made it impossible to hold even our modified plans for an outdoor event. We agonized over the decision to cancel plans, but it made sense. WSCG, like so many other events had to cancel. The outlook could scarcely be bleaker. We met and made the decision to notify our line-up of 13 top-shelf entertainers that we’d thrown in the towel for now. In a good-faith gesture, and like other groups were doing, each person was mailed a check and a promise for “next year.” Covid effectively put us all in Notice ntil Further “time-out” and we endured a year-long nap. Closed U As for me, an organizer and performer, my mood ranged from grumpy to grumpier. Thank goodness my cattle and cow-work weren’t affected by restrictions and I could stay busy horseback and in the hay field. Being retired, life didn’t change much for me and Kat. Plus, I put a LOT fewer miles on the vehicles. We survived the staying home. So here we all are, a year later. Things are starting to look a little more positive. By the time this is printed, most all Americans will have had the Covid vaccinations or at least the option of getting them, and already this early Spring, restrictions are easing gradually. We’re seeing news of events being scheduled again and offers to perform are coming back. That has this old Cowboy Poet stepping a little livelier

The WESTERN WAY Summer 2021 | 17 In Memoriam

DAWN ANITA PLUMLEE (1942 – 2021) of the Year at the AWA and is nominated this year for 14 awards. Among her many accomplishments she was Dawn Anita Plumlee was also crowned Ms. Senior Oklahoma in 2017 and carried born in Shawnee, Oklahoma on on a love and talent for drawing and painting that she January 3, 1942 to Joe Dexter received from her mom. She was an active member of and Laverna Priscilla (Ewing) the International Western Music Association. Diffie. She passed away at her Preceded in death by her brother, Joe Riley Diffie, home in Alma with her loving she is survived by her husband, Gerald. family at her side on April 19, 2021 at the age of 79. Her first love she discovered DAVE BARNES (1936 – 2020) for horses began at the early age of 6 when she was privileged enough to get her first Pinto pony, Prontona, Dave Barnes, founder right off the Texas plains. They shared life together for of the British Archive of 32 years. Dawn Anita then met the love of her life and Country Music, began soul mate, Jerry Plumlee, at the sweet innocent age of collecting music seventy 15. At 16 she left a note on her pillow one morning and years ago, and managed to got on a bus to travel across the country to Seattle, WA grow his collection to over where they wed. They shared 63 wonderful and blessed a million records, from early years together, an unsurpassable pair. She wrote a book Dave Barnes, left, with Edison recordings to recent Gene Autry about their life journey entitled One More Last Chance. releases. His collection Dawn Anita’s other loves, music and entertaining, became the non-profit British Archive (BACM) and he also began at an early age. She started singing at the age managed it with the aid of friends, from a small bungalow of 7 in front of a crowd on Saturday nights with family in south-east England, near the white cliffs of Dover. and friends. She recorded her first album at age 30 and As a teenager, Dave was intrigued by Western music completed her last at age 79. Dawn Anita turned down and later, he remembered Foy Willing & the Riders of the an RCA contract when her children were in school but Purple Sage singing “Whoa Emma” in the 1951 movie, she never stopped pursuing her dream of making a Texas Carnival. Eventually, he located that rare recording mark in country music; after all, her Mom always told and included it on a BACM CD of Foy Willing’s music! her she was born with a songbird in her throat, and boy But in those early years, although a number of Tex Ritter, did she take that to heart. She has gained worldwide Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, Wilf Carter and Carson J. Robison acclaim as a country and western singer, songwriter and recordings were re-issued in England, there were too few performer. She has performed with numerous country such recordings available to suit young Dave. So in the 50s stars and received the Female Vocalist and Entertainer and 60s Dave began importing records from overseas and of the Year at the Oklahoma Opry. She has recorded he started writing about them in his own magazine, as professionally for 50 years with 17 albums in her he visited the London office of Decca records and others, repertoire, the last album having 5 songs recorded just 2 making contacts and finding new releases. His connections months before we said so long. About 4 years ago, Dawn and his collection grew, and BACM has now released Anita discovered social media. Just one click of a button over 670 CDs, going a long way toward Dave’s objective of and BOOM, Dawn Anita began a circle of musical keeping music alive that might otherwise be lost. magic. She came in contact with DJ’s, fellow performers, Only those discs that were already in the planning promoters, listeners and fans, many of who she was able stage have been released by BACM since Dave’s passing. to meet and who also became her very close friends. There will be no new projects, but Dave’s friends plan to The floodgates opened up and people everywhere, continue to make available for sale all of the BACM CDs all over the world, began to enjoy and appreciate her in the Archive, remembering Dave’s dream of preserving music. She has since won Western Female Vocalist the music.

18 | Summer 2021 The WESTERN WAY WAYNE E. HANSON (1950 – 2021) growing family, which quickly became his new passion in life. Wayne worked with Leslie in her thriving After a courageous uphill health and wellness home business where he enjoyed battle, our beloved dad passed the flexibility to spend time enjoying, nurturing, and into eternity less than three teaching life skills to his seven children. A jack-of-all- months after his diagnosis. trades, Wayne could often be found lending a helping Services were held on June 7 hand or imparting wisdom and knowledge to family, at St. Catherine of Siena friends, and even strangers whenever he had the chance. Catholic Church. An excellent singer from a young age, Wayne sang Wayne E. Hanson, beloved in the church choir wherever he attended Mass, most husband, dad, and grandpa, passed recently singing bass at St. Mary Catholic Church in from this world into eternity on Thursday, May 20, 2021 Eugene. Inspired by God to share his faith through song in at the age of 70. After being diagnosed with a glioblastoma his early years of marriage, Wayne formed One in Spirit, brain tumor on March 1, and subsequently experiencing a men’s Gospel quartet, and performed around the state. the rapid loss of his ability to walk, talk, and exercise his Eventually, all his kids learned how to sing harmony fierce independence, Wayne relied on the loving care of and his four youngest children developed their family and close friends until he suddenly succumbed exceptional instrumental and vocal skills and became to pneumonia symptoms. Wayne’s lively presence and known for their intricately woven harmonies. Wayne deep faith in God, which he shared with everyone around began actively promoting The Hanson Family music him, will be deeply missed by all who knew him. group and when the family won awards, both for Son of Elmer and Cecilia Hanson, Wayne Edward their live performances and the albums they released was born in Eugene, Oregon on October 24th, 1950. featuring their unique western music arrangements, After graduating from St. Francis Catholic High School Wayne’s dreams had come true. As the family expanded, in 1968, he pursued automotive painting, receiving he looked for opportunities to teach his grandchildren training at Lane Community College, and quickly music, lifelong skills and about his love for God. His became sought-after as one of the area’s most skilled presence will be deeply missed until, by God’s grace, professionals. As a young adult, Wayne owned many the whole family is reunited in Heaven, singing perfect classic cars, which he took pride in displaying at car harmony throughout eternity. shows after painting and detailing them with distinctive Wayne is mourned by his beloved wife of 48 years, stripes, flames, or lace-painted designs. two sons, five daughters, twenty-five grandchildren, two In 1972, Wayne married his sweetheart, Leslie, and brothers, one sister, and countless other family members gradually left his show cars behind to provide for his and friends.

The WESTERN WAY Summer 2021 | 19 with special guest Alice Black, for a duo Chapter Update concert at the Bixler 108 in Missouri, Continued from page 16 performing many songs from his newly released CD, “Range of the Buffalo.” Aspen and Alice were on tour in KS, presenting “The Singing Cowgirls” for library and summer school children, as well as community and senior living concerts. Micki Furhman is exploring Notable Exceptions bring the the idea of planning a chapter concert fun to West Fest. event in Nashville in 2022. As the country begins to open up, we look also continued doing virtual shows forward to reporting more western including the very successful West music and poetry activity from the East Fest with fellow chapter members Joni coast and beyond. Harms, and Jennifer Epps and Judy Coder’s duo Notable Exceptions raising Venessa Carpenter and JB Barber at KANSAS CHAPTER more than $50K for the charitable work St. Anthony’s Cowboy Gathering. President: Orin Friesen of the Foundation of the Rotary Club [email protected] bring their wonderful harmonies to the of East Portland. Carla Swearingen’s The Covid-19 issue has had a positive project. Young Idaho singer/songwriter third children’s book Flora is Curious effect on the Kansas Chapter. Since Vennesa Carpenter continues to host About Chickens is now being illustrated the pandemic began, we have done her weekly Instagram show Spurs by award-winning artist Elizabeth our meetings virtually, using Zoom. & Strings with invited guest artists. Zimmerman and will be available soon Our meeting attendance has actually Personal appearances have started up at HoofPickPress.com. And lastly, a increased. Those who wouldn’t for her as well, including Utah’s Cache reminder that our Columbia Chapter regularly attend the meetings, due Valley Cowboy Rendezvous and St. Youth Poetry Contest is up and running to time and distance constraints, Anthony’s Cowboy Gathering in Idaho. and taking entries through September are now able to join in, not only for Lonnie Shurtleff and his “Barefoot ‘n 1 on our website at IWMAcolumbia.org. the business meeting, but for the Bonafide” musical partner Marilyn have round robin, open mic following the been doing a live-steaming show every meetings. The Zoom meetings will Monday evening on Facebook, hence likely become the norm so when we the “Live at Five” moniker. They call do get together in person at events their music “Eclectic Americana” which like the western music open-mic night he describes as mostly old country and hosted by Annie Wilson in Cottonwood western swing with a bit of comedy Falls, it will be all that more special. and an occasional poem thrown in. Live music events are starting to come You can find the last 30 plus weeks back to life, as virus numbers continue on Facebook if you do a search for Design of the Buckle awarded to the to drop in Kansas. The Diamond W the duo. Their live appearances are Youth Poetry Contest Winner. Wranglers have scheduled a series starting up again and include a show of six summer concerts at the Prairie at the Bee Tree Folk School in Weiser, Check it out. And please encourage Rose Ranch, former home of the Prairie Idaho where Lonnie will also be doing young people that you know from Rose Chuckwagon Supper, where the a cowboy poetry workshop. Lonnie Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and British Diamond W Wranglers got their start (Lonnie the Eclectic Cowboy) has Columbia to enter. Custom trophy in 1999 as the Prairie Rose Wranglers. just booked nine weeks at the top buckles have been ordered for each The Wranglers, along with 3 Trails West, of the Wallowa Lake Tram in Oregon of the age groups for presentation in will also be featured performers at the continuing a run of several years, and October at our annual meeting and Gunfight on the Santa Fe Trail event on the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center has Cowboys in the Hood concert in Hood July 16-17 in Council Grove, KS. This invited him back for three shows and a River, Oregon. year is the bicentennial of the Santa Fe concert this summer. He’s also keeping Trails and lots of events are planned busy with his Shurtleff Music and EAST COAST CHAPTER along the trail in Kansas to celebrate Electronics doing amp repairs and the President: Aspen Black the historic occasion, including occasional guitar set-up from his shop [email protected] another concert on June 11 in Council in Eastern Oregon. Oregon poet Tom After over a year of “standing down” Grove headlined by Michael Martin Swearingen reports his live bookings members of the IWMAECC have slowly Murphey. That show will also feature a resuming with several appearances returned to performing and touring. performance by Annie Wilson’s band, coming up this summer and fall. He’s Kerry Grombacher joined Aspen Black, the Tall Grass Express String Band.

20 | Summer 2021 The WESTERN WAY Annie has also written the official song Queen.” The Four Aces, Dennis Russell, duo of Martin and Murray (Tim Martin for the Santa Fe Trail Bicentennial. Terry Nash, Dale Page, Floyd Beard, and Glenn Murray) of Comanche, TX. Kansas Poet Lariat, Ron Wilson is along with the Queen, Valerie Beard, Also included on the bill were former happy to report that private funds have have brought together an original IWMA OK vice president Ron Secoy been raised to support an intern to collection of cowboy poetry with lots and the family duet of Don Williams coordinate the Kansas Cowboy Poetry of photos in a hardback edition for and Lilly Anderson from Devol, OK. Contest and Youth Roundup. Both your reading enjoyment! Now that contests will be held virtually in 2021, some restrictions are starting to ease, starting this summer on a date that has many of us are beginning to venture yet to be determined. Ron continues out again into the Western music and to be busy doing his Facebook Live poetry world. Jim Jones, Doug Figgs, program, Live from the Lazy T Ranch, Mariam Funke, and Randy Huston are every Tuesday, as well as hosting the working on a documentary film about monthly Cattle Trails Showcase on Scottish Drovers and looking for a Zoom for the International Chisholm working cowboy who has family roots Trail Association. Chapter member, in Scotland. Dennis Russell and Dale Roger Ringer has released his latest Page are working on the Cimarron book, True Tales of Kansas. Orin Gathering which will be held August 27- Martin and Murray Friesen’s latest book, Honky Tonkers & 29 with a new venue and a great lineup Western Swingers: Stories of Country of performers. Hope to see you there or The IWMA Oklahoma Chapter lost one Music in Wichita, Kansas, has also been down the trail! of our most active members, Dawn released. There is an entire chapter Anita Plumlee (see In Memoriam in devoted to western music. OKLAHOMA CHAPTER this issue). Dawn’s music is still being President: Donnie Poindexter played on radio stations and shows NEW MEXICO CHAPTER [email protected] around the world. She left behind an President: Dennis Russell Members of the International Western outstanding number of friends and [email protected] Music Association’s Oklahoma Chapter fans. The Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame Hello from the New Mexico Chapter invaded the up-and-coming cultural/ is preparing a proclamation to honor of IWMA! As an update on the twice tourist area of Medicine Park, OK. Their Dawn Anita Plumlee. Dawn received monthly New Mexico Song and Poetry event, called Cowboys at the Roots her induction as a member of the Texas Corral Open Mic, we have begun a Ball, was a part of the town’s yearly Playboys and will likely be included in a New Mexico Showcase! Our first New Roots Ball which featured Americana/ book about Oklahoma Entertainers. Mexico Showcase was April 27. Floyd Roots music during the Memorial Day Beard was the emcee and shared weekend, May 28,29,30. This marked TEXAS CHAPTER original poems along the way, Steve the first year that cowboy poetry President: Cary Wiseman Jones wore many hats during his and music were added to the event. [email protected] delightful “international” performance, Medicine Park was established in 1908, Hello Y’all! I hope everyone is feeling The Ramblin’ Rangers (Bonnie and Brad two years after the initiation of the good with life getting a little more Exton, and sawyer, Bev Gray Russell) nearby Wichita Mountains National normal as more events are beginning brought their beautiful harmonies and Forest and Wildlife Refuge which to happen. We are excited here in included their award-winning song features historic wildlife such as buffalo Texas to see folks get out and enjoy “One More River to Cross,” Doug and longhorn cattle. Situated next to being social again. The Fort Worth Figgs was spotlighted for the remaining Lake Lawtonka and overshadowed Stockyards has really been busy as our very entertaining 30 minutes. If you’d by Mount Scott, the town is traversed performers have been able to see way like to see this Showcase, it is posted by Medicine Creek and forms the more people walking down the bricks on the New Mexico IWMA Facebook Bath Lake Swimming hole at its and stopping to listen to Music and page. Bobbi Jean Bell has graciously center. Cobblestone cottages, historic Poetry once again. We had some of emceed some of our Open Mics and structures and local artisans are a our IWMA Texas Chapter performers is excited to announce that she has part of the village charm of the town. entertain folks at Cowboy Swing. added two more radio programs to her Historically, the town is noted for the Among those performing were Kristen weekly broadcast schedule! Airing on likes of Will Rogers, Al Capone, Les Harris, Miss Devon and the Outlaw, www.BuyAmericanRadio.com founded Brown, Roy Rogers and the Texas Teresa Burleson and Hailey Sandoz. by Terry Brown, the “OutWest Hour” Playboys. Cowboys at the Roots Ball There was also The Salado Cowboy is heard Friday and Saturday at 12pm featured IWMA members cowboy Gathering that got folks out of the and “The Master’s Call” Sunday at musician and singer Dan Williams house to enjoy our western culture. 12pm and 4pm (PST). Just published from Rush Springs, OK, cowboy We have several music camps coming and available now is a new cowboy poet laureate Francine Robinson of up this summer in Texas and I hear poetry collaboration, “Four Aces and a Tecumseh, OK, and the cowboy music that some of our IWMA Youth Chapter Continued on page 41 The WESTERN WAY Summer 2021 | 21 2021 IWMA AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE NOMINATIONS

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA for Nominations can be found in The Western Way, Spring Issue (page 22) or on the Website, www.iwesternmusic.org

WESTERN ALBUM OF THE YEAR Nominate up to three (3) albums. Award for an outstanding recorded performance by an artist or artists released during the specified time period. The award recognizes the featured artist(s) and producer This is a juried award and will not appear on the final ballot.

Nominee #1: ______Nominee #2: ______Nominee #3: ______

COWBOY SWING ALBUM OF THE YEAR Nominate up to three (3) albums. This award is for an outstanding cowboy swing recorded performance which was either commercially released or showed significant chart action during the eligibility period. The award recognizes the featured artist(s) and the producer. This is a juried award and will not appear on the final ballot.

Nominee #1: ______Nominee #2: ______Nominee #3: ______

SONG OF THE YEAR Nominate up to three (3) songs. This award is for any song which was released or showed significant chart action within the eligibility period. The award recognizes the songwriter(s). This is a juried award and will not appear on the final ballot. Song: ______

Written by: ______Performed by: ______

Song: ______

Written by: ______Performed by: ______

Song: ______

Written by: ______Performed by: ______

WORKING COWBOY SONG OF THE YEAR Nominate up to three (3) songs. This award goes to a song recorded within the eligibility period that speaks expressly and clearly to real, authentic working cowboy life, historic or current. The award goes to the songwriter(s) and is based on lyrics, not performance. This is a juried award and will not appear on the final ballot.

Song: ______

Written by: ______Performed by: ______

Song: ______

Written by: ______Performed by: ______

Song: ______

Written by: ______Performed by: ______

INSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR Nominate up to three (3) instrumentalists. This award is for the instrumental artist who has shown an extraordinary mastery of his/her instrument(s) on recorded and/or in-person performance during the specified time period. The award recognizes the artist.

Nominee #1: ______Nominee #2: ______Nominee #3: ______

MALE PERFORMER OF THE YEAR Nominate up to three (3) male performers. Award for the outstanding male vocalist based on recorded and in-person performance. The award recognizes the artist.

Nominee #1: ______Nominee #2: ______Nominee #3: ______

FEMALE PERFORMER OF THE YEAR Nominate up to three (3) female performers. Award for the outstanding female vocalist based on recorded and in-person performance. The award recognizes the artist.

Nominee #1: ______Nominee #2: ______Nominee #3: ______DUO or GROUP OF THE YEAR Nominate up to three (3) duos or groups. Award for a group or duo who regularly performs together that has shown outstanding recorded and in-person performance vocally. The award recognizes the performing group or duo for their excellence.

Nominee #1: ______Nominee #2: ______Nominee #3: ______

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR Nominate up to three (3) entertainers. This award is for the performing act who displayed the greatest competence in all aspects of the entertainment field. Consideration will be given to recorded and in-person performance, public acceptance, attitude, leadership, entertainment value of performances, and over-all contributions to the western music image. The award recognizes the entertainer or group.

Nominee #1: ______Nominee #2: ______Nominee #3: ______

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR Nominate up to three (3) songwriters. Award for outstanding songs written in the past year by a songwriter(s). Commercial release and number of songs recorded during the year are to be considered. The award recognizes the songwriter(s). This is a juried award and will not appear on the final ballot.

Nominee #1: ______Nominee #2: ______Nominee #3: ______

LIZ MASTERSON CRESCENDO AWARD Nominate up to three (3) individuals or groups. This award is for a group or individual, under 21, having made considerable advances artistically and/or commercially during the eligibility period. The band or individual should be performing under its/his/her name on a regular basis. The award recognizes the group or individual artist.

Nominee #1: ______Nominee #2: ______Nominee #3: ______

RADIO DJ/RADIO PROGRAM OF THE YEAR Nominate up to three (3) radio DJs/radio programs. This award recognizes outstanding service to western music in the field of broadcasting. The recipient will be judged for contributions to the field western music, professionalism, work and involvement in the western music community, and promotion and fostering of the western music image. Beginning in 2020, this will be a juried award and will not appear on the final ballot.

Nominee #1: ______Nominee #2: ______Nominee #3: ______

COWBOY POETRY ALBUM OF THE YEAR Nominate up to three (3) albums. The purpose of this award is to recognize outstanding achievement on writing, reciting and recording original Cowboy Poetry. The award recognizes the poet. This is a juried award and will not appear on the final ballot.

Nominee #1: ______Nominee #2: ______Nominee #3: ______

COWBOY POETRY BOOK OF THE YEAR Nominate up to three (3) books. The award recognizes the author. This is a juried award and will not appear on the final ballot.

Nominee #1: ______Nominee #2: ______Nominee #3: ______

MALE POET OF THE YEAR Nominate up to three (3) male poets. This award is for the person who exhibits the ability to write original Cowboy/Western poetry or verse, who writes or expresses himself with imaginative power and beauty of thought, language and form. He performs original work but may occasionally perform the work of others to live audiences who showing the ability to enable audiences to develop a deeper understanding and appreciate of the Western lifestyle and history (with accuracy) through his performance.

Nominee #1: ______Nominee #2: ______Nominee #3: ______

FEMALE POET OF THE YEAR Nominate up to three (3) female poets. This award is for the person who exhibits the ability to write original Cowboy/Western poetry or verse, who writes or expresses herself with imaginative power and beauty of thought, language and form. She performs original work but may occasionally perform the work of others to live audiences who showing the ability to enable audiences to develop a deeper understanding and appreciate of the Western lifestyle and history (with accuracy) through her performance.

Nominee #1: ______Nominee #2: ______Nominee #3: ______

Member Signature: ______Printed Name: ______

Ballot must be postmarked or emailed on or before September 5, 2021 to be counted: IWMA Awards, PO Box 648, Coppell, TX 75019 or [email protected] In The Spotlight... by Marvin O’Dell

…The Cochise Cowboy Poetry and Music Gathering Music Association online Songwriters Circle to be presented (CCPMG, Sierra Vista, AZ) survived the pandemic and held during the SCMA Awards weekend. To wrap up the a virtual live performance at the AZ Folklore Preserve, along spring, he has released his sixth album called Warm Breeze, with videos from multiple artists. They are planning a full featuring 15 tunes, mostly original, that reflect on the performance gathering for February 4-5, 2022, which will western lifestyle he is proud to represent. be their 30th Anniversary! They hope to see many friends reunited again at the event. …Continuing to work on his new EP, Mike Mahaney recently finished recording a couple of the songs to be on the …Juni Fisher has been teaching songwriting classes via project. The album will be titled Soul Soil of the West. Zoom for the Walnut Valley Festival’s online extension. Also, author/illustrator/True West Magazine editor Bob …Tom Swearingen and Carla Swearingen have much Boze Bell and Fisher have teamed up for a project to to celebrate including their 43rd Anniversary in May, produce a novel and graphic novel with the working title full vaccinations, Tom’s live performances resuming, of The Education Of Dixxy Diamond. Juni’s been staying in and a return to in-person family gatherings including central California since January, schooling her mare Reydio frequent hugs and kisses with their granddaughter Flora. Airplay for upcoming cutting horse competitions. Carla’s third children’s book, Flora is Curious About Chickens, is now being illustrated by award-winning …Joe Brown has entered into a new career that continues artist Elizabeth Zimmerman and will be available soon at to produce awards and recognition. As an author, he HoofPickPress.com. has received three awards from writing contests over the past several months, including a first-place award from …Mile After Mile, the latest album by Carol Markstrom, SouthWest Writers for his memoir “Hey Coach.” was released in June. The album includes eleven new originals and one cover song, with this album being the …IWMA Kansas Chapter President Orin Friesen has just most personal collection of songs from Carol. The album released his new book, Honky Tonkers & Western Swingers: was recorded by Merel Bregante at Cribworks Digital Audio Stories of Country Music in Wichita, Kansas. Though stories of and produced by Carol with Seth Maynard. western and western swing performers are scattered throughout the book, one chapter is devoted entirely to western music. …Yampa Valley Steve (Jones) is flying south for the winter. After releasing a new album in February (The Lump of Coal …Jim Jones has not been sitting idle. A co-write with [Hope’s Diamond]), he will be spending November 2021 Randy Huston, “Don’t Say Goodbye to the Cowboy Way”, through early May 2022 in Casa Grande, AZ and, of course, received the Western Writers of America 2021 Spur Award will be bringing his music with him. for Best Western Song. Also, the second children’s book in his Bolo the Brave series with illustrator Kamee Young …Glenn Parker is back in the Nashville recording studio will be published soon. His novella, Scarecrows, will be Cinderella to complete vocals on his new project to be titled released this year by Five Star Publishing as part of a four- Country and Western. There is no release date as of yet. piece anthology called Perilous Frontier. All this while Jim is Glenn is still working on the road with Grand Ole Opry Star finishing up a solo album to be released this summer. Gene Watson.

…Larry Krause has been pretty busy lately, having been …The Writer’s Block radio show, hosted by Jim Christina and selected to do an hour-long TV special with his band Bobbi Jean Bell, had Dave Munsick as their guest recently Timberline for SasktelMAX. Also, he was invited to bring to discuss his new book Songteller: Notes From The Road. his brand of western music to a Saskatchewan Country Also, Gary Holt interviewed him about his Songteller CD on

24 | Summer 2021 The WESTERN WAY his Equestrian Legacy show, and he will soon be featured on …The new album fromChris Mortensen is titled Ride RFD’s Equestrianation in a documentary about legendary My Pony. The CD contains 16 songs, eleven of which are horseman Buck Brannaman. In the meantime, Dave has Mortensen originals. been playing fiddle with his sons while borrowing applause from their sold-out crowds. …The western swing bandThe Brazos Valley Boys have new CD titled Swingin’ Our Way with guest stars Ray …Montana folksinger/songwriter Britt Arnesen just Benson of Asleep at the Wheel and Rex Allen Jr. The CD released her new album, a collection of original and favorite contains tunes from all the musical genres that comprise bluegrass gospel songs called Move in Closer. The album western swing music. features her regular collaborators from the Montana band Pinegrass as well as guests Isaac Callender, Elijah …Micki Fuhrman (IWMA East Coast Chapter/Western Jalil, and Matt Sircely. You can check out the band at: Wordsmiths) is at work on a western album in Nashville, https://907britt.bandcamp.com/album/move-in-closer. as yet untitled, with a release date of late summer/early fall. The project is produced by award-winning …Canadian western singer, Abe Reddekopp, is currently keyboardist/arranger Ron Oates and will feature surprise documenting his musical journey. As of now, there is no guest artists. publishing or release date. …In April, Kerry Grombacher released Range of the …Doug Figgs is recording a new album. Yellow Horse will Buffalo, a collection of twelve original western songs, be released sometime this summer. including two duets with Aspen Black. Fully vaccinated, he will resume touring with June shows in Arkansas, Missouri, …A few years ago when Annie Tezuka was relearning how and Kansas, including appearances with Aspen and to play the guitar after joining IWMA, she was told to “go Alice Black who will be on the road for Summer Reading find another instrument to play.” Not for that reason but programs at libraries. because of her great love of the Scottish and the Irish music, she purchased a tinwhistle during the COVID lockdown. …There’s an empty cot in the bunkhouse. The western music (She says she couldn’t afford the bagpipes.) Annie says and humor duo of Los Bunkhouse Boys is mourning the she is currently having a blast learning how to play it. Wish loss of Juan Carlos Fonseca. JC passed away of natural her luck. causes in early May. Once again Cisco Jim will ride the ranges solo. Cisco resumes his role this summer as Town …The Dan Canyon Band is busy polishing up the Marshal at Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton, CA. new tracks they have recorded recently. They have also established a weekly songwriting session at their …RW Hampton will be a featured part of a new film rehearsal barn in Arlington, WA. Several new titles have on Netflix later this year. In the film, Peace River from come from these sessions. FaithWorks Pictures, RW plays a high school rodeo coach and a preacher. A faith-based movie, Peace River is the story …KC LaCourse is creating a music video for the song of a champion rodeo cowboy and special forces soldier who “Lookin’ For One Good Cowboy”, written by Baxter Black is crushed by war and personal loss and must draw on faith and sung by Susie Knight. The release via YouTube, and the “cowboy way” to reclaim his will to live and the love Facebook, and Instagram was in June. of his life.

…The ladies duoNotable Exceptions (Judy Coder & …Congratulations to Youth Chapter member Maria Jennifer Epps) has added their talents to several new McArthur who graduated from High School in May. releases. For the new Lori Beth Brooke release, Texas Star, Judy added a harmony yodel, and Jennifer provided graphic …Almeda Bradshaw is excited to be teaching her 14-year- design; Jim Winters called on the two for harmonies and old granddaughter to play bass this summer – especially graphics on his upcoming solo release; the next album from because Payton is coming to live near Almeda permanently Almeda Bradshaw will also have Notable harmonies. with her mom in Billings, MT.

The WESTERN WAY Summer 2021 | 25 2020 IWMA AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE POETRY JURIED AWARDS FOR CD AND BOOK

The IWMA Board of Directors announced the 2020 Music Juried Awards in the Spring issue. Now, we are pleased to announce the 2020 Poetry Juried Awards. After considering all material that was eligible for 2020, the 2020 committee is pleased to announce the recipients.

2020 POETRY BOOK OF THE YEAR

IT’S A TIE!!

Good Medicine – Reflections Read Two Poems and BY TOM SWEARINGEN Call Me in the Morning BY DOC MEHL

26 | Summer 2021 The WESTERN WAY 2020 IWMA AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE POETRY JURIED AWARDS FOR CD AND BOOK

2020 POETRY CD OF THE YEAR WINNER

A. K. MOSS They Come Prancin’

NOMINEES

MARLEEN BUSSMA SHERL CEDERBURG TERESA BURLESON TOM SWEARINGEN Snow on the Sage Born to Ponder West Texas Heat Language of the Land

The WESTERN WAY Summer 2021 | 27 THE CURE

BY DAKOTA LIVESAY prostration, acute nervous pain and breakfast allow your husband to read insomnia. the newspaper without interruption. Understand, mind you, I am just After breakfast sew a little in your reporting medical information. own room. Read as much as you The good doctor says he has women please. Walk long distances if you patients who regularly come to him are strong enough. Do not make any with these symptoms. He says the cure calls. At dinner talk all you please, but is to stop talking. The doctor says, spend a quiet evening. Exercise a little “They waste their nerve tissue as fast self-denial. It will be hard at first, but as I can supply it, and they are on the if you persevere you will succeed, and verge of hysterics and acute nervous your nervous system will get rest.” pain all the time.” According to the doctor, men don’t Over a hundred years ago there He continued, “Now, the other day a have this problem. They merely worry were doctors who were nerve woman who is troubled with insomnia themselves into insanity or complete specialists. In 1894 one nerve came into my office. She told me loss of brainpower. specialist reported a cure he had about her troubles, and her tongue ran The article concludes with a discovered for nervous prostration like the clapper of a farmhouse bell at testimonial from a patient. “Why, and insomnia. dinnertime. I thought she never would doctor, I haven’t been nervous enough According to the San Francisco let up. Finally, I stopped her. to fly since I began to try your queer Chronicle on December 8, 1894 a “Now, listen to my prescription,” he prescription.” prominent nerve specialist maintains said. “Go home and keep still. Don’t Again, I’m merely a reporter of that he has the cure for nervous talk. Time your tongue waggings. At medical fact.

Dakota Livesay is the host of a daily and weekly syndicated radio show with five million listeners per week. He’s also the publisher of Chronicle of the Old West, a monthly newspaper comprised of actual 1800’s newspaper articles. In addition, he writes a weekly syndicated newspaper and Internet column called This Week In The Old West.

Earsradio.com KZNQ, Santa Clarita, CA AROUND The CAMPFIRE The Country Campfire The Country Campfire “Songs for, by and about the M 11am – 2 pm W 10 pm – 11 pm Cowboys and the Western Way of Life!” SA 6 am – 9 am Around the Campfire Around the Campfire TU 10 pm – 11 pm TH 10am – 12 pm TH 10 pm – 11 pm and SU 1 am – 3 am

The COUNTRY CAMPFIRE KKRN, Redding, CA “Where you hear REAL Country Music!” The Country Campfire SA 10 am – 11 am WITH MARVIN O’DELL [email protected] TIMES ARE CST AND AIRTIME MAY VARY

28 | Summer 2021 The WESTERN WAY A BULL STORY

Back in the early ‘80’s my family was living on an old his old skip loader, figuring to hoist the beast up in the air so homestead in northern Los Angeles County three miles off the we could get the hide off. The batteries were dead, so we went end of the county road. I got to be pretty good friends with Val over to my place to get jumper cables. We got back to his who was also living there and getting ready to retire and move. place and got the loader started. Now it was 90 degrees. As a going-away present, the owners gave him an old bull that Val stuck a couple of hooks through the bull’s hocks, ran was on the ranch. Val was planning a retirement party and a chain through, and we hoisted him up in the tree and went figured that old bull might make some good barbecue. to work. The hide was coming off good until we got down to Val asked me if I would help him butcher it for half of the the neck. We were both standing on the hide and whackin’ meat. All it would cost me was half the cut and wrap. Sounded away with our big Bowie knives when one of those hooks like a good deal even if that old bull didn’t have much fat on straightened out. Down came the old bull right smack in him, but I figured he would make some fair hamburger. the dirt. I was working the graveyard shift in the oil patch, so when The temp was up to 100 by then, and I was about ready I got home about 9AM one morning, my wife said Val had to call the whole thing off and just use the loader to dig a big called for help with the bull. I was settin’ down to breakfast hole and bury the whole mess, but Val was undaunted. when he called me again. He said he shot and killed the bull We hoisted him up again, then cut the head off, Val came but there was a problem. He had dropped the bull in the draggin’ a garden hose to wash the thing down. We laid the bottom of a deep arroyo. bull out on a tarp in the back of my pickup and I headed for This was in the middle of June. When we headed out, it town. Val had to go to work, so I was now on my own. When was about 11AM and the temperature was in the 80s. We I pulled in behind Bill’s Butcher Block, it was a little after took my pickup cuz the plan was for me to take the carcass to 2PM, temp now 102. town to the butcher for the cut and wrap as soon as we got it Bill said, “That hanging rail won’t hold a whole animal. dressed out. You’ll have to quarter him up.” He loaned me a saw and a When we got to the bull, I was surprised to find out that couple of knives, and I went to work. There wasn’t any shade though he had bled him out, he hadn’t gutted him, so the bull or a breath of a breeze, and I must say I was sufferin’ some by was startin’ to swell up. We got that little job done and then the time I finished. backed up to a bank and slid the bull into the back of The butcher called the next day and said about a third of the pickup. that bull was spoiled. I told him to save what he could and The road out of there was steep, and we spun out on the grind my share as hamburger. When I got the meat home first try. I backed her down and took a big run at it and just the wife mixed some of it in with spaghetti. It wasn’t too bad barely made it over the top. We’d bounced around coming except for the occasional rock or sand but my family refused out of there at a fair rate of speed, and my baling wire tie- to eat it. I wasn’t too crazy about it myself, but we didn’t have down on the battery broke loose. The battery bounced out to buy dog food for quite a spell. and fell into the fan. It made a heck of a racket, and I started We went to Val’s party, and lookin’ over the meat on the to slow down. Ol’ Val was yelling, “Don’t stop!” Easy for him “barby”, the long-grained and stringy meat wasn’t hard to to say as it wasn’t his truck. We stopped anyway and got recognize and it tasted just like shoe leather. The more you things straightened out. Only bent the fan a little and spilled chewed, the bigger it got. The chicken went purty fast, but some battery acid. the bull didn’t. I often wondered what he did with the rest of Half an hour later we rolled into the ranch house yard and his share. I didn’t ask; but he had a couple of dogs. I reckon it parked in the shade of a big tree. Val climbed up in the cab of didn’t go to waste.

The WESTERN WAY Summer 2021 | 29 IWMA 2021 “All Roads Lead to Abluquerque” NOVEMBER 10-14 H HOTEL ALBUQUERQUE AT OLD TOWN

Preliminary Schedule

WEDNESDAY, November 10

10:00 am–8:00 pm Ticket Sales, CD Check-In, Western Wear Boutique, Vendor Check-in 12:00–1:30 pm Opening Lunch Celebrating Rex Allen’s 100th Birthday 1:45–5:00 pm Showcase Performances 7:00–10:00 pm Swing Dance Syd Masters & The Swing Riders Tonight’s Swing Dance is dedicated to the memory of Ray Rutherford

THURSDAY, November 11 8:00 am–7:00 pm Ticket Sales, CD Mercantile, Western Wear Boutique, Vendors 8:30 am–5:00 pm PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS Coffee with the DJs – Totsie Slover 20 Ways To Make Sure You Don’t Get Airplay – Marvin O’Dell Social Media 101: Branding Yourself – Angela Meyer Yodeling Workshop – Devon Dawson & Friends Me and Billy – Ralph Estes Introduction to Western Swing/Jazz Rhythm Guitar – Grace Clark 10:00 am–4:00 pm Showcase Performances 5:00–6:30 pm IWMA Silent Auction & Reception 6:30–9:00 pm IWMA Benefit Dinner & Concert Featuring 3 Trails West & The Trailhand Orchestra

30 | Summer 2021 The WESTERN WAY FRIDAY, November 12

7:30 am–6:00 pm Ticket Sales, CD Mercantile, Western Wear Boutique, Vendors 8:00 am–9:30 am IWMA Chapter Officers Roundtable 8:30 am–4:00 pm IWMA Youth Chapter Meeting & Workshop 9:45 am–1:45 pm Campfire Stage 2:15 pm–5:00 pm Development Stage 10:00 am–5:00 pm Showcase Performances 1:00–2:00 pm Beginning Rhythm Guitar Workshop – Ernie Martinez 2:00–3:00 pm Advanced Rhythm Guitar Workshop – Ernie Martinez 3:00–4:00 pm The Ukulele & Western Swing – Judy Muldawer 7:00–9:00 pm IWMA Friday Night Western Opry

SATURDAY, November 13

7:00–8:30 am Veterans Appreciation Breakfast 8:45–9:45 am IWMA Membership Meeting Open to all current and future IWMA members 10:00 am–5:00 pm Ticket Sales, CD Mercantile, Western Wear Boutique, Vendors 10:00 am–11:30 am IWMA Poetry Contest 11:45 am–12:45 pm IWMA Youth Chapter Showcase 1:00–5:00 pm Performer Showcases 1:00–1:45 pm Harmony Contest 3:00–5:00 pm Team Penning Competition 6:30–10:00 pm IWMA Awards Show

SUNDAY, November 14

9:00 am–12:00 noon Ticket Sales, CD Mercantile, Western Wear Boutique, Vendors 9:00–11:00 am Sunday Morning Gospel Concert

HOTEL RESERVATIONS: Call the hotel at 866-505-7829. To receive the group rate of $130 per night, request a room within the “International Western Music Association” block of rooms or use the Block Code 21IWMA. You may also register online using the special IWMA website: https://gc.synxis. com/rez.aspx?Hotel=63151&Chain=17123&arrive=11/9/2021&depart=11/10/2021&adult=1&child= 0&group=21IWMA

NOTE: Reservation cut-off date is October 19, 2021. After this date, any remaining rooms within the block will be on a space available basis.

The WESTERN WAY Summer 2021 | 31 IWMA 2021 TICKET PRE-ORDER & MEMBER REGISTRATION November 10-14 – Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town Return to: IWMA | P. O. Box 648 | Coppell, TX 75019 Email [email protected] | Call 505-563-0673

Name ______Spouse or Guest Name(s) if attending ______Company or Group Name (if applicable) ______Address ______City/State/ZIP ______Country______Phone ______Email ______

IWMA MEMBERS ONLY o Check if this is your first time to attend! MEMBERS NON-MEMBERS o Basic Package $75/person $85/person (includes ALL workshops and daily showcases; does NOT include evening shows) o Sidekick Package $225/person $250/person (includes workshops, showcases and all ticketed events) $425/couple $495/couple o Silver Spur VIP Package $350/person $450/person (includes workshops, showcases and reserved seating for all ticketed events) $575/couple $695/couple o Golden Spur Sponsor Package $600/person $700/person (includes workshops, showcases, reserved seating for all ticketed events $900/couple $1,050/couple

WEDNESDAY o Opening Lunch with Rex Allen, Jr. # of tickets ______$35/person $45/person o Swing Dance # of tickets ______$30/person $40/person

THURSDAY o Workshops (included in all packages; please indicate which # of tickets ______which you will attend) o Coffee with the DJs # attending ______o 20 Things You Need to Know to Get Airplay # attending ______o Social Media 101: Branding Yourself # attending ______o Me and Billy # attending ______o Yodeling Workshop # attending ______o IWMA Benefit Dinner & Concert # of tickets______$50/person $60/person

FRIDAY o Instrument Workshops (included in all packages; please indicate which you will attend) o Introduction to Rhythm Guitar # attending ______o Advanced Rhythm Guitar # attending ______o Ukulele & Swing # attending ______o IWMA Friday Night Western Opry # of tickets ______$25/person $30/person

SATURDAY o Veterans Appreciation Breakfast & Program # of tickets ______$35/person $45/person o Check here if you would like to sponsor a veteran # of tickets ______$35/person $45/person o Check here if you are a veteran….there’s no charge for your ticket! o IWMA Awards Show # of tickets ______$35/person $45/person

TOTAL DUE $ ______Payment Information o Check/Money Order enclosed o Credit Card o Visa o MasterCard o American Express o Discover

Credit Card Number ______Expiration Date ______

Name on Credit Card ______

Some space is limited so order tickets early! Cancellations after October 31, 2021 cannot be refunded. BEHIND THE STUDIO DOOR with Bryan Kuban

“DIATONIC...IT IS A METAL CONDITION NOT A MEDICAL CONDITION”

One of the ways I broke into the music scene as a young The Moment My Music Vocabulary Was Expanded man is I would get hired to play the bass in studio sessions. My good friend sat me down in the control room and pulled I was very fortunate to play bass for an incredibly talented out a pencil and paper. He said pay attention, this is easy: and published artist/songwriter. He was very connected Diatonic by definition means al notes, scales (modes), and with a music publishing company and because of this I was chords in a key signature. blessed to play on many recordings that he produced. There are 12 notes in music: “The Dreaded D Word” A * A#/Bb * B * C * C#/Db * D * D#/Eb * E * F * F#/Gb * G During these sessions the musicians would normally * G#/Ab * track all the parts together in the studio spaced out between 7 Natural tones: different rooms or Gobo’s (Dividers). Back in the last A * B * C * D * E * F * G = The White Keys on the Piano Millennia we didn’t have fancy cell phones or laptops that we could access to find our information quickly. We had 5 Enharmonics: to rely on previous education or ask a question like, “What A#/Bb * C#/Db * D#/Eb * F#/Gb * G#/Ab = The Black does that mean”? and sitting in a room full of the area’s best Keys on the Piano and most educated musicians is not the ideal place to show Every key signature has 7 notes and you can find every note your weakness. I was a bit insecure being the youngest and in the key based on this pattern: least experienced player in the room and I did not want R * W * W * H * W * W *W * H anyone to question my abilities. Most of the time all my The Natural Major Scale is the Key scale in most major parts were written and I was on the gig because of my solid songs, and we assign a number to every letter from first to reading skills. last in that scale. One day during a busy day of recording, the artist wanted C * D * E * F * G * A * B * C to add a song that she had just written to the session. She R * W * W * H * W * W * W * H told us that she did not have any music for it, but it was easy. R= root note W = Whole step H = Half step It was “Diatonic.” 1 * 2 * 3 * 4 *5 * 6 * 7 * 8 (octave) This was the moment that shook my world. I had no There is an order of chords starting from 1-7 idea what that meant. I always assumed that it was some 1 2m 3m 4 5 6m 7dim very complicated formula that only a jazz player could C Dm Em F G Am Bdim or Bm7b5 understand. I could read a fly dipped in ink walking across Major minor minor Major Major minor a bass clef staff, but the word diatonic meant nothing to me. Diminished/minor She told us the key and the piano player told me the song was a ballad based off that key and then he rattled off some Based on this information, chord progressions are much numbers. I was completely lost and when we started playing easier to understand. the song, everyone was looking at me like I was a bad piece For example, based on information above. The1 * 4 * 5 * 4 of fish. progression is C * F * G * F or the 1 * 6 * 5 * 4 progression is Luckily my friend who hired me for this project C * Am * G * F approached me and said “Do you know what Diatonic means?” There was a silence in the room that was full of This was a game changer for sure and once I learned the anticipation as all the musicians looked at me. I finally next step of understanding modes in a key, my mind was swallowed my pride and told the producer the truth. I set free. To this day when I see a musician or songwriter told him that I had no idea what Diatonic meant. All the struggling with this same dilemma, I always reach out to musicians in the room chuckled but not in a mean or them and explain it to them the same way it was explained dismissive way, they were amused that I had done so many to me. I understand what they are going through. I hope this recordings with them in the past and really had no formal information is helpful; any feedback is welcome. You may theory education. contact me at bryankuban@gmail com. The WESTERN WAY Summer 2021 | 33 A MUSICAL NOTE AND REVIEWS FROM O.J. SIKES

To submit your CD for review, send to: O.J. Sikes, 681 Ellington Road, Ridgewood, NJ 07450 Required: Album cost, S&H cost, Address, Phone Number | Questions? You can email O.J. at [email protected]

THE FORGOTTEN STARS

ost of us are familiar with star who sang on screen and he singing cowboy because he sang a few of the actors who opened the door for those who were “My Tonia,” in In Old Arizona in became famous “singing more musically accomplished. 1928, the earliest Western movie with Mmovie cowboy” stars: Roy Rogers, Others with musical talent sound. Singing bandleader Smith Gene Autry, Rex Allen, Monte Hale, launched careers in the years that Ballew starred in five B-Western films Tex Ritter, Jimmy Wakely, Dick followed, notably Ken Curtis, who before semi-retiring from films to Foran and Eddie Dean. But did you landed a contract with Columbia, work in the aircraft industry. know there were at least that many but that didn’t happen until the After Gene Autry created the more who sang on screen but whose 40s and he had two things working mold for the singing cowboy movies stars weren’t quite as bright? Their against him. First, his plots were that were to come, a number of names might not be as familiar as not as strong as those of his other actors and movie studios those whose images appeared on competitors, and there was little for sought a piece of the action. Some, the covers of comic books and song the front row kids to enjoy (waiting like Gene Austin, made only one books and underneath ice cream cup for Ken to sing just wasn’t a strong movie before throwing in the towel. lids, but they had their followers back enough attraction to hold a young But there were others who had fairly in the day. audience), but second, Columbia successful series. Few remember The divide between the super stars recruited Gene Autry away from them today, but some of their films and the rest isn’t as clear-cut as it Republic Studios after the war, and have survived and are still available might seem. For example, few people the Columbia executives figured they on DVD. These included John who have heard his voice would didn’t need more than one singing “Dusty” King, James Newill, Bob label Ken Maynard as a “singing cowboy. So Ken didn’t make it to the Baker, George Houston and Bill cowboy star” (with apologies, his top as a singing cowboy, but he did Boyd. Boyd was not the William singing voice sounded awful) but get to the top later, first as a singer Boyd who portrayed Hopalong he convinced the boss of his movie and then as an actor. Cassidy; instead, he had been a studio that music should be added to There were others who came Western Swing bandleader in Texas. B-Western movies. He was probably along in the early 1940s, a few In sum, there was a lot going on the biggest cowboy star in Hollywood years before Curtis, who made very from the mid-1930s to the mid- when Gene Autry was invited to make popular “shorts” (short B-Western 1940s, but much of our knowledge his screen debut in Maynard’s feature films that had music as a central part about many of the stars of that era film, In Old Santa Fe, in 1934. He of the film). The two most noteworthy faded over the years as the shadows allowed Gene to be billed as “The stars of that format were Tex of those who became “super World’s Greatest Singing Cowboy” Williams and Ray Whitley. stars” got longer. If you would be on posters promoting the film. And And there were singing cowboys interested in knowing more about the the film proved pivotal in Gene who only made one or two singing forgotten stars mentioned above, let Autry’s career. So, regardless of where cowboy films, like Warner Baxter, me know and I’ll try to address that you put him, Maynard was a super- said to have been the screen’s first in the next issue.

34 | Summer 2021 The WESTERN WAY RED RIVER DAVE SINGS FRANKIE MARVIN SINGS HOW GREAT THOU ART “AMELIA EARHART’S JIMMIE RODGERS AND Roy Rogers and Dale Evans LAST FLIGHT” OTHER SONGS JASMCD3781 Red River Dave Frankie Marvin This new JASMCD3559 BACMCDD668 Jasmine release Yodelling If you consists of cowboy think back to two of Roy & Red River the movies Dale’s highly Dave had a Roy Rogers sought-after remarkably and Gene religious interesting Autry made LPs, Sweet Hour of Prayer, recorded career. between the in mono for RCA Victor in 1957 Among other 1930s and and The Bible Tells Me So, recorded things, he made one B-Western 1950s, you probably remember in stereo in 1962 for Capitol, plus 4 movie and several musical shorts, two faces that appeared on screen “singles” as bonus tracks. The bonus made one of the world’s first regularly in so many of those movies. tracks are Roy’s “Goodnight Prayer” television broadcasts (via an I didn’t know their names at the and “Cowboy’s Prayer,” “Jesus experimental station at the World’s time, but, in my mind, they were Loves the Little Children” and “Have Fair in 1939), and built a career closely associated with the stars. You Read the Bible Today” by Roy largely by focusing on event songs, Long afterward, I discovered that and Dale, originally released by like this CD’s title song. my assumptions were more accurate the Golden Records label, and all But except for the title song than I had dreamed! produced under the guidance of and the classic story song, “Little In the Roy Rogers movies, the Mitch Miller. Red Caboose Behind the Train,” face was that of Hugh Farr, long-time You may remember the Golden the songs in this collection are folk fiddler with the Sons of the Pioneers. or country songs, e.g., “She’ll be In Gene Autry’s movies, the face Records label, but it’s not likely that Coming ‘Round the Mountain” belonged to steel guitarist Frankie you have any surviving copies of and “Letter Edged in Black,” and Marvin. Frankie was in almost all those discs. They were made for Western songs. It opens with of Gene’s motion pictures! And he children, and they were remarkably “Back in the Saddle Again” and continued to work with Gene after sturdy, but few survived the wear and continues with “Empty Saddles,” the movie days were over. tear of youngsters unskilled in the “Home on the Range,” “The Last You see, Gene and Frankie had care of 45rpm discs. The CD liner Roundup” and some that are less been friends since they met in the contains beautiful reproductions of well-known but, for me, interesting late 1920s when Gene first went to the original sleeves that held the discoveries, e.g., “Wagon Trail” NY in search of a record contract. 45s, as well as both LP covers. The and “Little Dogie Stray.” At least Oklahoman Frankie and his brother rarity of the Golden sides, skillfully one, “Her Name was Rosita,” is Johnny were successful vaudeville restored, makes this a particularly closely associated with Dave, and entertainers and recording artists, important CD. his Western swing renditions of based in NY. They befriended Gene But you’ll find that this collection “What is Life without Love” and at that crucial time and they remained is more than a few rare sides. Roy “You’ll Always be My Sweetheart” friends for life, accompanying Gene Rogers and Dale Evans thoroughly are among my personal favorites to Hollywood when Gene landed a enjoyed singing the songs on this in this collection. He’s in especially movie contract in the mid-30s. CD, and they were good at it. The good voice on the latter. Frankie’s solo recordings are songs from the LPs are among Paul Hazell compiled and rare, but BACM has collected 26 the best-known hymns of the last annotated this Jasmine release. of them for fans to enjoy on this century. If you feel good when you It’s been out for a while but is still new CD. With one exception, reach for the hymnal in the back available from your favorite CD they are not strictly Western, but of the pew in front of you, you’ll source. here’s your chance to hear what probably experience the same was getting rave reviews in the late feeling when you play (and sing 1920s and early 30s. Available from along with) this CD. Widely available BritishArchiveOfCountryMusic.com online or your favorite CD source.

Continued on page 45

The WESTERN WAY Summer 2021 | 35 To submit items for review, send to: Rick Huff, P.O. Box 8442, Albuquerque, NM 87198-8442. Include: Album cost, S&H cost, Address, Phone Number. We also recommend you furnish a land source (Address or PO Box) as well as Online sources for obtaining product. Submitting a CD or Book for review does not guarantee that it will be reviewed or that a review will be published. Finalized CD or book cover art must accompany the work and be unsigned.

JOHN BERGSTROM BRAZOS VALLEY BOYS THE DAN CANYON BAND “Grandpa’s Yard” “Swingin’ Our Way” “Canyon Songs” As is Yes, it’s Applying generally the those “Brazos the classic case with John Valley Boys!” points of Bergstrom’s The band criticism (what releases, founded are the artists the new one seventy-five trying to say, features years ago do they say it his earnest, by Hank well and is it congenial vocals over rustic, vintage- Thompson and, since his passing in worth saying), let’s criticize. feel accompaniments...“vintage” if this 2007, headed up by Morey Sullivan. More than trying to say it, The Dan time you don’t count the trap set and The pedigree of that opening Canyon Band’s leader specifically one electric guitar among the acoustic sentence tells you the quality of the says “we are a modern cowboy instrumentation. product you will find here. band trying to bring something new I’ve said before that Bergstrom This is sheer Western Swing art with to the Western Music genre while pretty much rides the vocal range of a perfect mix of the boot scooters’ honoring the past.” Done. Moving a Burl Ives. The album consists of favorite tempos, placed in the ideal ahead, this Washington State group’s eight of his originals and three covers. ratio of fast to slow. Added incentives instrumentation consists of electric Picks from that latter group are Bill to bring this collection into your own and slide guitars, bass, steel and Staines’ “Sueno” and Hank William’s’ “collection” are guest appearances drums in a Country Rockish mix. If blues/swing number “Mind Your Own by Asleep At The Wheel’s Ray Benson you’re good with that, you’re good Business.” Bergstrom-authored picks (“That’s Life”) and a Rex Allen, Jr. duet with them. Some of it rocks and include “Evening Shadows,” title track with lead vocalist Sullivan (“Midnight/ some of it swings. All seven of the “Grandpa’s Yard” and I would have Brain Cloudy Blues”). The remainder Dan Canyon originals and his co-write added “Ghost Of The Sierras” and of the CD’s tracks are “Blues For done with Cindy K. Roberts “Those “Rancho San Raphael” to the list, but Dixie,” “Do Nothin’ Till You Hear Ears (The Mule Song)” are graced with I am not sold on the arrangements. I From Me,” “This Masquerade,” relevant lyrics and are well sung and assume I should lay that at the feet of “Hallelujah I Love Her So,” “In The played. Also notable are the songs Producer/Performer/Mixer Terry Wilson. Wee Small Hours Of The Morning” “Still Playin’ Cowboy,” “I Always Did Both songs call out for a loping rhythm, and the band’s set closer “I Love Want A Job Where I Could Wear My but I think the focus may have been Being Here With You.” Twelve tracks, Cowboy Hat” and “Nothing’s Too on insuring dancers had a beat to work twelve picks! Good For A Cowboy.” with. I will say the occasions where If you require it, here is one more As to the album’s technical the sing-along style vocal backups are stellar reason to buy. All proceeds production, we remain unconvinced employed do work. from its sale are earmarked for the particular types of vocal filtering Overall, Bergstrom’s fans should find KIND, Kids In Need Of Defense employed in the name of “something enough in “Grandpa’s Yard” to cheer (supportkind.org). Need I add, very different” elevate the material to a them. Eleven tracks. highly recommended! higher level which, we assume, is CD: $15 check or MO from John CD: $15 + $5 s/h through the point of the exercise. In other Bergstrom, 20312 Rue Crevier #635, brazosvalleyboys.com and through words, just because an artist who Canyon Country, CA 91351 amazon.com goes by “Megan Thee Stallion” might

36 | Summer 2021 The WESTERN WAY use them, it doesn’t automatically troubadour since the 1990s. Gromacher make some computer effects GABRIELLE GORE also knows how to write and produce “Westernware.” Nonetheless, within “I See You” effectively structured, engaging the framework of everything stated There was a songs that are grounded in history or above, we’ll still recommend it. The time in Western tradition, maybe with just a dash of band and their material are worthy of Music history Kerouac thrown in for flavoring. your consideration. Eight tracks. when songs His newest release features works written between 2002 and 2018. CD: (Information and samples through that mixed love Included are songs of personal facebook.com/thedancanyonband) matters and Cowboy doings experience and poetic perception (other than lusty (“Highway 281”), lingering effects of admiration of Wrangler butts) were history and contemporary contexts basically nonexistent. One of the only (“Ghosts Of War” and “The Outlaw prominent exceptions to the rule was Trail”) and consequences (“When The DAWN ANITA the Vaughan Horton standard “Ridin’ Bullet Left The Gun”). More picks Hidin’ Teardrops In My Heart.” But in include the title track “Range Of The “Singing Cowgirl Rides Again” 18-year old Gabrielle Gore, we might Buffalo,” “We Rode The River Til The A mix of have a burgeoning songwriter who will River Ran Dry” and an important and new Dawn change the equation. introspective song “Badger” that Anita originals, A number of the strong songs on sums up a lurking fear known acutely co-writes and Gore’s Country-styled premiere release to those who are trying to perpetuate best-of’s from are co-writes with her able producer and Western Music in particular. Also on the past awaits songwriting mentor Royal Wade Kimes, hand are two duets with Aspen Black her fans in this who puts in an uncredited appearance that were featured on her own release collection. On on the CD closer called “The Owner.” of a couple of years back, and they are the CD’s newly recorded tracks, she Album picks here include the Spanish- picks here as well. Longtime musical displays a certain Dale Evans quality. tinged title track “I See You,” the gentle confreres of Grombacher’s provide In her earlier featured work, I would waltz “Saddle The Wind,” “Arizona guitar, accordion, mandolin, bass, draw a Joan Baez comparison. Either Skies,” the rodeo song “He’s My Hero” piano and drum enhancements. way, she’s in pretty good company! and a take-that attitude song “Style.” Know going in this is not an album Her original song “Dawni & Cloud” Some previous Country releases aimed at casual or background (written about a cousin of her hubby’s) with Western content almost seem to listening. It demands your attention, is an album pick, as are co-writes apologetically let the Country content and it deserves to receive it. Twelve “The Whole World Needs A Hero” usher in the Cowboy, apparently tracks, recommended. (done with Canada’s prolific Mag assuming Western radio DJs will find it CD: Available through kgrombacher.com Mawhinney), “Midnight Cowboy” and the Country folks won’t mind it. It’s a (written with Dean Charles), her family situation that generally causes a subject co-write with husband Jerry and segregation, making such CDs musical daughter Priscilla Plumlee “Trucker Half & Half. With Gabrielle Gore’s “I See And The Cowboy” and “Kay-Yah You,” vocally and technically the blend is SUSIE KNIGHT Chicksha” (w/ Carol Markstrom). Pick cream. Ten tracks, recommended. “Lookin’ For One Good Cowboy” (Single) covers include session singer/player CD: Available through gabriellegore.com Rita Smith’s “Drifter” and Gary Sefton’s Yep, we’re pair “Spearfish South Dakota” and reviewing “Misfortune’s Own Sons.” Also the singles and return of her take of Stan Lebowski & EPs now, Herb Newman’s classic “The Wayward KERRY GROMBACHER thanks to the Wind” is a welcome inclusion. “Range Of The Buffalo” download Dawn Anita’s releases have Over the world! always been elevated by superior years songs The rowdy, session players, and the new one is of Kerry ride-‘em-and-rope-‘em vocal style no exception. This artist has been Grombacher of Susie Knight is very right for this through the wringer health-wise have been Ragtime-type release by Baxter Black. over the past year or more, so her covered by And ‘by Baxter Black” is the way to appreciative audience will surely some of say it, for it was his vision with his rejoice that this “Singing Cowgirl Western Music’s words, music and wallet that brought Rides Again” for them here. most prominent practitioners. The it about. The award-winning Arizona CD: Available through dawnanita.com man has been a touring professional Continued on page 38

The WESTERN WAY Summer 2021 | 37 RICK HUFF’S REVIEWS standard “If I Hadn’t Seen The West,” CHRIS MORTENSEN Continued from page 37 Jack Murphey’s “Lights Of Cheyenne,” Lisa Aschmann & Tim Bays’ fun swinger “Ride My Pony” poet/singer called the award-winning “Long Arms Of Love” and Brian For Chris Colorado poet/singer and asked her Sutton’s non-Western but memorably Mortensen’s to record the song. Then they booked instructive song “The More I Learn.” newest effort, an appropriate group of players to Simply stated, Dan McCorison & ten former give it the proper gusto: Kit Simon friends have delivered a little gem with bandmates (rhythm guitar), Andy Hall (dobro), this one. Thirteen tracks, very highly and current Jack Thorp expert Rex Rideout recommended. friends “join” (mandolin) and Greg Garrison (bass). CD: Avalable through danmccorison.com the Utah The result is a nifty novelty with plenty balladeer by means of Sire Studio of look out boy she’s comin’ atcha and iPhone XR. The latter is in part panache! a Covid-caused necessity, so the “Lookin’ For One Good Cowboy” presence here of the first Western should garner plenty of airplay on the song I have encountered that deals Western-friendly shows, which will MARK MUNZERT with a Covid restriction seems make it show up in the IWMA Western additionally appropriate (“Clown Airplay chart, fer shure!! Watch for “Pensive ‘n’ Playful” Without A Rodeo”)! download opportunities. Inquiries can A straight- On alternating tracks in support of be directed to [email protected] forward Mortensen’s forthright vocals and his or [email protected] Cowboy guitar, bass and harmonica work are Poetry acoustic and electric guitar, drums, collection banjo and dobro. Overall the result awaits you in is a sparse, jam-like feel. If I were to Mark Munzert’s name a pick track or two, I would new one. He probably cite “Ridin’ High” and the DAN MCCORISON gives you the titles, then gives you the novelty song “I Wish I Was Sam “Me and Les” poems...no muss, no fuss! Munzert’s Elliot.” Maybe I’d add “Ain’t Comin’ Considering quicker portraits get in and out with a Back” in there, too. that this release purpose, and when he chooses to tell Mortensen’s fans know what to contains three a story he tells a good one, original expect from him, and I suspect they co-writes with and worthy. will feel they get enough of it here to the inimitable Rhythmically...and by this I mean satisfy. Sixteen tracks. Les Buffham listening straight through from one CD: Available for $15 ppd from Chris and another work to the next…I will say for my ear Mortensen, PO Box 405, Paradise, UT song dedicated the tracks are a bit tightly packed. I 84328 to friendship with him, obviously Arizona prefer to have a few more beats to singer-songwriter Dan McCorison register what I’ve heard. But “what feels ‘Les is more.’ That, of course, is a I’ve heard” here is sturdy stuff. Picks simple fact of nature! include “Don’t Worry We’ll Get McCorison’s primarily acoustic Through” for its scope, “High ‘n’ Low” NINETEEN HAND HORSE accompaniment is tastefully executed for its spare yet strong images, “Peril” by five musicians who contribute for...nope, y’better experience it for “Revel” twelve instruments (counting Dan’s yourself, “Cougar” for the opposite Despite own guitar) to the mix. Picks from the reason than “Peril,” “Kneaded Relief” the name McCorison solo writes are the title and a fine horse moment, “Mustang “Nineteen track tribute “Me And Les” and “Dust Sally” a more than pensive broken Hand Horse,” Of Los Angeles” for its interesting horse spirit, “An Old Cowboy Would” the effect juxtapositions. Pick co-writes are for sheer originality and “Great of this band the three McCorison/Buffham Unexpectations” for his picture of the is likely as songs “Welcome To Wickenburg,” kind of day poetry can best portray. far removed “Wyoming Dreaming” and “Riding As a performer, Mark Munzert may from my genre subject matter as Out To Meet The Day.” As picks not be the “actor” some are, but he’s any I have ever hauled aboard! So among the covers, we’ll name most of more Poet than many. Twenty-four why are they here?? In the tracks them! A swinging, adroitly arranged tracks, recommended. there are flashes of Western imagery take of Frank Loesser’s “Jingle Jangle CD $15 ppd through telling other stories (“19 Hand Tale” Jingle,” Joyce Woodson’s modern markmunzertcowboypoet.com and “Ghost Train”) and certainly

38 | Summer 2021 The WESTERN WAY some of it Swings (“Fete Ginette” you realize the wrenching struggle verses that resulted. Technically and “Just Another Honky Tonk that is!! he’s good at endings. He’s also Night”). Maybe it’s because their Here is a frisky single from the good at openings. Okay, let’s just press release reveals the group’s accomplished young swinger Carlos bring the middle parts along for the first rehearsal as a band included Washington...genuine cowboy, ride as well!! working out the harmonies of the former PRC Bull Rider and Team Smith has frequently been an Sons Of The Pioneers’ “Tumbling Penning Champion who continues invited keynote speaker at various Tumbleweeds!” And maybe I just to ranch on land that spans events, so you can rightly assume really like what they do! southern Colorado into northern he has some valuable thoughts to Western helped inspire them, New Mexico. This treatment of the offer. He offers quite a few here. but then they forged their own Dennis Anderson/David Sexton Sixty-two poems on 195 pages. trail. In fact, that can be said of song “One Way To Swing” could Definitely recommended. all their professed influences: convince us deep truth lies in that Book: $12.95 US 16.95 CAN through Blues, Jazz, Bakersfield Country, title, due to players like session austinmacauley.com/us Rock, Swing and, yes, Western. I producer Ernie Martinez (electric spotted the Peter Gunn-inspired Eastman archtop and Gibson ES137 pad under “Ghost Train” before guitars), Hailey Sandoz (fiddle), Jim having it confirmed in their notes! Fischer (electric upright bass) and CORRECTION Lead singer Nathalie Archangel Daniel “Quiz” Quisenberry (drums). Darn it!!! Hopefully this and bandmate/co-writer/husband There’s room on this track for those sidebar isn’t destined to Mark Montijo have a shared history talents to work out nicely. It is sure become a regular feature of music industry frustrations as well to make you hungry for more...which here! From one Spring Issue as their “fall-back” occupations we’ll have to hope will show up review (Hot Texas Swing as First Responders. Their before long! Band) came a faux pas or band’s debut CD “Revel” is rife Song: Available for purchase and two. My transcribing of band with attitude and hefty helpings download on Spotify, Apple Music vocalist Selena Rosanbalm’s of genius. For the musically and Amazon good name managed to go adventurous, it’s one heck of a trek! Ten tracks. south. Light print on a dark background is not my friend. CD: Available through Then it seems HTSB leader nineteenhandhorse.com Alex Dormont twice fell victim B.J. SMITH to an Auto Correct that wasn’t “A Saddletramp Soliloquy” “dormant,” thinking it knew (Book) best. For these two breaks ISBN 978-1-6453628-1-4 with reality, ‘sorry and ‘sorry! In approaching CARLOS WASHINGTON’S this book (or Continued on page 40 STEEL HORSE SWING perhaps in forming conclusions based “One Way To Swing” on its title), you (Single) should remember Initially that a saddletramp when they just may have a began being background that goes beyond SAVE issued, I mere “tramping.” THE DATES resisted As a Cowboy Poet, B. J. Smith reviewing drags more than calves to the releases of branding fire for your consideration. IWMA2021 single songs In groupings or chapters entitled ALBUQUERQUE, NM and two to six-song EP s, preferring “Mom & Dad,” “Coming Of to wait for the forthcoming albums. Age,” “The Mounties,” “The Ski NOVEMBER 10-14, 2021 But in the age of downloads... Patrol,” “Buddies,” “Horse Trails,” and COVID 19...it appears some of “Creation,” “Events” and “Just IWESTERNMUSIC.ORG those songs may not be destined For Fun” Smith traverses the arc of for inclusion in larger projects. his multifaceted life through both 505-563-0673 Therefore, I reluctantly change with descriptive prose chronicling his the times. And if you know me, inspirations, followed by the artful

The WESTERN WAY Summer 2021 | 39 HUFF REVIEWS Continued from page 39 Classic Profiles SOUNDS FROM THE PAST (Recordings From Our Great Western Treasury That Deserve a New Spin) BY RICK HUFF

We’re proud to say that more artists are creating and performing Western Music these days than at any other time in its long and illustrious history. Its legacy includes others who have helped to fortify the trail that Western artists of today continue to ride. So that they might be properly saluted, let’s take a fond look back at some of those Western performers and albums from the past. It could be said these people are from our rank and file, but their work ranks high and shouldn’t remain filed away. In some cases, you might find their releases available from aftermarket or collector sources. Others might now have been prepared for download through sites. In every case you will find the work should continue to be celebrated, heard and enjoyed.

conditions, somehow it felt different. In 1997 Evans stepped into PRICKLY PAIR There truly was a palpable lessening producer Gene Breeden’s Nashville “Saddle Up and Ride” (1998) of The Force. studio and plied his clear, melodious As “Prickly My standing recommendation for baritone voice to rendering twenty Pair,” Les you is to jump on any opportunity you performances packaged under the & Locke may encounter to acquire Prickly Pair title “The Cowboy Collection,” an Hamilton releases. It might be by download exemplary mix of Western standards, advanced or maybe by physical release. Your originals and contemporary covers. our Western day and your music library will be the A top crew of Music Row session genre through better for it. players was utilized to polish the outstanding final product and it stands as a musicianship and their own lasting tribute to its creator. entertaining style of educating Particularly fine versions of “Tyin’ that remains unsurpassed. Their Knots In The Devil’s Tail,” “Ridin’ wonderfully annotated albums were Down The Canyon,” “Windy Bill,” always a balanced blend of superior KYLE EVANS “Ol’ Double Diamond,” “Texas original songs, covers of contemporary “The Cowboy Collection” (1997) Plains” and a nifty surprise ending works, classics and various discoveries His music song from the pen of Sterling of theirs from around the Cowboy publishing Whipple “Silence On The Line” are World that helped their audiences company (and just a few of the collection’s many better appreciate origins and roots. his band) both standouts. Six of the album’s twenty The duo’s debut release “Saddle bore the name tracks are Evans originals and include Up and Ride” marked my introduction “Company some that have since been covered to Prickly Pair & The Cactus Chorale, Cowboy.” by others: “The Hustler,” “Legend and I remained saddled up for each Likely that Known As Casey” and particularly subsequent release. Whether on resulted from his firm belief in working “In Heaven On A Horse.” If there CD, on the stage or heard over a for the brand. The genuine South is any justice, that is where Evans PBS affiliate, Locke’s creamy, warm Dakota cowboy born Kyle Edwin now finds himself. Word came to us lead vocals with Les’ harmonies and Fagerhaug was best known to a whole some time after the fact that his life accomplished fiddle work always legion of Western fans as Country/ had been cut short in a tragic 2001 made listening to them an embracing Cowboy singer and songwriter Kyle motorcycle accident. But Kyle Evans’ experience. We have certainly Evans. Across the course of a twenty- reputation remains strong among experienced loss of superb artists in plus year career, he played more that those who ever heard him at one of the past, but when Locke Golliher 600 rodeos and even more one nighters the major stock shows, rodeos or any Hamilton lost her gallantly fought and dances. In 1969 he even showed of the other music and poetry gathers battle against competing health up on the Lawrence Welk Show!! he graced. 40 | Summer 2021 The WESTERN WAY as Ron Secoy, Dove Schmidt and Chapter Update Rocky Sullivan. Check the sister FB Continued from page 21 page, Cowboy Poetry Gatherings (anasuptodateasIcankeepit) for a officers and members will be reporting listing of gatherings and events. back on what they learned. We need Floyd Beard releases Horse Tales to all support our youth performers so And Cow Trails. Find your copy at that our western music and poetry lives www.floydbeardcowboy.com or contact on forever. IWMA Texas Chapter hopes Floyd Beard at Short Grass Studios, Carla Swearingen’s childrens books. that Independence Day and National P.O. Box 124, Kim, CO 81049. Enjoy the Day of the Cowboy are safe, happy and Poetry! We are glad to see so much enjoyed by many. Happy Trails from more happening in the way of events Texas! and gatherings and equally happy to continue to preserve and promote. WESTERN WORDSMITH CHAPTER Hope our trails cross soon. President: Mark Munzert [email protected] WYOMING CHAPTER Newly launched, The Western Way President: John Sidle Hour radio show with none other than [email protected] SUSIE KNIGHT, here to for known as Tom Swearingen with Joni Harms. Summer is a’coming on up here in the Saddlebag Lady. Catch it, Tuesday Wyoming and with it, the resumption evenings 7pm MST at coniferradio. dubbed West Fest and performed of music gigs for our singers and cow- com. With the help of Teresa Burleson poets. After a long homebound spell, and spurs of Margaret Savoini, MISKA alongside: Joni Harms; and the Notable Exceptions. After over a John Sidle’s calendar is full and he is PAGET is recording her first CD. “The rarin’ to go picking and singing. He has poems are selected, I have a dear year’s meetings, discussions, writings, and proofings, a bound collection found that adding poetry to his song friend who is a local cowboy musician list refocuses the audience’s attention. to provide guitar accompaniment, and of cowboy poetry. “Four Aces and a Queen.” The four aces, Floyd Beard, Poems with “zingers” for endings such Dennis Russell, Terry Nash, and Dale as Wayne Nelson’s “Snowville” and Bill Page, have teamed up with Queen Jones “Answered Prayers” are most Valerie Beard to bring you our original collection of cowboy poetry, these verses will give you insight into those who made new trails and found some of those trails plowed under. Contact your favorite poet to get on the list. Check out Cowboy Poetry Week. Cowboy Poetry Facebook Page (11,900 Members, 1,000 engaged daily) John Sidle at Coach. featuring PIC ‘N’ POEM, offering 30 Miska Paget poems in 30 days. Page administrators effective! With the demise of masking the studio is just waiting for me to include Western Wordsmiths: and social spacing in Jackson Hole, firm up dates”. TOM SWEARINGEN GEOFF ‘Poppa Mac’ MACKAY who the world-famous Stagecoach Band reports he is “pleased and honored coordinated this effort; Peter ‘PW’ again, like the Phoenix, rose from to learn that” his poem ‘Steens Conway; Smokey Culver; Lynn Kopelke; the ashes of its year-long hiatus. This Mountain Cow Camp’ was included in Duane Nelson; Mark Munzert; as well Sunday dance and drink party has a KBOO Community Radio program been a fifty year plus tradition in the paying tribute to Central and Eastern town of Wilson at the foot of Teton Oregon. From CARLA SWEARINGEN, Pass. Wyoming Chapter members great read-to books for the youngins will have an opportunity to showcase in your brood. Flora is Curious brings at the Wyoming Discovery Days illustrated ‘curious’ stories to life. Festival in the wild western town of You can find Carla’s works (and Tom Thermopolis. The event, held on Swearingen’s REFLECTION Cowboy August 7-8 at Hot Springs State Park, Poetry book) at hoofpickpress.com. will be a weekend full of great music, Tom also participated in a fundraiser local history, storytelling and loads for the East Portland Rotary club Duane Nelson Continued on page 45

The WESTERN WAY Summer 2021 | 41 Recommendations Book Reviews

Ollie Reed, Jr. To have your book reviewed by Ollie, send a copy to: Ollie Reed, Jr., P.O. Box 2381, Corrales, N.M. 87048 or contact him at: [email protected]

Two nonfiction books delve into two different topics – poker in the Old West and Western lawmen who were also outlaws. But since there was often a thin line in frontier towns between gambling, gunplay and graft, it’s no surprise that historic figures such as Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, John Wesley Hardin and John Selman show up in the pages of both books.

RALPH ESTES Estes, an IWMA member and wounded. That story about the Newton past president of the New Mexico shootout is not all that well-known, but “Aces and Eights: Poker in the chapter, knows poker, having played many of the other stories associated Old West” it “for over 25 years in casinos, living with the Western icons mentioned Estes gets right rooms, garages, and bars.” In this above will be familiar to people to the point in book, he tells the story of the game in devoted to Old West history. his introduction the West, including the lies, legends Personally, I was more fascinated by when he writes and exaggerations as well as facts the later chapters in the book in which that many big as they can best be determined. He Estes touches on U.S. presidents who names in Old writes about a Jim Bowie gambling played poker and the development of West history were adventure on a Mississippi riverboat the game in the 20th Century due to gamblers first (probably a tall tale) and about Wild the influence of Texas-born gambling and gunfighters Bill Hickok’s murder at a Deadwood, organizer, criminal and casino-owner (and sometimes South Dakota, poker table (hard, Benny Binion and roving, professional lawmen and brothel owners) second. bloody fact). poker players such as Doyle Brunson, “Without poker, the West would All the West’s gunfighting gamblers T.J. Cloutier, Johnny Moss, Sailor have developed, of course, but we (Earp, Bat Masterson, Luke Short, Roberts and Amarillo Slim. The World wouldn’t have had so many of the Hardin, Holliday) and sassy poker Series of Poker was born at Binion’s characters that gave it such color, dames (Lottie Deno, Dona Tules, Horseshoe casino in Las Vegas. notoriety and even celebrity,” he Amanda Payne, Madame Mustache, Also valuable are the book’s writes. The author even suggests Belle Siddons) are here. appendixes which detail card games that professional gamblers helped So are explosive incidents such as played in the Old West, modern poker cowtowns, mining towns and railroad an August 1871 blowup in a Newton, games and how people cheat at poker. towns develop faster than they might Kansas, saloon that started with a have otherwise because of the action man getting shot in the back of his (“Aces and Eights: Poker in the they stirred up. “Inevitably there were head as he sat at a card table and Old West,”9781493049622; fights, shoot-outs, and killings that drew continued as an 18-year-old, two- paperback, 224 pages; $18.95; reporters, authors, and photographers. gun kid blazed away at the assassin TwoDot; available at amazon.com, The ensuing publicity fed outsiders’ and his compadres. When the kid, his barnesandnoble.com, ebay.com, curiosity and drew them to those towns, guns empty, walked out the saloon booksamillion.com and other causing growth to follow.” door, he left behind six dead and seven outlets.)

42 | Summer 2021 The WESTERN WAY MELODY GROVES Some of the renegade lawmen Groves captured. Brown was shot dead while writes about were no better than hired trying to escape a lynch mob. “When Outlaws Wore Badges” killers, hit men for special interests In a letter to his wife, written from Referring to such as big ranchers. Others turned his jail cell before the lynch mob arrived, Lincoln County to rustling cattle or robbing banks and Brown wrote “Maude, I did not shoot (New Mexico) trains because, as Groves notes, they anyone, and did not want the others to kill Deputy Sheriff Bob were poorly paid or not paid at all, anyone; but they did, and that is all there is Olinger, Rebecca relying on a percentage of the fines levied about it. Now, good-bye, my darling wife.” Olinger wrote, “Bob against those they arrested. Groves has done a fine job of was a murderer The case of Henry Newton Brown research and manages to boil down the from the cradle, is especially tragic. As a young man, sometimes complex lives of her subjects and if there is a hell Brown rode with Billy the Kid’s faction into short, digestible chapters. hereafter, then he is there.” during the Lincoln County War, earning Just one quibble. Because the lives Rebecca was Bob’s mother. Olinger a rep as a hot-tempered, hair-trigger of some of these men are intertwined, was a thug, a murderer with a badge and gunman. Wanted for murder for killings Groves repeats incidents she has written a member of the posse that shot down that occurred during the Lincoln County about in previous chapters. Nothing merchant/rancher John Tunstall in cold violence, Brown went to Texas and then wrong with that -- except that on a couple blood in February 1878, touching off the settled in Caldwell, Kansas, where he of occasions she does so using the exact deadly and infamous Lincoln County War became town marshal. same words for several sentences. That that made Billy the Kid an enduring legend. Brown was respected and well- gave this reader a strange feeling of déjà It was the Kid who settled Olinger’s liked in Caldwell. He didn’t drink, use vu. “Seems like I read that somewhere hash, killing the brutish deputy as tobacco or gamble. He went to church before. Oh yeah. Page 53, in the Hoodoo he escaped from the Lincoln County and did a good job as marshal. In 1884, Brown chapter.” Courthouse in April 1881. Since he he married a college-educated woman died in the line of duty, Olinger’s and bought a house. But he had debts (“When Outlaws Wore Badges,” name is included in the National Law his new wife did not know about. In 9781493048038; paperback, 164 Enforcement Officer’s Memorial in April 1884, Brown, his deputy and two pages; $18.95; TwoDot; available Washington, D.C. I have a gut feeling other men attempted to rob a bank at amazon.com, barnesandnoble. that even if she knew about that it, in a town 55 miles from Caldwell. com, target.com, ebay.com and other would not have made his mom proud. Things went sour and all four men were outlets.) Olinger is among more than a dozen Western lawmen with a bad side profiled by New Mexico author Melody Groves. Some will be familiar to those who follow the history of the frontier West – Henry Plummer, the Dalton brothers, Tom Horn, Wyatt Earp. Others – J.J. Webb, Hoodoo Brown, Milton J. Yarberry – less so. Yarberry was an Arkansas native who killed two men early in his life, took to rustling cattle in Missouri and Arkansas and then opened a saloon and brothel in Colorado. That doesn’t seem to be the kind of resume that would get you appointed the first town marshal of Albuquerque, New Mexico. But that’s what happened, which proved unfortunate for the unarmed railroad carpenter Yarberry shot to death in 1881 for no better reason than that the man happened to be walking in the vicinity of where gunshots were heard. Convicted of murder, Yarberry was hanged in Albuquerque in February 1883.

The WESTERN WAY Summer 2021 | 43 Western Charts

TOP 30 COWBOY / WESTERN ALBUMS 1. Devil on My Tail – The Hot Texas Swing Band 16. Good Dog – Dave Stamey 2. Texas Star – Lori Beth Brooke 17. Ride My Pony – Chris Mortenson Rancher’s Paradise – Barry Ward 18. The Hidden Trail – Abby Payne 4. Doin’ What We Do – The Cowboy Way 19. Keepin’ On – Ed Wahl 5. A Place to Land – Kristyn Harris 20. Canyon Songs – The Dan Canyon Band 6. True Tales...Mostly – Stan Lawrence 21. Soul of the West – Clint Bradley 7. The Lump of Coal (Hope’s Diamond) – Steve Jones 22. No Place Left to Go – Ron Christopher 8. New Moon – Prairie Moon 23. Wild West Texas Wind – Carolyn Martin 9. Me and Les – Dan McCorison 24. Hats Off to the Cowboy – Red Steagall 10. Little Bit of Texas – Carlos Washington 25. Turn ‘Em Loose – Susie Knight 11. One More River to Cross – The Ramblin’ Rangers 26. Plains, Trains, and Also Bob Wills – Miss Devon 12. Range of the Buffalo – Kerry Grombacher & the Outlaw 13. Frontier – Mary Kaye 27. Grand Canyon State of Mind – Tom Poley 14. Rhythm Rides Again – The Hanson Family 28. Singing Cowgirl Rides Again – Dawn Anita 15. Once Upon a Desert Night – Richard Elloyan & 29. Cowboy Boots – Mike Craig Steve Wade 30. Swing Set – LeeLee Robert

TOP 10 WESTERN SWING ALBUMS 10 MOST PLAYED POETRY ALBUMS 1. Texas Star – Lori Beth Brooke 1. Horse Tales and Cow Trails – Floyd Beard 2. Devil on My Tail – Hot Texas Swing Band 2. Pensive ‘n’ Playful – Mark Munzert 3. Little Bit of Texas – Carlos Washington 3. They Come Prancin’ – A.K. Moss 4. California Skies – Don Burnham 4. Masters, Vol. 3 – Various Artists 5. Harmony Grits – Ida Red 5. The Truth – A.K. Moss 6. Rockets, Romance, and the Rhythm of the Road – Language of the Land – Tom Swearingen Cornell Hurd Band 7. Born to Ponder – Sherl Cederburg 7. Bye, Bye, Blues – Susie Blue 8. Saddle Up for Cowboy Poetry – Marleen Bussma A Place to Land – Kristyn Harris 9. Elko: A Cowboy Gathering – Various Artists 9. Rhythm Rides Again – The Hanson Family Masters, Vol. 2 – Various Artists 10. Swinging Our Way – The Brazos Valley Boys

10 MOST PLAYED SONGS BY WESTERN MUSIC DJS *A missing number in the list represents a tie for that spot. 1. One Way to Swing – Carlos Washington 2. Devil on My Tail – Hot Texas Swing Band Attention DJs! Your contributions to The Western 3. Night Rider – Hot Texas Swing Band Way charts are welcomed. Please send your 4. Lookin’ for One Good Cowboy – Susie Knight playlist, including the song and the CD on which 5. The Good, the Band, and the Ugly – Hot Texas it appears, to [email protected]. Swing Band 6. Guys Love Chicks Who Yodel – Lori Beth Brooke Various DJ friends have reported their playlists for the last quarter, thus helping us compile these Cows Around – Kristyn Harris charts reflecting which CDs are being played the 8. Blue Cowboy Waltz – Stan Lawrence most on their radio shows. You will find a listing of Navajo Silver, Sunset Gold – Stan Lawrence those reporting DJs on the following page. 10. Place to Land – Kristyn Harris

44 | Summer 2021 The WESTERN WAY Chapter Update O.J. SIKES REVIEWS Continued from page 35 Continued from page 41 of family activities. Interested WY again hosting a kids bluegrass CURLY BRADLEY SINGS Chapter members may contact camp in Buffalo Wyoming from JIMMIE RODGERS & Miss V (gypsycowbelle@gmail. July 12-26. OTHER CLASSICS com) for more information. With all Curley Bradley of the verve, humor, ‘n charm they YOUTH CHAPTER BACMCDD672 are known for, Miss Devon and The Coordinator: Jane Leche Historian Outlaw will undertake a gospel [email protected] Kevin Coffey project during 2021. “Although All Youth Chapter members are wrote the we don’t always take ourselves encouraged to attend the IWMA liner notes too seriously, we do take The Lord Convention in Albuquerque this accompanying Jesus Christ VERY seriously” reports November and participate in the this CD. They are Miss Devon. Scott Tonelson has Youth Chapter business meeting so informative, been a stalwart dropper-in to our and workshop, showcases and they, alone, are Wyoming chapter monthly Zoom other convention activities. Non- worth the price of admission. However, gatherings. Karen Killion is looking performing members can also there’s some mighty good music here as forward to having the road-tripping participate by ushering at evening well! Curley Bradley was radio’s last Tom Californian and his lovely wife, Yoli, shows, helping in the office, or visit Wyoming in July. Scott will at registration. Bring a friend! Mix, a job he began when he left the be performing at a local Sheridan All ideas or suggestions for the Western musical group, The Ranch Boys, saloon. Congratulations to Sherl youth workshop and other youth in the early 1940s. But little was known Cederburg who won the poetry activities from Youth Chapter about his career until the information contest at the Tom Horn fundraiser members in good standing are was unearthed by Kevin Coffey. in Bosler, WY. She will return to welcome! Please send ideas, Before he took on the role of Tom perform for Tom Horn Days in suggestions or inquiries for Mix, Bradley often sang the solos August. Karen Blaney reports that more information to Jane Leche, on The Ranch Boys’ recordings and in addition to a busy summer for the Youth Chapter Coordinator, transcriptions, especially those recorded Prairie Wildfire girls, they are once [email protected]. for the Pinto Pete and his Ranch Hands radio show, 1933-34. Those transcriptions are the source of the 40 tracks found on this CD. As the CD’s title implies, a significant portion of the tracks feature Jimmie Rodgers material. Rodgers was a super- star in the years when these recordings were made, so the choice of material is MAILBAG logical, although Bradley is by no means a Rodgers “sound alike.” And there’s more here than Rodgers’ material alone. The Spring issue of The Western Way brought a The lead-off song is “Springtime in the Rockies,” followed by Howard & breath of fresh air! Keep it up, Theresa. Vincent’s “Mellow Mountain Moon,” ~ A. Kritl (NJ) then “The Big Corral,” “Yodelling Cowboy,” “She Came Rollin’ Down the Mountain” and “Oklahoma Blues.” … BTW, I’m very impressed with Western Way. Later, Curley sings “When it’s Night First class publication. You should be proud. Time in Nevada” and “Ridin’ Old Paint, Leading Old Bald,” all accompanied ~ M Sullivan (KS) by the other two members of The Ranch Boys, Jack Ross and Ken Carson. Bassist/comedian “Shug” Fisher can be heard on some tracks. A “must” for fans of the Ranch Boys and/or Tom Mix. Available from BACM.com.

The WESTERN WAY Summer 2021 | 45 Western Playlists - Reporters Here are the DJs who submitted their playlists this quarter:

Joe Angel Chuckaroo the Buckaroo Randy Hill KEOS “Calling All Cowboys Radio” “Western Swing Time Radio Show” PO Box 1085 88.9 FM, KPOV High Desert 5114 Balcones Woods Dr. Del Valle, TX 78617 Community Radio Suite 307-387 [email protected] http://www.kpov.org Austin, TX 78759 http://kpov.od.streamguys.us/calling_ (Plays only western swing) Waynetta Ausmus all_cowboys_new_56k.mp3 [email protected] PO Box 294 e-mail: [email protected] www.westernswingtime.com Tom Bean, TX 75489 Station NFLY – No Fly Internet Radio/ [email protected] The Flying SL Ranch Radio Show Judy James www.WaynettaAusmus.com radio.spalding-labs.com “Cowboy Jubilee” with Judy James 22470 Rickard Rd. and Western Heritage Radio Michael Babiarz Bend, OR 97702 PO Box 953 KVMR Community Radio 89.5FM Weatherford, Texas 76086 120 Bridge Street Doug Figgs [email protected] Nevada City, Ca 95959 P. O. Box 3 530-265-9073 Lemitar, NM 87823 Susie Knight 916-233-6203 (505) 440-0979 The Western Way Hour (poet friendly) www.kvmr.org www.dougfiggs.com http://www.coniferradio.com [email protected] http://www.RioGrandeValleyRadio.com PO Box 76 Conifer, CO 80433 Bobbi Jean Bell Nancy Flagg (303) 495-4869 “OutWest Hour” “Cowboy Tracks” KUPR, www.kupr.org KDRT 95.7 FM live radio Jarle Kvale Out West, 8201 Golf Course Rd NW and internet streaming (www.kdrt.org) KEYA Public Radio Ste D3, #189 1623 Fifth Street PO Box 190 Albuquerque, NM 87120 Davis, CA 95616 Belcourt, ND 58316 “Campfire Café” & “Saddle Up, America” Email: [email protected] [email protected] Equestrian Legacy Radio Network Website: Facebook.com/cowboytracks Co-host with Gary Holt Butch and Christina Martin [email protected] KWC Ameriana Radio Station “Whittler’s Corner Show” www.equestrianlegacy.net Miguel A. Diaz Gonzalez 1410 Kubli Road 661-714-0045 avenida galtzaraborda nº47 2ºA Grants Pass, OR 97527 20100 renteria Earsradio.com Skip Bessonette & His Pard Lucky Guipuzcoa KSKO Ashland, OR, www.KSKQ.org “Rogue Valley Bound Show” España The Dalles, OR, Y102 2395 E. McAndrews Rd. [email protected] KKTY, 100.1, Douglas, WY Medford, Oregon 97504 KSHD 93.4 Shady Cove, OR 541-301-7649 Sam Harris KORV 93.5 Ladeview, OR www.earsradio.com CVFM Country www.ButchMartinMusic.com [email protected] 4 Shadforth Close www.romancingthewest.org Old Shotton Village 541-218-2477 Janice Brooks Peterlee Co. Durham “Bus of Real Country” SR8 2NG England Heartland Public Radio 170 Jodon Ave. www.cvfm.org.uk c/o Rowena Muldavin Pleasant Gap, PA 16823 [email protected] 2001 Coffer Lane [email protected] Placerville, CA 95667-8718 Paul Hazell Peter Bruce PH Records Marvin O’Dell “Under Western Skies” Royal Mail Building (PO Box 3) “Around the Campfire” KAFF Country Legends FM 93.5/AM 930 Brambleside www.defendersoffreedomradio.com 1117 W. Route 66 Bellbrook Industrial Estate KKRN, Redding, CA Flagstaff, AZ 86001 Uckfield KZNQ, Santa Clarita, CA 928-556-2650 East Sussex https://tunein.com/radio/KZNQ-Q- www.kafflegends.com TN22 1XX United Kingdom Country-1015-s264146/ [email protected] “Paul Hazell’s World Of Country” www.earsradio.com www.uckfieldfm.co.uk [email protected] Uckfield FM (in the UK) 10430 W. Loma Blanca Dr. [email protected] Sun City, AZ 85351 Telephone: +44 7775 545 902 805-551-4649

46 | Summer 2021 The WESTERN WAY Bob O’Donnell Totsie Slover Harvey & Me’lissa Turnbow 455 12th Avenue, Apt 130 “Real West From The Old West” “Keeping Western Music Alive” Baldwin, WI 54002 AM 1230 KOTS Radio PO Box 524 [email protected] 220 S. Gold Ave., Deming, NM 88030 Christoval, TX 76935 575-494-0899 325-812-1358 Barbara Richhart [email protected] 325-716-0042 Western Belle of KSJD www.realwestoldwest.com Email: [email protected] CowTrails Show www.demingradio.com KSCK 100.5 FM 32229 Road P Facebook/totsieslover “Keeping It Western Show” Mancos, CO 81328 www.ksckfm.com Studio: Sundays 12:00-2: PM Tommy Tucker Studio: 970-564-0808 “Snake River Radio Roundup” Wayne & Kathy Home: 970-882-1413 93.1 FM/1350 AM KRLC Radio “Swing ‘n’ Country” Cell: 970-739-8408 (Does Not Use MP3s) KBOO 90.7 FM Streaming www.ksjd.org 805 Stewart Ave. 20 SE 8th Ave., Portland, OR 97214 [email protected] Lewiston, ID. 83501 [email protected] www.cowtrails.com 208-743-1551 [email protected] O.J. Sikes “Keepin’ It Western” 681 Ellington Rd. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 [email protected] KKRN, Redding, CA www.earsradio1.com

International Western Music Association PATRON* MEMBERS

Nolan Bruce Allen Grand Island, NY Valerie Lassiter Kingman, AZ Baxter Black Benson, AZ Melissa & Michael Murphy Albuquerque, NM Ken Bucy Mesa, AZ Scott & Diana Overcash Santo, TX Dan Del Fioren Carlsbad, CA Fred & Dianne Powell Denver, CO Jack Elsener Kalamazoo, MI Diana Raven Lakewood, CO Bob & Toni Harris Aurora, OH Bruce L. Roberts Biloxi, MS Dennis Heinzig Whitefish, MT Jerry West Waxahachie, TX Donna King Granbury, TX Larry Wildeboer Shell Rock, IA

*The Patron Member group in the IWMA is comprised of an elite group of people who pay $100 annually for IWMA membership. For their generosity, they get nothing more than general members and they expect nothing in return. They simply believe in the cause and the mission of IWMA and go a little above in supporting it. They are unsung, behind the scene folks. We sincerely appreciate their support and take this time to say a public “Thank You!” for your unwavering support. You, too, can be a Patron Member with your $100+ donation. Contact Marsha Short, [email protected] Become a PATRON MEMBER today!

The WESTERN WAY Summer 2021 | 47 IWMA LIFETIME MEMBERS

Nolan Bruce Allen Grand Island, NY Clyde Lucas Sylmar, CA Rex Allen, Jr. Nashville, TN Mike Mahaney Burbank, CA Cindy Argyle Hooper, UT Michael P. McAleenan Madison, MS Cowboy Joe Babcock Franklin, TN Janet McBride Rockwall, TX Troy Bateson Vilonia, AR Steven “Mac” McCartney Aurora, CO Floyd Beard Kim, CO Tracy McHenry Tucson, AZ George & Doris Bensmiller Armstrong, BC Canada Gary McMahan Bellvue, CO Diane Bergstrom Canyon Country, CA Al “Doc” Mehl Black Diamond, AB, Canada John Bergstrom Canyon Country, CA Tree Menane Taos, NM Carol Bobroff San Diego, CA Jon Messenger Sierra Vista, AZ Sherry Bond Nashville, TN Kathy Messenger Sierra Vista, AZ Mark E. Brown Franklin, IN Joseph Miskulin Kirtland, OH Ken Bucy Mesa, AZ Rich O’Brien Afton, OK Stephen S. Burnette Brownsville, TN Marvin O’Dell Sun City, AZ Mae Camp Tucson, AZ Theresa O’Dell Sun City, AZ Robert Maxwell Case Slick, OK Darren Oliver Castle Rock, CO Susan Booth Case Slick, OK Sara Lou Oliver Castle Rock, CO Tom Chambers Tucson, AZ Billy Pitts Kansas City, MO Woody Paul Chrisman Nashville, TN Pamela Plaskitt Waterloo, IA Patty Clayton Edgewater, CO Rich Price Oakdale, CA Karen Cloutier Conyngham, PA Debbie Pundt Lakeside, AZ Peggy Collins Cordova, TN Jeff Pundt Lakeside, AZ Henry “Steve” Conroy Sierra Vista, AZ Diana Raven Lakewood, CO Polly Cooke Wickenburg, AZ Herb Remington Ruidoso, NM Jan Michael Corey Mesa, AZ Steven Rhodes Foosland, IL Stan Corliss Hillsboro, OR Victoria Rhodes Foosland, IL William Crowe Van Horn, TX Rusty Richards Silverado, CA Don Cusic Nashville, TN Don Richardson Upland, CA Barbara Richhart Mancos, CO Mark & Marlene Davis Chatsworth, CA Roger Ringer Medicine Lodge, KS David DeBolt Nolensville, TN LeeLee Robert Paradise Valley, AZ Rich Dollarhide Sierra Vista, AZ Jessie D. Robertson Fort Worth, TX Arlys Eaton Scottsdale, AZ Patricia Robinson Tucson, AZ Dave Eaton Scottsdale, AZ Elizabeth Rukavina Arleta, CA Fred Engel Kimball Junction, UT Lori Rutherford Sierra Vista, AZ Robert E. Fee, Esq. Tucson, AZ Mike Rutherford Sierra Vista, AZ Juni Fisher Franklin, TN Ray Ryan San Jose, CA Rick Flory Paradise Valley, AZ Yvonne Ryan San Jose, CA Robin Freerks (Ned Bodie) Goldendale, WA Mary M. Ryland Albuquerque, NM Norbert Gauch Walzenhausen, Switzerland Suzanne Samelson Thermopolis, WY Val Geissler Cody, WY Rudolf P. Schai Bernhardzell, Switzerland Dick & Dixie Goodman Sun City West, AZ Jim Sharp Nashville, TN Fred Goodwin Murfreesboro, TN Hank Sheffer Apache Junction, AZ Douglas B. Green Brentwood, TN Sharyn Sheffer Apache Junction, AZ Betsy Bell Hagar Mill Valley, CA Lindy Simmons Mancos, CO Jerry Hall Porterville, CA Cowboy Jerry Sooter Apple Valley, CA Patti Hamel Petoskey, MI Julie Spencer Pacific City, OR Tex Hamel St. Ignace, MI Dave Stamey Orange Cove, CA Les Hamilton Dubois, WY Cheryl Stanley Roswell, NM Calvin Danner Hampton Cimarron, NM Bob Taylor El Cajon, CA Lisa Hampton Cimarron, NM Steve Taylor Roy, UT RW Hampton Cimarron, NM Terri Taylor Roy, UT Joni Harms Canby, OR Ed Terry Merritt, NC Eddy Harrison Las Cruces, NM J. R. (Ray) Threatt Oklahoma City, OK Tom & Jane Hilderbrand North Myrtle Beach, SC Alma Tussing Hudson, WY Randy A. Hoyt Grand Junction, CO Stanley Tussing Deming, NM Rick Huff Albuquerque, NM Marilyn Tuttle San Fernando, CA Jack Hummel Valencia, CA Robert Wagoner Bishop, CA Voleta Hummel Valencia, CA Harvey Walker Anaheim, CA Charles Jennings Rockville, MD Alinka Wallace Flatonia, TX Emma F. Kaenzig Walzenhausen, Switzerland Washtub Jerry Fort Davis, TX Paul Kelly Santa Fe, NM Leonard Werner Flemington, NJ Karen L. Killion Sheridan, WY Johnny Western Mesa, AZ Fred LaBour Ashland City, TN Norman Winter Mills, WY Jane Leche Edgewater, CO Renee Wood Ogden, UT Paul Lohr Nashville, TN Joyce Woodson San Juan Capistrano, CA

48 | Summer 2021 The WESTERN WAY

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HAILEY SANDOZ GARY ALLEGRETTO Instrumentalist Male Performer of the Year The Official Publication of the International Western Music Association of the Year Andy THE COWBOY Hedges SONGSTER, SUBSCRIBE Swingin’ in STORYTELLER & RECITER

SacramentoPAGE 10 THE COWBOY WAY Group of the Year PAGE 6

Legacy of GOES DEEP INTO IN THE TRADITION AND Jack ThorpeCROSSHAIRS CARRIES IT INTO Volume 29 Issue 3 Summer 2019 $5.95 PAGE 12 H H H THE FUTURE RUSTY WITH HIS VOICE TERESA BURLESON TOM SWEARINGEN Female Poet TODAY! Male Poet JOE BABOCK RICHARDS A MAN OF THE WEST & Harris 2004 IWMA HALL OF Kristyn FAME INDUCTEE of the International Western Music Association Entertainer of the Year IN THE 2020 AWARD OF EXCELLENCE NOMINATION BALLOT INSIDE, PAGE 46 PAGE 6 H H H Female Performer of the Year CROSSHAIRS

LYNN ANDERSON The Official Publication RUSTY SEE ALL AWARD RECIPIENTS AND IWMA 2019 COVERAGE INSIDE! 2019 HALL OF RICHARDS FAME A MAN OF THE WEST & 2004 IWMA HALL OF INDUCTEES FAME INDUCTEE PAGE 18 H H H 2020 AWARD OF EXCELLENCE NOMINATION BALLOT INSIDE, PAGE 46 2019 Award of ExcellencePAGE 6 Nomination H H H BallotPAGE Inside 23

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