The Official Publication of the Western Music Association

2015 WMA Award of Excellence Recipients, page 11

Dave Stamey Entertainer of the Year

Kristyn Harris Female Performer of the Year

Rex Allen Jr. Singer, songwriter, actor shares insights into the life of a celebrity kid. See Crosshairs, page 15. Bill Barwick Male Performer of the Year

RING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH JUNCTION 5-12’S NEW CD hh San Miguel hh AVAILABLE JANUARY 2016

Order a CD, or download on CD BABY & iTUNES Updates on Facebook, Junction 5-12 Founder Bill Wiley

Officers From The President... Steve Taylor, President Rick Huff, Executive V.P. Howdy To All: Robert Fee, V.P. General Counsel Diane Scott, Treasurer As I write this I am like a proud papa busting my Belinda Gail, Secretary buttons. What a fantastic time the WMA Convention Executive Director was. It is over now for this year and there are so many Marsha Short kudos to hand out. Each year we strive to up the ante Board of Directors John Bergstrom from the previous year and thanks to everyone’s hard Joe Brown work and dedication, we did it again. We had to add Richard Dollarhide Robert Fee chairs for every venue that we held. That is a good Juni Fisher problem to have. Belinda Gail Steve Taylor Jerry Hall WMA President I am not going to put names with everything that Rick Huff was done because I would leave out someone. You know Robert Lorbeer Marvin O’Dell who you are that made this happen, and without you we would have nothing to Theresa O’Dell brag about. The only person that I will name is Marsha Short, Executive Direc- Michael Roehm David Rychener tor/Festival Director/Membership Director…who puts it all together. Thank you, Diane Scott Marsha, for another great Convention. Steve Taylor Some of the highlights were all of the workshops that were presented to give Board of Advisors you training and advice; also, the consignment shop, CD sales, Pro-Am stage and Rex Allen, Jr., Chairman Hal Spencer, Co-Chairman the Showcase performances. Can’t forget the Pajama Jam and then talk about Cheryl Rogers Barnett the vendors – they can really drain my wallet! The Chuck Wagon Extravaganza, Ray Benson Tom Chambers the Friday Night Opry, and the Crisis Fund dinner with entertainment with the Alvin G. Davis Mariachi Band and Dancers were all there for members and fans in attendance to Don Edwards Douglas B. Green enjoy. I could go on and on but if you were there, you know what I am saying and Mike Mahaney if you were not there you now know some of what you missed. Suze Spencer Marshall Gary McMahan Remember, a membership to the WMA makes a great gift for your family and Jon Messenger friends, so help us spread the word. Michael Martin Murphey Rusty Richards Stay in touch with all the information on the Web site, www.westernmusic. Roy “Dusty” Rogers, Jr. org and PLEASE READ the mail that you receive so you can stay up-to-date and O.J. Sikes Red Steagall informed. Steve Taylor Marilyn Tuttle Johnny Western Steve Taylor, President Russ Wolfe Western Music Association t Contributing Writers Les Buffham, Buck Helton, Rick Huff, Marvin O’Dell, Theresa O’Dell, Marsha Short, O.J. Sikes, Steve Taylor

Contributing Photographers Multiple photographers. Images used by permission.

The Western Way The Official Quarterly Publication of the WMA Deadline for next issue: March 1, 2016

Managing Editor/Advertising Theresa O’Dell [email protected]; 805-551-7763

Graphic Design PricelessDigitalMedia.com

Production Coordinator Sharp Management 615-397-0359

Western Music Association P.O. Box 648, Coppell, TX 75019 Cell Phone 505-563-0673 [email protected] www.westernmusic.org

4 | Winter 2016 The WESTERN WAY CONTENTS FEATURES WMA Convention 25 14 8 In Review In the Crosshairs: 15 Rex Allen, Jr. Prayer Request 25 from Rich O’Brien

ARTICLES, UPDATES, AND MORE 4 President’s Message 6 Editor’s Insight 7 Executive Director’s Message 14 Penned by Lantern Light 16 In The Spotlight 18 Buffham’s Buffoonery 19 In Memoriam 20 From the Trail 20 20 Education Corner 21 Chapter Update 8 26 Golden Nuggets REVIEWS – CDs, DVDs, & Books 27 Western Air Gene Autry...... 32 Rod Miller (Book)...... 37 29 A Musical Note The Black Ace (& Others)...... 37 Linda Nadon...... 35 33 Best of the West Reviews Almeda Bradshaw...... 33 Barbara Nelson...... 33 39 Western Charts Buffalo Bill (Boycott)...... 38 Duane Nelson...... 34 40 Playlists’ Reporters Pipp Gillette...... 35 Notable Exceptions...... 36 42 WMA Membership & Subscription Form Tom Hiatt...... 37 Óga...... 35 The High Country Cowboys...... 35, 38 Poppa Mac...... 36 Homer & Jethro...... 30 Prairie Moon...... 35 Allen & Jill Kirkham...... 38 Purly Gates...... 36 Susie Knight...... 36 Slim Randles (Book)...... 34 Brenda Libby...... 34 Gary Robertson (Book)...... 37

The Official Publication of the Western Music Association Cheryl Barnett-Rogers (Book)...... 31 2015 WMA Award of Excellence Recipients, page 11 Rose Hill Band...... 33 Dennis Russell...... 34 Dave Stamey Entertainer of the Year Rex Allen, Jr. opens up to Sons of the Pioneers...... 30 the Western Way and The Victor Label...... 31

Kristyn Harris Female Performer of the Year WMA top performers Cindy Walker...... 30 are recognized.

Rex Allen Jr. Singer, songwriter, actor shares insights into the Bill Barwick life of a celebrity kid. Male Performer of the Year See Crosshairs, page 13. Content and opinions expressed in articles and reviews published in the Western Way are On the Cover... those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the WMA or the Western Way.

The WESTERN WAY Winter 2016 | 5 Editor’s Insight Christmas Tea and Good Wishes

As you read this, you kitchen and brewed may just be thinking a cup of Christmas ahead to the things a tea! As the aroma New Year brings---credit of spices filled card bills from holiday the room, I took a spending, tax time breath, sipped the looming on the horizon, tea and thought “I plans for summer family am so blessed. I am vacations, snowstorms entrusted with so and blizzards yet to much – the privilege arrive or spring planting of compiling the soon to be done. As I Western Way, the write this, it is a hectic opportunity to time making all the spend time with my holiday preparations family and friends, Theresa O’Dell and decorating the yard, the freedom to freely house and Christmas tree. There’s also the shopping celebrate Christmas for family and preparations for out of town guests. And, and its true Meaning, the joy of decorating my home to yep, there’s the Western Way! In the midst of all the express my love for this season, and the opportunity to activity, there’s still a magazine to get ready to send to share all this with my grandchildren and other family the press. Today is the deadline, but still there are some members and good friends.” So I said aloud, “Yes, it straggler articles to get in!! Hurry, hurry everyone! As will all get done.” usual – it will all come down to the wire. But also as And so, my reader friend, if you are sitting with usual…it will all get done! magazine in hand but fretting on your mind, and you As I sat at the computer this morning and began are feeling the stress of the holidays just passed and editing some contributed materials and planning layout the pressure of things yet to be done, think about all for this issue, I looked around and thought “I’m not the good things of 2015 and plan for the many new sure it will all get done – the magazine, the decorating, things of 2016. Then…pause, breathe, and have a cup the shopping, holiday entertaining, spending time with of Christmas tea (it’s never too late!). It worked for me! friends and making time for family.” I looked out the Sending you good wishes… sun room window into a beautiful crisp December For all things western, morning, scooted back from the desk, went to the Theresa t

6 | Winter 2016 The WESTERN WAY From The Executive Director...

The WMA Convention is over sunsets that I’ve missed my own. I have wonderful children, and, by the time you’re reading incredible grandchildren and dogs that are occasionally funny. this, Thanksgiving and Christmas I’m going to “like” them this year and spend less time glued are behind us and it’s already to the computer screen. 2016….how can that be? I hope Best wishes to all of you for a happy, healthy and safe that each of you had a holiday New Year! filled with family and lots of time to relax. Marsha t Marsha Short Executive Director All of my new year’s resolutions for 2015 have been broken. Getting my article to Theresa before the deadline? Haven’t made it yet. Keeping up with the filing? Well, move carefully in the office because it’s more of a “piling” system. Cooking more and eating out less? Yeah, right, that happened for a week. So now it’s time for 2016 resolutions. I have just one: take time to smell the roses. When you reach a certain age, time goes by quickly and leaves you in a daze. So I am resolving to do away with those things that hold me in their clutches for hours. Specifically, this means Facebook. I have spent so much time this past year looking at other people’s sunrises and The Hanson Family light up the Convention. Photo courtesy Ev Shaw. Did you know that B-western singing cowboy Jimmy Wakely made his silver screen debut in a Roy Rogers western, “Saga of Death Valley?

THANK YOU, WMA!! “ONCE WE WERE KINGS”

2015 COWBOY POETRY CD of the Year dalepage.com

The WESTERN WAY Winter 2016 | 7 WMA Convention in Review 2015 WEDNESDAY: This was the kick-off to the 2015 WMA Convention. Following dinner, the evening, called The Chuckwagon Band Extravaganza, was filled with music, as so it should be. The featured performers this year included the Bar D Wranglers (CO), the Flying J Wranglers (NM) and the Flying W Wranglers (CO).

Other Sites from around the Convention:

All photos contributed by Jack Hummel, Lee Peters, Cindy Quigley and Ev Shaw. Used by permission. 8 | Winter 2016 The WESTERN WAY WMA Convention in Review 2015 THURSDAY: Registration gets underway in full swing on Thursday. It’s also a busy day for the Mercantile staff as the performers check-in their CD merchandise. The WMA Consignment store was a popular place as always. The Thursday night big event, Crisis Fund Benefit dinner and entertainment this year with a Mariachi Celebration, was a “spectacular” success.

FRIDAY: Always a day filled with seeing old friends and making new ones, shopping in the CD Mercantile and the WMA Consignment Store, Showcases and the Friday Night Opry. The second annual Midnight Pajama Jam also afforded laughs, music, sights-to-behold to those willing to stay up late and enjoy these festivities!

All photos contributed by Jack Hummel, Lee Peters, Cindy Quigley and Ev Shaw. Used by permission. The WESTERN WAY Winter 2016 | 9 WMA Convention in Review 2015 SATURDAY: This day is filled with Showcases but culminates with the building excitement of the Awards Show held at the lovely Kimo Theater in Downtown Albuquerque. The antics of emcees, Jim and Andy Nelson, the greeting from Albuquerque Mayor Richard J. Berry, the special performances and the award announcements all combined to provide the backdrop for another memorable evening.

All photos contributed by Jack Hummel, Lee Peters, Cindy Quigley and Ev Shaw. Used by permission. 10 | Winter 2016 The WESTERN WAY WMA Convention in Review 2015 2015 WMA AWARD OF EXCELLENCE RECIPIENTS

Entertainer of the Year - Female Performer & Western Album - Male Performer - Group of the Year - Dave Stamey Kristyn Harris Bill Barwick Horse Crazy Cowgirl Band

Instrumentalist - Crescendo Award - Swing Album - Jeanne Cahill Hailey Sandoz and Leah Sawyer (tie) Mikki Daniel “Cowgirl Swing”

Song of the Year and Male Poet - Cowboy Poetry CD - Radio DJ/Radio Program - Songwriter of the Year - Andy Nelson Dale Page “Once We Were Kings” Judy James “Cowboy Jubilee & Doug Figgs Western Heritage Radio” OTHER SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS

Duo Harmony - Trio Harmony - Simple Gifts Best of the Best Harmony - Youth Ensemble - The President’s Award - Notable Exceptions (Jennifer (The Sawyer Family) The Hanson Family Leah Sawyer, Hailey Sandoz Robert Fee Epps & Judy Coder) and Kristyn Harris

Male Yodeler: Marty Kosel Pioneer Trail Award - Bill Wiley Award - Curly Musgrave Cowboy and David Sawyer (tie) Hal Cannon (pictured with Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell Spirit Award - Marilyn Tuttle President Steve Taylor) (pictured with Kathy Musgrave) NOT PICTURED: Female Poet - Sam DeLeeuw; Cowboy Poetry of the Year - Waddie Mitchell “One Hundred Poems”; Georgie Sicking Poet’s Award - Mary Matli All photos contributed by Jack Hummel, Lee Peters, Cindy Quigley and Ev Shaw. Used by permission. The WESTERN WAY Winter 2016 | 11 Around the Convention

12 | Winter 2016 The WESTERN WAY Did you know that B-western singing cowboy Jimmy Wakely recorded seven duets with Margaret Whiting that finished no lower than #7 on the country music charts? Penned by Lantern Light

This column will spotlight members of the Western Wordsmiths Chapter of the 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.

After the Fire By Keith Ward, 2015

It wasn’t just a barn you know, Skills learned in that old school house How a man should treat his wife, Not just a storage bin, Would prove to serve me well, How a man should treat his Lord, Not just a place to feed the cows, But skill ain’t all that makes a man. How men should treat each other, Or park the tractor in. My professors didn’t fail. All these lessons we explored.

It wasn’t just a barn you know; How a boy should treat his Father, It wasn’t just a barn you know; When a little boy was there. How a Father treats his son. Not just shelter from the wind. Fact is, it was never barn, Watching Dad and Granddad, Sometimes a place of privacy But villains best beware. As they got the day’s work done. When seeking council from a friend.

It was castle to my knighthood; Sometimes a place of solitude, Silo turret rising high, When needing time to pray. Where damsels could be rescued Sometimes a place to steal a kiss, Or I could keep a weather eye. When she’s checking on your day.

The milk room was my office It wasn’t just a barn you know; If I was Sherriff for the day. Not just wood and tin. It was fort when I soldiered, Always adapting to the need Keeping enemy at bay. Of the work to do within.

It was livery for my stick horse, The wooden silo log since gone; Villain’s stronghold when I spied. Milk room no longer used. Old hay made cushioned landing Wooden stanchions hanging, If they got me and I died. From their duties now excused.

It wasn’t just a barn you know; Adapting through the years, Back when kids knew how to play. But still and always grand. It became, as if by magic The memories, now awakened What was needed for the day. Are sure to ever stand.

It wasn’t just a barn you know; For I now see the life it gave me, As I was soon to understand, In the ash and twisted tin. For it became a school house It wasn’t just a barn you know, For the making of a man. When a little boy stepped in.

Keith Ward, Vilas, NC – I grew up on a farm in the mountains of North Carolina near Boone. We raised beef, hay, tobacco, pepper and various other vegetable crops, and also saw milled. Horses have always been a part of my life although we didn’t have much time for “pleasure horses” as my Daddy called them. Just about everybody had work horses or mules used for working the crops. After I was grown and had married that pretty little red head, I quit farming and went to work in law enforcement. I kept cattle and horses as a supplement to my income (Policemen don’t get paid much around here!). I quit police work after twenty years and now make my living as a “dude wrangler.” I own and operate a guided trail ride business called Dutch Creek Trails. I have been writing poetry since my childhood. My background has given me lots of inspiration for my poems. Some are purely fictional and some are based on true events that have happened to me. I think I like the fictional ones best because I am always surprised by the ending.

14 | Winter 2016 The WESTERN WAY Rex Allen, Jr.

Blessed with a golden voice and a true dedication to his music and career, Rex Allen Jr. is the consummate actor, singer, songwriter and entertainer. Allen grew up in a show business family. It could be said that he was destined to enter the world of entertainment. And so he did! It is a privilege for the Western Way to spend time chatting with Rex, Jr., and to share it with you!

The Western Way: Today The Western Way is honored to get to TWW: Did you ever think you’d want to go into acting full-time spend some time with country and western music superstar Rex – following in your father’s footsteps? Like Harry Carey, Jr. did? Allen, Jr. Thank you for giving of your time, Rex. Or the Carradines?

Rex Allen, Jr.: It’s so good to talk with you, and thank you for the RA: I actually tried the acting business right after High School compliment! and for a year after I got out of the service when I was working the Country and Western Clubs in Southern California. My dad said TWW: Is there an adjustment that has to be made as one grows to me “You need to be a singer first like me and go back to acting older and realizes that he’s the son of a well-known celebrity? later.” I moved to Nashville and never looked back. Acting may still be in my future; ya never know. RA: Not really. There seem to be as many questions about my father as there always have been. I had a question on my Facebook page TWW: The first recording of yours that we ever came across was not long ago confusing me with my dad! I guess that’s age! So far called “Today’s Generation.” It seems like it was more of a folk- I haven’t had to make any adjustments. styled album. Had you turned 20 yet when you recorded that?

TWW: Of course, now you’re the well-known celebrity. Have RA: That was the first album I ever did! I was signed to Shelby your sons experienced some of the same feelings you did as they’ve Singleton’s Label SSS in Nashville. My roots are western, but I sang recognized who their father is? a lot of Folk Music - had a folk group in High School called “The Townsmen” and a rock band called “Saturday’s Children” for which RA: That’s a good question! Yes all three of my boys have had I started writing songs. SSS let me record them. Pretty immature that happen. My twin boys live in LA and get to hang out with the album really! Though I was raised with the music of Stan Jones industry people out there. They have both told me stories of how and Bob Nolan, I also was influenced by the Beatles! My writing people say to them “Your Dad is Rex Allen Jr.?!! WOW! I love his at that time in my life was confused and lacked direction, I think. music.” Pretty cool. It wasn’t until I moved to Nashville and began my schooling with Allen Reynolds, Jack Clement, Bob McDill, and Norro Wilson that TWW: When did you know that you wanted to be a full-time I found out how to write a song. performer? TWW: How did you break in with Warner Bros. Records? We’re RA: I feel I never really had a choice as to what I have become. The thinking you recorded about nine albums on that label with some story is that my parents had an argument on how to raise the first really excellent production of some really excellent songs from two children - me and my brother Curtis. My mom wanted us to be some really excellent songwriters. raised like Hollywood kids and hang with the doctors and lawyers, and my dad wanted to raise us in the entertainment business on RA: The time I was on Warner Brothers in Nashville was the most the road. They compromized and my dad took me on the road, creative time in Country Music. Artists had complete creative and brother, Curtis, stayed close to the house. I have never known control. Norro Wilson was the finest producer I had. He gave me anything but entertaining and have no complaints; it’s been fun. I complete freedom in the studio. He didn’t even come to most of the have friends all over the world. Continued on page 24 The WESTERN WAY Winter 2016 | 15 In The Spotlight... by Marvin O’Dell

…Patty Clayton will be releasing a new single around the first daughter, Beth, in the Tony Award-winning play “Fun Home” of the year titled “Swingin’ On A Gate.” The song is a western on Broadway. swing number she wrote about a year ago. It will be released on her label Cimarron Wind Music and will be available in …Carol Markstrom and co-author Doug Hocking had an CD and download formats. Visit www.pattyclayton.com for article accepted for Wild West magazine titled “Certain Death more information. in Doubtful Canyon.” It describes a perilous route through late 19th Century Apache country aptly summed up in this …Canadian singer/songwriter Ian Tyson is recovering from line: “For Chiricahua country travelers, it was a reliable place open-heart surgery at his Longview, Alberta, ranch. The to find good graze and water—the question was whether one 82-year-old writer of hit songs like “Someday Soon,” “Four could make it through alive.” Strong Winds,” and “Summer Wages” plans to continue his dual career as rancher and singer. …“Rhyming the Range,” the latest poetry book from Yvonne Hollenbeck, won the top award for a poetry book at the recent …Ron Christopher will release a new album in January titled Will Rogers Medallion Awards in Ft. Worth, TX. At the same Into the West. It has been seven years since his last release, time, her husband Glen was in Las Vegas at the National Silver Screen Heroes & Other Legends. The new album will Senior Pro Rodeo Finals where he placed in every round and contain eleven new original songs. finished runner-up in tie-down calf roping.

…Colorado cowboy singers and poets Tom and Donna …Andy Hedges will be releasing a new record in January just Hatton celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in in time for the Elko Cowboy Poetry Gathering. The album September. Eight days later, while performing at the historic will be titled Cowboy Songster, Vol. 2. Imperial Hotel Gold Bar Theater in Cripple Creek, CO their daughter invited a lot of friends to surprise them as an …Ernie Sites and Waddie Mitchell were among six anniversary gift from the kids. individuals who recently received the Cowboy Keeper Award from the National Day of the Cowboy. …2010 Grand Master Fiddle Champion Justin Branum has joined the Sons of the Pioneers. He began playing with the …Southwestern singer/songwriter Paul Kelly was selected historic group in August for their fall touring dates. to perform at the International Bluegrass Music Association’s World of Bluegrass Songwriter’s Showcase in Raleigh, NC in …In November, Jennifer Lind released a Christmas album October. titled Christmas State of Mind. The album holds a variety of Christmas classics, western, and folk songs. …Brenda Libby has gone back to her country roots with her latest album Sassfras Roots. Sadly, Brenda reports that she lost …Gary Allegretto was hired by Mychael Danna (Golden her brother and close pal in November. Navy veteran Ray Globe/Oscar/Emmy award-winning music composer) to Libby lost a tough battle with colon cancer and subsequent play harmonica on a track for the Disney Pixar animated surgeries. movie The Good Dinosaur. Watch for a dinosaur playing a harmonica around a campfire in an old west scene; that’s …In November, Mikki Daniel was filmed by Ride TV, a Gary’s harmonica you hear in the soundtrack. Cable TV channel, highlighting her musical performance and horsemanship to be used as a commercial that will air …Chuck Cusimano reports that he’s hoping to have a new sometime in 2016. Mikki was also in the top five nominations album out before the end of the year. Things have slowed the of the 2016 Ameripolitan Music Awards for Western project down, but he is still optimistic that it will be finished Swing Female. Winners will be announced in February. soon. …Miss Devon & the Outlaw are working on a new cd titled …The Colorado Country Music Hall Of Fame honored Peggy That’s What I Like About Miss Devon & the Outlaw to be Malone as their “2015 Legend Of Legends Female Vocalist released in 2016, the 10th anniversary of their beginning to Of The Year.” And in October, Peggy finally got to see her sing together. Meanwhile, 2016 marks the 20th anniversary 16 | Winter 2016 The WESTERN WAY of Chuck and Devon Dawson’s involvement with Cowtown Governor of Indiana when she performed for the Grand Opry, the non-profit Western music mentoring organization Opening Breakfast, the big kick-off event, for the Performance in the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District. The Racing Industry Trade Show in December. Approximately Opry will honor Red Steagall, at their annual gala fundraiser 3000 motorsports professionals attended the breakfast. in March. …Janice Deardorff was recently named director of Arts …While visiting Nashville, TN, in October, husband and Arizona, a program committed to sharing our American wife duo The Buckaroo Balladeers (J.C. & Sonja Needham) western heritage with children in Tucson, AZ. This is a new recorded a song at the historic Ryman Auditorium for release program through Arts Express, a nonprofit entity committed on a future project. to creating opportunities for children and adults to learn and experience the power of the arts. Arts Express is in …Cindy Smith has authored several books including a partnership with the Arizona State Historical Society to historical account of Contention City, AZ called “Time In present the Arts Arizona program for children grades 2-5 at Contention.” Her latest article about Contention City can be the Arizona History Museum in February. read in the December issue of True West magazine; it’s titled “Tombstone’s Competitor.” …TheRed Hot Rhythm Rustlers with ventriloquist/magician Rob Watkins began their 12-week dinner show in Glendale, …Susie Knight has released a new CD titled Fillin’ Tanks. It AZ in January. The show runs each Monday night through is a compilation of all-original western poetry and features March 21st. For info, go to www.redhotrhythmrustlers.com. guitar accompaniment by Jimmy Lee Robbins. …Singer/songwriter Randy Huston is featured in the current …Doug Figgs, Mariam Funke, and Clifton Murray issue of the New Mexico Military Institute magazine Sally performed recently for the Governor of New Mexico at the Port. Huston attended two years of high school and earned home of State Representative Don Tripp and his wife Rosie. his two-year degree from the college which is located in Governor Martinez and her husband arrived by parachute Roswell, NM. for the event. …At a CD release party at the Guitar Merchant, Bob Thomas …Allen & Jill Kirkham have their first grandson. Solomon released a new CD titled A Cowboy’s Revel. The album Augustine Brummer was born on October 24th in Rapid contains eleven new original western songs. City, SD to their daughter Megan Brummer and son-in-law Austin Brummer. …Belinda Gail and her husband Robert Lorbeer proudly rode with the Long Beach Mounted Police in the 127th …Mikki Daniel acted as ambassador for Western/Western Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day in Swing music to the National Racing Industry and the Pasadena, CA. t Do you have something to say? The Western Way is always looking for your input. What about taking time to email two or three “short ‘n’ sweet” sentences that focus on the magazine to include in the “From the Trail” feature? Or, maybe you consider yourself a writer and have something a little more pithy to say that warrants larger space in a future A “RAT”ICAL issue? Send your comments/articles to [email protected] for review and consideration. Here are some points to EXTRAVAGANZA remember when writing: A lady by name of Debbie told me this ing, then it clattered to the floor. It also (1) There is no financial remuneration story. She said her husband’s grandfather, blew out about a dozen rats with their for contributed materials; (2) TheWW George, owned and operated a slaugh- fur on fire. Now a rat normally likes dark reserves the right to edit as needed; (3) terhouse on the outskirts of a fair-sized places but these rats were huntin’ day- Articles must be G-rated and content town in central Oregon. This was big cow light. Some of them expired on the spot must be considered appropriate for the country and he didn’t lack for carcasses but the remainder made it out through western readership; (4) Length should not exceed 400 words – shorter is just to work on. It was also some time before the stock pens and into the neighbor’s fine! We make no promises about PETA, EPA, SPCA and a lot of those wheat field where they started a few fires. publication, but every submission will other watchdog government agencies George went to squallin’ for his crew, be given consideration. You will be came into being, so it was alright for sorta interrupting their lunch. They fell notified if your article is selected for a George’s slaughterhouse to drain into onto those fires with boots, gunny sacks, future issue. Look forward to hearing the city sewer system. He had a big tal- cow hides and anything they could get from you! low vat where he stored his renderings their hands on, and managed to put ‘em until he sold and shipped them. When out. When it was all over George owed the vat was empty, the employee he one of the hands a new Levi jumper. had taking care of it kept forgetting to A couple of days later, George ran close the valve and rats would come up into one of the town fathers at the coffee through the grate over the drain at night shop. The feller told him the city sewer and invade the place. system was all plugged up at the lower Ol’ George figured he’d found a solu- end and some strange and nasty goo was tion to his rat problem. One day during runnin’ down the street. He said they’d the crews’ lunch break, he dumped about checked all the drains coming in to it five gallons of gasoline down that drain, and his was the cleanest one they found. stood back as far as he could and threw Ol’ George was a pretty fair poker a match at it. player, ya’ see, and his “poker face” stood BOOM!!! It blew that grate about the him well that day! After that he closed size of a man-hole cover up to the ceil- the drain valve at night hisself. t

18 | Winter 2016 The WESTERN WAY In Memoriam Chuck Pyle – 1945-2015 Chuck Pyle passed away November 6, 2015 of unknown causes while fly-fishing in his hometown of Palmer Lake, Colorado. He won high praise from both fans and peers alike throughout an inspired performance career of over 40 years. When reviewers first gave him the “Zen Cowboy” moniker, he decided to, as he says, “Always ride the horse in the direction it’s going,” and took the nickname to heart, shaving his head and blending his upbeat perspective with old-fashioned horse sense. He mixed infectiously hummable melodies with straight- from-the-saddle poetry, quoting bumper stickers, proverbs, world leaders and old cowboys. An accomplished songwriter, Chuck’s songs have been recorded by John Denver, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Suzy Bogguss. Country fans know him best for writing, “Cadillac Cowboy”, recorded by the late Chris LeDoux, and “Jaded Lover”, recorded by Jerry Jeff Walker. Since writing the theme-song for a PBS series called Spirit of Colorado, he attained local fame, and even sang for the opening session of the Colorado State Legislature. Jim Smith – 1921-2015 Jim Smith (James A. Smith of Greenfield Center, NY) passed away on April 8, 2015. He was 94. Well known in the Adirondacks, Jim enjoyed travelling with his wife Rose (and his Gibson Hummingbird) to the WMA conventions for many years. He was a regular at the evening WMA jam sessions where he made many friends. As a Corporal in the US Marine Corps, he was a tank mechanic in the Pacific during WW II, and was busy trying to repair a tank that had lost a track during a beach landing, just as the flag was being raised on Suribachi. As an Iwo Jima survivor, Jim enjoyed telling the story about the particular flag that was raised that day in a scene that became an American icon. The men were going to use a different flag, but the skipper on one of the ships instructed that a larger flag should be used because the original one chosen for the job was too small to be seen clearly. Jim, busy on the beach with all the shelling and desperately trying to get his tank off the beach, barely had time to watch the flag go up! For over 50 years, until a few months before his passing, he enjoyed taking his Hummingbird to nursing homes and senior centers to sing Western songs, to the delight of the seniors in the audience. Michael A. Whitaker – 1957-2015 Michael A. Whitaker of Buckley, Washington, died at the age of 58 years on November 2, 2015 following sudden cardiac arrest. Michael was born September 27, 1957, and raised in Burnett, Washington. He attended White River High School in Buckley where he played football and was a state champion in the 4x100 relay. After graduation, Michael started his career in commercial construction. He quickly became a superintendent at Clements General Construction, where he worked for nearly forty years. Michael was also an award-winning cowboy poet and published author. As a member of the group, Rockin’ HW, Michael regularly performed throughout the Pacific Northwest with his pards, Alan Halvorson and Morry Walter. (Adapted from News Tribune (Tacoma), Nov. 6, 2015) Lorraine Beth Wyant – 1960-2015 Lorraine Beth Wyant, 55, Sandia Park, New Mexico passed away Monday, September 14, 2015, from injuries sustained in an auto accident. She was born on June 10, 1960, in Anderson, Indiana to Eddie and Judith (Detienne) Wyant. She graduated salutatorian from Daleville High School in 1978 and earned an associate degree in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University. She then pursued her dream of living in the Southwest. After a few years in Midland- Odessa, Texas, she moved to the Albuquerque area and became the Land of Enchantment’s “unofficial tour guide”. An active member of the WMA since shortly after her arrival in New Mexico, she worked extensively in merchandising with Western Music star Michael Martin Murphey and helped with his Westfest shows and others predominantly in New Mexico and Colorado. She designed and ran the websites and newsletters for him as well as Austin Music Scene legends Bill & Bonnie Hearne. A talented flute player, she also got to furnish musical support for all of them on stage on numerous occasions. She also performed those duties for the Hearne’s musician/songwriter nephew Michael and helped him found and run his highly successful Big Barndance Festivals in Taos. She was returning from having worked the September Taos show when the tragic accident occurred. For the New Mexico chapter of the WMA she created the initial website and designed the chapter logo. Over the years she had frequently set up and run the merchandise tables for WMA performers. She was also an avid horsewoman and lover of the southwest culture who will be sorely missed. t The WESTERN WAY Winter 2016 | 19 FROM WMA the TRAIL Education An Open Letter to the Corner WMA Award Show Music Cast I want to send heartfelt thanks to all the wonderful musicians who were a part of the WMA Awards Show House Band: Ernie Martinez: mandolin; Jerome Campbell: thumbpicking guitar; Jon Messenger: rhythm guitar; Johnny By Judy James Neill: fiddle, and lead fiddle on the three-part harmony of “My Heart Lives In Old Santa Fe” and the violins on the “William Tell Overture”. Johnny worked with the wunderkinder fiddlers;Leah Sawyer and Hailey Sandoz (it didn’t take much Does Presenting School work - they caught right on…you go, girls!). That extra effort made the arrangements truly impressive; Kristyn Harris: Programs Really Matter? upright bass; Washtub Jerry: washtub bass. The WMA House Band Harmony Choir (did most of their I had the opportunity to visit with many of you very impressive selections a cappella): Judy Coder (who also at WMA this last November and share stories of did a magnificent job of heading the group); Jennifer Epps; Audrey McLaughlin; education experiences. Gale Rogers; Dawn One person I visited with was Janice Deardorff. Pett; Judy James. She had an opportunity to speak for Career Days One of the jobs in an Arizona school district. She was assigned of the house band the Kindergarten classes and she was up to the and choir was to challenge. Her complete story is on her Web site provide short musical interludes while the – www.janicedeardorff.com/why-do-you-sing/ – I announced winner in encourage you to read it. In this article, she spoke each category walked of a little boy who asked her “Why do you sing?” to the stage to accept She smiled and answered him – “I sing because it the award. The band and choir also backed the WMA Song makes me happy to share music about the west, Of The Year Nominees who requested our help: Mikki Daniel: to share music that matters.” She went on to sing “She Could Ride”, and LeeLee Robert: “Wyoming, Jewel Of The West”. The nominees as well as the band and choir did a songs with them that involved them in singing and superb job with each of the songs. motions. Kindergarten classes can be a challenge, The groups who participated in the pre-show:The Wall- but Janice gets it! She sings and shares because it Eyed Moles (aka Call of the West with Jon Messenger); matters, and she makes her programs relevant to Joyce Woodson with Journey West; 3 Trails West; Notable the age level. Exceptions. Yes, it does matter – If we miss a generation, WMA House Band and Harmony Choir our history is gone. Thanks for sharing your story, with special guests Janice. James Michael, Leah If you have a story to share, email me – judy@ Sawyer, and Hailey judyjames.com. t Sandoz. Every one of the musicians involved Judy James is an award-winning educator who retired in the House after 30 years in the classroom. She has been touring Band/Choir did a her education programs in public schools, home school magnificent job. I am organizations, and other educational organizations since honored to have been a part of the evening. it was truly an 1994. She is also a singer/song writer/guitarist/author/ example of Aristotle’s quote: “The whole is greater than the radio DJ. Email [email protected]. Address: PO Box sum of its parts”. 953, Weatherford, TX 76086 ~ Jeanne Cahill 20 | Winter 2016 The WESTERN WAY Chapter Update

COLORADO CHAPTER theater in Bingen, Washington as the (BRANDED WESTERN) venue brought a record crowd to hear President : Floyd Beard the great poets and singers of our [email protected] Chapter. Duane Nelson, Jinny Cash, The WMA Colorado Chapter attended, Lynn Kopelke, Barbara Nelson, Tom participated, and learned at the WMA Swearingen, Panhandle Cowboys, Larry National Convention in Albuquerque in Wilder, Hanson Family Singers and November. Many performers and fans Horse Crazy Cowgirl Band entertained ARIZONA CHAPTER made the trek to the annual gathering, in a rocking two hour show! New officers President: Yvonne Mayer having a great time renewing friendships were pressed into service, huh....I mean [email protected] and meeting new acquaintances. In October our chapter took part in Congratulations to many of the WMA Tucson Meet Yourself, an annual cultural Colorado Chapter members who were celebration hosting over 100,000 visitors award recipients (learn more in the over a 3-day period. A dozen chapter Awards Wrap-up in this issue): Dale Page, members performed in our booth, Mikki Daniels, Doug Figgs, Bill Barwick, while the Bill Ganz Western Band was Valerie Beard, Almeda Bradshaw, awarded an Artistic Fellowship to and Floyd Beard, Nicely done! Now perform onstage. Performers Janice rejuvenated, we are working on events Deardorff and Way Out West provided for 2016. The WMA Colorado Chapter entertainment at the historic Empire officer team is already gearing up to Ranch located in Sonoita during the host WMA Colorado Showcases during elected! The chapter made their annual Round-Up held in November. 2016. These events showcase the WMA presence felt in Albuquerque for the Our information table was staffed by Colorado members with their talents, National Convention. Supporters Yvonne Mayer, Ev Shaw and Glenda allow members to network and learn and performers alike descended Larson. We have been invited to return to from each other, and get our members’ on the unsuspecting New Mexico the Cochise Poetry and Music Gathering names out to the general public. The hamlet and celebrated with chapter to be held February 5, 6 and 7. The first WMA Colorado Chapter continues to members Notable Exception, The Gathering was held at the Apache Point honor their members who get involved Hanson Family Singers, and Horse Ranch in February 1993 and has been with the Annual Top Hand Award. This Crazy Cowgirl Band all being award a major Sierra Vista attraction every is the member with the highest tally recipients. year. Many chapter members have number of verified involvement activities been invited to participate this year. On promoting their Chapter and WMA as a KANSAS CHAPTER February 24, our chapter, sponsored by whole. The 2015 Colorado Chapter Top President: Jeff Davidson the Tucson Chamber of Commerce, will Hand Award went to Valerie Beard. [email protected] host a Meet and Greet at Monterey Court Congratulations Valerie and thank you The quarterly meeting in October in Tucson. During the social hour, we for all the work you put into the WMA featured a “lunch n’ learn” presentation will provide hors d’oeuvres and strolling Colorado Chapter and to the Pikes Peak by Ken Spurgeon, executive director musicians! Monterey Court is well- Gathering in particular. Speaking of the of Lone Chimney Films, a film known in the Tucson area for providing WMA Colorado Pikes Peak Gathering, company devoted to bringing history live music in many genres. Following be watching for information regarding to life through documentary films. His our Meet and Greet, David Rychener the date, location, and other details as discussion focused on the importance will provide evening entertainment. this exciting new event heads into its of the musical score that goes with On February 25, we will take part in the second year. any film. Each movie or film has Tucson Rodeo Parade. La Fiesta de los a certain “magic” that we see on Vaqueros (the Festival of the Cowboy) COLUMBIA CHAPTER screen, but we also hear that magic is in its 91st year and is one of the top President: Lauralee Northcott as expressed by the accompanying professional rodeos nationwide. Chapter [email protected] music. It was a great presentation. members will decorate an historic The Columbia Chapter met on October The Chapter voted to rent a portable wagon and sing and play while sitting 18, 2015, for their annual meeting, stage from Roger Ringer when an on straw bales. What fun! elections and showcase. Using a historic Continued on page 22 The WESTERN WAY Winter 2016 | 21 Chapter Update Mon-Daks Showcase on Friday, area. We wrap up this quarter with or Continued from page 21 November 13th. The Showcase Christmas Concert. Again this year we was well-attended throughout the had the Flying J Wranglers doing their event warrants the need for a stage. afternoon by patrons of Garduno’s “White Mountain Christmas Show” The stage will provide a performance with lots of positive feedback from the for us here in Albuquerque. This also platform for outside events. The community. Performers included WMA wraps up my tenure as President of Chapter has begun preparing an Mon-Daks Members Almeda Bradshaw, the New Mexico Chapter. It has been entertainment venue for communities Allen & Jill Kirkham, Tom Hawk, Miss wonderful supporting this wonderful along the historic Chisholm Trail. 2017 Devon and The Outlaw, Dan White - western music family. We are looking will recognize 150 years since cattle forward with great anticipation to began trailing from Texas to Kansas. where our new leaders James Michael, Filming has begun on the KS chapter Betty Carter, Joy Burns and Cathy Figgs local TV show called Cowboy Up. It carry us in 2016 here in the “Land of will feature western entertainers, both Enchantment. poets and musicians, many of which will be WMA members. Orin Friesen, OKLAHOMA CHAPTER President: Susie Case [email protected] First a great big “well done” to the the “Drive-by Troubadour”, along with Oklahoma chapter’s own Jeanne several talented and award winning Cahill for being voted the WMA’s “2015 WMA artists from sister chapters from Instrumentalist of the Year.” Jeanne across the country. The Montana- and Jerome, “Call Of The West,” are based High Country Cowboys also

chapter treasurer, was elected to the Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame in the entertainer category. He currently is the bass player and manager of the Prairie Rose Ranger band, and is operations manager of the Prairie Rose. He joins Geff Dawson and Barry Ward as chapter members who have spending the winter in the Southwest. received this award. participated. The WMA Mon-Daks If you happen to be in Mulhall, OK on Chapter was well-represented at the a Friday night, stop by Lucille’s to see MONTANA-DAKOTAS CHAPTER 2015 WMA Annual Convention with if Jim Garling is “in residence.” Jim also President: Linda Hausler members Allen & Jill Kirkham, Almeda performed at Byron Berline’s “Double [email protected] Bradshaw, Brad & Bonnie Exton, WMA Stop Fiddle Shop” on December 19th. Exciting news from Greg Hager. Greg DJ Jarle Kvale, LeeLee Robert, Devon Donnie Poindexter with Steeldust will reports “I’ve received a professional Dawson, Jessie Robertson, Dan White, be performing in Ft. Smith, AR, January endorsement with the Emerald Guitar and Tom Hawk in attendance. 23rd at a Chili Supper Benefit to support Company in Ireland.” Congratulations “The Old Fort Days Dandies,” a group to Greg on his Guitar endorsement! NEW MEXICO CHAPTER of young horsewomen who represent Also, congratulations go out to President: Joe Brown (and participate each year) in the Old chapter member, Almeda Bradshaw, [email protected] Fort Days Rodeo in Ft. Smith. Dandies’ for winning the Pro Division of The fourth quarter is one our favorite members are chosen for their riding the Western Wordsmiths Chapter times of the year. We have a concert skills, horsemanship, and scholastic Poetry Jackpot at the Convention! in the plaza at Old Town Albuquerque achievement. “A Little Farther West,” The WMA Montana-Dakotas Chapter in October during the International Robert and Susie Case, perform along sponsored a WMA Showcase during Balloon Fiesta. November is when we historic Route 66 on Tuesdays at The the WMA Annual Convention at have our National WMA Convention Beach House restaurant in Bristow, a Garduno’s Of Mexico Restaurant & here in Albuquerque, New Mexico. place Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys Cantina, just down the street from Old Town Albuquerque also always used to frequent. They also entertain the convention in Albuquerque, hosts some of our WMA acts during the vets at the Claremore Veterans’ New Mexico. Almeda Bradshaw the convention and this always adds Center in Claremore, OK, the second planned, organized, and led the WMA tremendous excitement within the Saturday of each month. 22 | Winter 2016 The WESTERN WAY UTAH CHAPTER President: Chris Mortensen Congratulations to Valerie Beard, 2015 (Horse Crazy Cowgirl Band) and Susie [email protected] WMA-WW Jackpot- Novice Champion Knight for sharing their expertise at The Utah Chapter of the WMA has had and Almeda Bradshaw 2015 WMA- the youth workshops and to Kristyn many members volunteering a lot of WW Jackpot-Professional Champion. Harris, recent “graduate” of the Youth hours lately. We had a large building Congratulations to Floyd Beard, 2015 Chapter, for putting together the Youth for Utah WMA members to perform WMA-WW Jackpot-People’s Choice Stage performance. Thanks also to Stan their music during the Utah State Fair in and Alma Tussing for their continued September. From 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, support of the youth by hosting a fun we entertained hundreds of fair goers pizza get together this year. Now that on the last day of the fair. We are picking the Youth Chapter is well established up new members on a regular basis, there are some upcoming opportunities and these sorts of events help to pique being planned to expand the program interest in western music fans. Many of such as the Saddle Bag Program where our members performed in November, participating Youth Chapter members at the Wayne Nelson Memorial Cowboy can set up an account or a “virtual saddle Gathering in Rupert, Idaho. Wayne was a bag” and work towards free admission well loved singer, songwriter, and poet, Award winner. Elections for new chapter or reduced costs to the annual WMA who possessed an amazing talent. He officers took place after the Jackpot. The convention. Also, a performance career was also a friend to everyone, and was a WMA-WW welcomes these members enhancement scholarship fund is great mentor to up and coming western to serve in 2016: President: Geoff being set up to help young applicants performers. He will be sorely missed, but “Poppa Mac” Mackay, Vice President: attend a music camp, hire a teacher or never forgotten. There was a special half- Vic Anderson, Secretary: Mark Munzert, mentor, take classes at a music school or hour tribute to Wayne during the Friday other appropriate performance career and Saturday night programs in Rupert. enhancement opportunities. Also, for Great jam sessions afterward, but again, continued outreach and growth, festival it wasn’t quite the same without Wayne. organizers are encouraged to host a Congrats to Sam DeLeeuw on winning youth stage or youth workshops at their yet another Female Poet of the Year! festivals, and state or area Chapters are urged to Adopt-A-Youth by assisting WESTERN WORDSMITHS CHAPTER with mentoring a local Youth Chapter Dale Page, President member, providing performance [email protected] opportunities or events for youth The WMA-WW Chapter had several to participate in, and continuing to members show up at the 2015 WMA and Treasurer: Teresa Burleson. The promote western music and poetry Convention in Albuquerque, NM. membership looks forward to the in local schools. More information on Congratulations to Dale Page, 2014- new ideas they’ll bring to encourage these opportunities will be posted soon 15 WMA-WW President, winner of the the writers and performers of cowboy on the WMA website, Youth Chapter 2015 WMA Cowboy Poetry CD of the poetry. page at: http://www.westernmusic.org/ Year-Once We Were Kings, and to WMA- youth-chapter WW Past President, Sam DeLeeuw, YOUTH CHAPTER winner of the 2015 Female Poet of Coordinator: Jane Leche Other Chapters Not Reporting: [email protected] California Chapter Congratulations to all Youth Chapter East Coast Chapter WMA Award of Excellence recipients Wyoming Chapter this year! Mikki Daniel for her Western Swing Album of the Year Cowgirl New Chapters Currently Being Formed: Swing, Leah Sawyer for her part in the Missouri & Texas. If interested in more Harmony Trio and Youth Ensemble information on either of these new Harmony Awards, and in a tie for the regional WMA chapters, contact Crescendo Award with Hailey Sandoz WMA Executive Director: marsha@ who also shared in the Harmony Youth westernmusic.org t Ensemble Award. The WMA Youth the Year. Also, congrats to WMA-WW Chapter continues to do well overall. Join Us member, Mikki Daniel, 2015 WMA Swing There were 14 out of the 33 Youth Album-Cowgirl Swing. The 2nd WMA- Chapter members, including 4 new Online! WW Cowboy Poetry Jackpot entrants members, in attendance at the WMA www.westernmusic.org came out to represent the performers Convention this year. Kudos to Jennifer of cowboy poetry with excellence! Epps, Judy Coder, Lauralee Northcott The WESTERN WAY Winter 2016 | 23 In The Crosshairs – Rex Allen, Jr. RA: I was writing songs for the ill-fated Singing Cowboy movie. I Continued from page 15 had started the song at home and took what I had to my offices in Nashville. Curt and Denny were there, and we finished it. Later I wrote two more verses and the complete version is on my album “The New West.”

TWW: You mentioned that Warner Bros. pretty much let you pick your songs and record them, but what about creativity as your career progressed. Were there any issues between you and your producers at the label? Or did they pretty much let you take your music where you wanted it to go?

RA: I had some issues with Andy Wickum at Warner Bros. He wanted me to be more like my father, and I wanted to be me! The problem with Nashville is that the producers never went on the road to see what my audience enjoyed; so they tried to take me in directions that I didn’t want to go. As an artist, we always battle for creative freedom. Some get it and most never do. When the Outlaw movement began, Stan Byrd who was head of promotion said to me, “Rex, we need to take you to West Texas and drag you behind a pickup for two days and then shoot publicity pictures.” I said to sessions! I would go out and find the songs and record them. I also him, “That wouldn’t be ME, Stan! Why don’t you sell ME and not wasn’t afraid to record pop songs either. If you look at all my WB someone I’m not.” That was the beginning of the end for freedom albums, you will always find a western song. Even the harmonies in Country Music. Today they spend all their time at major labels are like the Sons of the Pioneers. It is my heritage, and I brought it trying to “design” artists. Sad really. with me to Nashville and my records. TWW: Were you still on the label when you began appearing on TWW: Is there a story around why Warner Bros. didn’t make you the “Statler Bros. Show?” part of their Warner Western label when that roster was formed? RA: No I was not. RA: It is my understanding that Warner Western was Michael Martin Murphy’s deal, and he didn’t want anyone on the label that TWW: And how had had success in the Country field. did that come about? Did the TWW: Is it significant in any way that the last album they did Statlers want with you (The Singing Cowboy) was a cowboy album rather than you in particular a pure country album? for their show, or was that decision RA: There was a guy that had raised some money to do another made by their Singing Cowboy movie and wanted me to play the lead. I wrote producers? several songs for the film and sold the idea to Warner Bros. The film never happened, and I lost my record deal. In retrospect, though RA: Funny story! the album is one of the best I have ever done, it was a major career I had divorced, mistake and ended my recording career with major labels. re-married, and moved to Tyler, TWW: On that album is a song you wrote with your brother, Curt, Texas. The and Denny DeMarco (“Ride, Cowboy, Ride”) that has become a phone rang, and western music classic right along with songs like “Cool Water” my wife said, and “Tumbling Tumbleweeds.” I think we can safely say it’s now “You should take one of the most-recorded cowboy songs of all time. When you this call. They hear performers do that song, realizing that the song has sealed say they are the your place in western music songwriting history, that has to feel Statler Brothers!” They offered me the slot as a regular on the show. pretty good. I said, “YES!!” To this day, I have no idea how they found me!

RA: It’s humbling really - my gift to the western music that has TWW: Wow, it might be fun to find that out (laughs). Now, we’re been a part of my whole life. You don’t start out to write a classic just guessing here, but we’re suspecting that when The Nashville song. It is performers and the public that make it a classic. Thank Network was sold, that pretty much meant that the Statler Bros. you to all who breathe life into that song. show would come to an end soon? Do you know? Is that what precipitated the show’s demise? TWW: Which one of you had the original idea for the song? Continued on page 28 24 | Winter 2016 The WESTERN WAY Prayer Request from Rich O'Brien

The multiple award winning artist assured the Lord will provide. and our own Hall of Fame member However, Rich would very much - Rich O’Brien, who Acoustic Guitar appreciate your prayers. Also, magazine called “The House Guitar- he remains ready, willing and ist for the Cowboy Music revival,” available to help anyone who says “thank you, I am speechless” needs assistance in producing for the Cowboy Crisis Fund. The their next album. He is a humble WMA was able to provide him man, however truth be told, he has temporary financial aid to see him produced or played on over 600 through a difficult period in his recordings. He can be contacted life. Rich was suffering from se- at: 4500 Country Road 805, Joshua, vere carpal tunnel in both wrists. TX 76058. This fall, he had operations on his wrists, a month apart. After Music historian Douglas B. Green extensive physical therapy, he said: “There is no one I’d rather hear realizes, the surgeries were not play guitar than Rich O’Brien. His successful. As such, Rich hasn’t taste and musical sensibilities are ex- been able to perform as a fea- quisite. He has great technique, of tured guitarist, nor as a studio course, but there is a vast difference musician for some time. Being between a facile technician and the a lifelong “picker,” he was de- brilliance and perfect feel that is pendent on the ability to play Rich. He’s a national treasure!” guitar. The loss of income has Well said Ranger Doug! been significant. Rich being a fru- gal man, lived within his means and hasn’t any debt. However, (This was submitted for print in the the loss of income made it impos- Western Way. Although most often sible to cover the basic necessities help provided from the Crisis Fund of life. is confidential, Rich O’Brien ap- proved this write-up to convey his Rich is going to be examined by a heartfelt “thanks.” This is just one renown, 5-star hand specialist to as- way your generosity to the Crisis sess what needs to be done to make Fund makes a difference. Used by him whole again. It will be a lengthy permission.) and costly process, however he rests The WESTERN WAY Winter 2016 | 25 Oh, Shenandoah

by Buck Helton

Greetings all! William Tell Overture, which I’m sure none of us can think I’m writing this shortly after the 2015 WMA convention. of without visions of Clayton Moore’s Lone Ranger running If you missed it, start making your plans for the next one through our minds. right now! This time out we are going to mine for golden There are so many different adaptations of the lyrics nuggets in a river. Specifically, the Missouri. Shenandoah, over the years; the originals are lost to history. Below are or across the wide Missouri. is an extremely old folk song the oldest printed lyrics from the aforementioned book by that has ventured far. From the canoes and flatboats of the Capt. Whall: French-Canadian Voyageurs, to the riverboats, to the great lakes. Out to sea, back to land where it became a popular Missouri, she’s a mighty river. ballad, doing time in both the Union and Confederate forces Away you rolling river. in the great war; and finally to become synonymous with The redskins’ camp, lies on its borders. the westward expansion. Ah-ha, I’m bound away, ‘Cross the wide Missouri. Most musicologists agree that the Shenandoah men- The white man loved the Indian maiden, tioned is the famous Oneida Iroquois chief John Skenandoa, Away you rolling river. who lived from 1710 – 1816. A Christian convert, he was a With notions his canoe was laden. friend of many of the early movers and shakers of America. Ah-ha, I’m bound away, ‘Cross the wide Missouri. Indeed, his sending of Indian corn to General Washington’s “O, Shenandoah, I love your daughter, troops at Valley Forge during the winter of 1777 saved Away you rolling river. many lives. President Washington is said to have named the I’ll take her ‘cross yon rolling water.” Shenandoah River and Valley after him in gratitude. Ah-ha, I’m bound away, ‘Cross the wide Missouri The song, in its oldest written record (The New Dominion The chief disdained the trader’s dollars: Monthly - April, 1876) tells of a canoeing voyageur, or fur Away you rolling river. trader, who had fallen in love with the chief’s daughter. The “My daughter never you shall follow.” chief forbids the relationship (Chief Skenandoa supported Ah-ha, I’m bound away, ‘Cross the wide Missouri. the English over the French in the 7 years’ war, and the At last there came a Yankee skipper. French speaking Canadians were probably a little too close Away you rolling river. for comfort to allow for an alliance through marriage.) And He winked his eye, and he tipped his flipper. the trader leaves, heartbroken across the wide Missouri, Ah-ha, I’m bound away, ‘Cross the wide Missouri. never more to see his beloved. He sold the chief that fire-water, Both the article and the excellent book, Sea Songs and Away you rolling river. Shanties, collected by W.B. Whall, Master Mariner, claims And ‘cross the river he stole his daughter. the lyrics therein reprinted were learned by the author before Ah-ha, I’m bound away, ‘Cross the wide Missouri. the Civil War. In point of fact, the earliest mention of the “O, Shenandoah, I long to hear you, song (as Shenadore) though without the full lyrics mentions Away you rolling river. it as being written in 1820. Across that wide and rolling river.” Tracing the circuitous route the tune has taken to its Ah-ha, I’m bound away, ‘Cross the wide Missouri. present status as a Western classic is beyond the scope of this small article. Though it was indeed popular during the I hope you’ve enjoyed this saga, and I want to thank all of westward expansion, it was Hollywood that sealed its as- those who have written, called, or stopped me at convention sociation with the West forevermore. First in the soundtrack to say how much you enjoy this feature in The Western Way. of the film How the West was Won in 1962, and then three Suggestions for future columns are always welcome. Your years later in the 1965 Jimmy Stewart classic, Shenandoah, author can be reached at [email protected]. where it was used as the main theme. It was popular at the time to use older Public Domain works and repurpose ‘Til next time, them in Westerns. Probably the best example of this is the Happy Trails! t 26 | Winter 2016 The WESTERN WAY Western Air by Rick Huff

Western Music is most often acoustic in its core instrumentation. Its lyrics are typically about the lives, loves, lore, locales, legends and legacy of the old and new West, its peoples or Cowboying worldwide.

Tips? Comments? Ideas for the column, send to: Rick Huff, P.O. Box 8442, Albuquerque, NM 87198-8442 or bestofthewestswcp.com

Good Morning, Cicelians!

For fans of the Northern Exposure-honoring website www. And it takes someone with Jeff Brown’s musical sensibilities and KBHR.net, that means “Jeff In The Morning” is on the mic! masterful touch to pull off mixing it together with classic Jazz What?? You didn’t watch the groundbreaking TV series that (Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, Bix Beiderbeck); Blues from ushered in a totally new style of writing, acting and plotting the 1940s; Folk; war era Big Band; classic and contemporary and caused the nation virtually (before “virtual” came) to come Irish (anyone for some Drop Kick Murpheys?); Country; Doo to a standstill for an hour after it premiered in the summer of Wop and whatever else it may take to fill the bill! But Cicelians 1990 to wildly enthusiastic acclaim??!! Then WHY am I even the world over are really getting into it, as is evidenced by the talking to you? e-chat coming back. Seriously, for those of us who did find ourselves glued to Jeff Brown’s own background prepared him for this new every word and deed coming out of the fictional town of Cicely, programming challenge. A veteran of the radio wars for Alaska (that “Cicelian” reference), we understand and we nearly twenty-two years, he ran top rated shows on KOLT- remember well. And some folks continue on with it today… FM in Cheyenne, Wyoming where he worked from 1996 not just in reruns, but in one of those lovely living pockets of until departing in 2012. “The idea of getting the newer fandom on the internet where time stands still and the world Western Music on our station is exciting. There really is some you choose never has to end. Career radio guy Jeff Brown was fantastic stuff that is deserving of airplay…current singers and one of ‘em…uh, that is…us. songwriters that otherwise might not get heard!” Frankly you “About fifteen years ago, I had launched my own online show can rest assured that Jeff’s enthusiasm for Western Music will in tribute to the radio station in Cicely,” Jeff remembers, “when not be allowed to slacken, either. His dad just happens to sit on I heard about some other people who were into Northern the WMA board…Joe Brown!! Exposure. After meeting one of the deejays on their station, I Another element that has always been important to Jeff to felt I should join forces with them.” include (partly because of his own heritage) is Native American. You may recall…or not, depending…that the radio station “From the first station I started online fifteen years ago, I have on the TV show was Free Form to the max, and seemed to be made sure that Traditional and Contemporary Indian music hosted day and night by the enigmatic “Chris The DJ,” played was an element. I would run Powwow reports about events, to spacey perfection by John Corbett. Chris ran an impossibly news and public service announcements intended to be of strange mix of music, read from the Bhagavad Gita, quoted benefit to the community.” And, as many of us have maintained writers from Keats to Kerouac, but also served as a Greek for years, the Indian story is also part of the Western story. Chorus commentary on things going past. The station owner, Jeff’s first show on the Northern Exposure website www. a hawkish millionaire and ex-astronaut, never knew “what the KBHR.net premiered on October 19th, 2015, but already the fit hell Chris was talking about!” But we did, and the Cicelians is natural and rewarding. It’s all-volunteer radio, but sometimes who tune in to www.KBHR.net sure do, when Jeff Brown there are great rewards that are banked in the soul. assumes the honored duties of “Chris The DJ” (if not by that To submit music or poetry for play consideration, send name) each morning at 7AM Mountain Time and helps to it to Jeff Brown, c/o 4304 Condesa Dr., NW, Albuquerque, paint a Cicely of the mind. NM 87114. “Western Music really fits well into the format,” Jeff says enthusiastically. “We play both Classic (Sons of the Pioneers & Trivia bit: Did you know a real Alaskan town was the model not a week goes by without some Marty Robbins) and current for Northern Exposure’s Cicely? It was the very remote village of artists (Don Edwards, Juni Fisher, Dave Stamey and others) Talkeetna. The show was actually filmed in the more climatically along with Western Swing (Asleep At The Wheel, for example).” co-operative state of Washington. t The WESTERN WAY Winter 2016 | 27 In The Crosshairs – Rex Allen, Jr. Continued from page 24 RA: I am going to go to Ireland to explore the roots of western music. That is where “Streets of Laredo” came from! RA: I knew the day it was announced that it was over for TNN. Gaylord was a numbers guy, as is CBS. They don’t care about their TWW: As you know, a lot of what we call “Hollywood Kids” audience - only numbers. TNN was in 58 million households, and get messed up in one way or another – some of which seems to that was what they bought. Today Spike TV is still not as popular be influenced by the rather unusual environment in which they as TNN was. When “The Statler Brothers Show” and “Yesteryear” grow up. How did you avoid those pitfalls and keep your feet on were on TNN, we still hold the record for being the highest rated solid ground, thus enabling you to go on to a very productive and Cable Television Shows in Cable history. successful music career?

TWW: So did you suddenly realize, “Hey, I’m out of work?”

RA: I had a job!! I was doing a show at The Orleans Hotel in Las Vegas – “Gone Country.” In the middle of the Vegas show, I went back to Nashville to do the final season of “The Statler Brothers Show.”

TWW: There was a really fine singer on that show named Ronna Reeves. Any idea what she’s doing since the show?

RA: She was not on the show with me. I have no idea where she is.

TWW: Of your country music hit songs, do you have one that’s a favorite? Around here we especially like “Goodbye,” “I’m Getting Good at Missing You (Solitaire)” and “No, No, No.”

RA: I like “It’s Over” most.

TWW: And that’s another one that you wrote – a great song, by the way! We thought “Cat’s in the Cradle,” that so-poignant Harry Chapin song, was an interesting choice for you. Was it accepted well by country music audiences? RA: I didn’t grow up in Hollywood. I grew up in the cities and towns my father performed in. I would brag to my friends that I RA: The entire “Cats in the Cradle” album is one of my best. It was had been to every town west of the Mississippi River before I was a concept album. People request the song all the time. 16. That is where I grew up.

TWW: You seem to be the last connection to cowboy/western music TWW: Would you like to educate our readers about your own as far as commercial music goes. Garth Brooks did a few cowboy/ children? Their ages and what they seem to love doing these western songs but not to the extent that you have done. Does this days? mean that cowboy/western music – songs with pure cowboy or western lyrics – will probably never be heard commercially again? RA: My three sons are doing well! Wyatt, my oldest, is now 35, and he and his wife Rachel have given me two beautiful RA: I believe that music, like life, goes in circles. Western music grandchildren. Cody and Logan, now 27, live in L.A. and are will come again with a major artist like Garth. We have to be patient in the property management business. But that will probably and continue to sing what is in our hearts ‘til that happens again. change.

TWW: We hope you’re right about that. You’ve been at this a TWW: Well, if you don’t already know it, you are a very long time. What drives Rex Allen, Jr. to continue to produce and respected artist in the western music arena, but more than that, perform excellent music for audiences? a very respected individual. We appreciate the work you’ve put into helping preserve western music and in encouraging other RA: The music first; the people second. I have always believed that performers to set high standards for their work. You’re admired there is no such thing as a bad audience, only a bad entertainer! for always performing in a highly professional manner. Thank Music has always been my life, and I’ll sing what makes me and you you taking the time to answer a few questions today. We’d like happy for at least another two years. My plan is to stop performing to do it again as we think of some questions we forgot to ask. in 2017. I’ll record though as long as I can sing! RA: I have taken western music to all parts of the world and TWW: Well, there are going to be a lot of folks who won’t like the United States. It has been so rewarding to see the smiles on hearing that you plan to stop performing. What will the future peoples’ faces when western music brings back special memories. hold for Rex Allen, Jr. then? Thank you for taking the time to talk to me!! t 28 | Winter 2016 The WESTERN WAY O.J. Sikes Reviews

A Musical Note From OJ... O.J. Sikes

In the fall issue of the Western Way, you may have came driving over a hill toward the stage in his jeep, discovered a strange typo in my review of The Gene “Nellybelle”! Having seen the Roy Rogers Show on TV Autry Christmas Book. I have no idea how it happened years before, I was impressed. But nothing was nearly during the process of transferring the text between my as impressive as hearing the Pioneers hit the first notes computer, the editor, the layout people and the printer, of their theme song, “Tumbling Tumbleweeds.” Right but half of a sentence was missing from the printed then and there, I became a fan! version and the meaning was lost in the process, so I was working crowd control as part of an Order of I’d like to try again, briefly. In putting the book of the Arrow team of college boys at the National Boy Gene Autry’s Christmas songs together, the editor Scout Jamboree in that beautiful mountain setting discovered that the sheet music for many of the songs that evening, so there was no chance to talk with the had disappeared. To deal with this problem, (and here’s Pioneers. But I wrote them a letter afterward, c/o RCA the way the text should have read): “…copies of 100’s Victor, and they forwarded it to Lloyd Perryman, the of broadcasts had to be found and cleaned-up so the group’s leader. He sent a gracious reply which led to an music could be manually transcribed from Gene’s interesting exchange of correspondence. I had no idea performances on his Melody Ranch and Sergeant Gene about their history; I just loved to hear that wonderful Autry radio shows. The latter, his wartime show, had harmony, and I had no idea who Lloyd was. That was served as the channel through which Gene Autry’s evident in my questions about who sang which solos name began to be associated with Christmas music, on their then-new Cool Water LP (which I had bought long before ‘Rudolph.’” The point the editors of the as soon as I got home from Colorado). book wanted to stress was that, in the minds of his fans, During our exchange, I asked Lloyd if the group Gene Autry had been associated with Christmas songs would consider recording a couple of songs I for many years before he recorded “Here Comes Santa remembered hearing on radio or in films, “Adobe Claus” and “Rudolph.” Hacienda” and “Along the Navajo Trail.” Lloyd You may have seen that there’s a review in this informed me that they were working on a new LP at issue of a Sons of the Pioneers CD titled The Lure of that moment and it would include my requests! That Tumbleweed Trails. It’s a CD I think should be in every LP was Lure of the West, one of the two LPs included on Western music lover’s collection, and there are a couple the new Jasmine label CD, so you can see why I was of personal stories related excited to see it! to one of the two LP’s Well, in my excitement, and with so much attention the CD contains that I to detail, I ran out of space, so the second story will couldn’t squeeze into the have to wait till the next issue. In the meantime, buy review, so I wanted to tell a copy of the CD and the story will mean more to you them here: when you read it in the spring! t In the summer of 1960, I saw the Sons of the To submit your CD for review, send to: Pioneers “in person” for O.J. Sikes, 327 Westview Avenue, the first time. It was near Leonia, NJ 07605-1811 Colorado Springs in an Required: Album cost, S&H cost, Address, Phone outdoor setting, and early Number in the show Pat Brady Questions? You can email O.J. at [email protected] The WESTERN WAY Winter 2016 | 29 CINDY WALKER, VOL. 2: TRAIL DRIVIN’ Did you know that B-western singing cowboy Cindy Walker Jimmy Wakely was often referred to as “the Bing BACM CD D 496 Crosby of country and western singers?” Most folks know that Cindy Walker was a great composer of country and Western songs. musicianship is superb. Both men were accomplished But did you know she also musicians, and Jethro Burns has been referred to as sang? She made a number of “the Stephane Grappelli of the mandolin.” Their musical commercial recordings for the talent shines on this collection, as does their wit. “Old Decca and Jewel labels as a Paint” has a surprise ending, and you can hear a bit vocal soloist, and even more of studio banter with producer Chet Atkins before they radio transcriptions. Twenty- start “I Love Your Pizza.” I was particularly interested six of those transcriptions appear on this new BACM in their take-off on “Streets of Laredo,” titled “Streets of release. Weehawken,” since Weehawken is just down the road Interestingly, she didn’t write all of the songs on this apiece from my house, and their version is a hoot! Lots disc, but she did compose quite a few (at least half) of to enjoy here. Available from VenerableMusic.Com, them. It’s also interesting that some of the song titles phone (678) 232-0268, or Amazon.com. are not identical to the titles used when the same songs were recorded by others. For example, a song she wrote titled “Old Wrangler” is here, but is better THE LURE OF TUMBLEWEED TRAILS known on Sons of the Pioneers transcriptions as “The Sons of the Pioneers Old Wrangler Dreams.” And her “Song of the Cowboy,” JASMCD 3692 as it appears here, is known elsewhere as “Cowboy In 1960 and ‘61, the Sons Serenade.” But any confusion is easily resolved when of the Pioneers recorded the you hear the music, as sung by Cindy Walker herself. tracks that were to be used You’ll hear her own renditions of “Hubbin’ It,” “Miss in their RCA Victor LPs, Lure Molly,” “Trail Drivin’ (‘cross the Idaho plains)” & “Tood- of the West and Tumbleweed leumbo” plus quite a few you may never have heard! Trail, following on the success VenerableMusic.Com, phone (678) 232-0268, or of their landmark LP, Cool Wa- Amazon.com. ter and 17 Timeless Western Favorites. I had requested that they record a couple of my favorites that had not HOMER & JETHRO, VOL 4 appeared on the Cool Water album, “Adobe Hacienda” Homer & Jethro and “Along the Navajo Trail,” and was delighted when I found that both were included on Lure of the West. BACM CD D 497 I was new to the music in those days, and the song I wasn’t aware of it and I selection on those two albums was magic. “Carry Me wouldn’t have believed it if I Back to the Lone Prairie,” ”Cimarron (Roll On),” “Silver hadn’t seen it, but the legend- on the Sage,” “Wanderers of the Wasteland,” “When the ary country comedy duo, Hom- Bloom is on the Sage,” “Hills of Old Wyoming,” “Saddle er & Jethro, recorded hilarious Up!” and so much more, every one a gem! This new parodies of a number of West- release contains all 24 songs from these two great al- ern songs for RCA Victor in bums, recorded in stereo. 1960 and ’63. The British Ar- The trio of Lloyd Perryman (tenor), Tommy Doss chive of Country Music located (baritone) & Dale Warren (lead) was augmented by them and they appear on this the deep bass voice of Thurl Ravenscroft, who had new CD of 28 recordings from those years. Not all are recorded with the Pioneers for Walt Disney earlier Western, six are Cy Coben compositions and there are and had also become the familiar voice of “Tony the others you’ll be able to appreciate. “El Paso,” ”Oh Give Tiger” on tv commercials. These two albums were Me a Home (where the buffalo roam, & I’ll give you…),” from guitarist Karl Farr’s last sessions. He passed “Down in the Alley” and many more get the Homer & away on stage a short time later. Classic songs, mas- Jethro treatment, and if you like to grin, this album terfully done. Widely available and a “must” for every will make it easy. Audio quality is first-rate and the Western music fan. 30 | Winter 2016 The WESTERN WAY the music that led to the development of Western swing, was called string band music. There are two relatively THE VICTOR LABEL, VOL 2: unknown string bands on this disc that surely had an CLASSIC OLD TIME MUSIC influence on what was to become Western swing, and fans of early swing are sure to enjoy their rare record- Billie Maxwell, Jack Cawley’s Oklahoma ings. They are Big Chief Henry’s Indian String Band Ridge Runners, Big Chief Henry’s Indian (with six songs) and Jack Cawley’s Oklahoma Ridge String Band, and others Runners (five songs). B.A.C.M. CD D 498 If you like early Western swing, you’ll enjoy listening When this CD dropped to these granddaddies of the genre, and you may like through the slot for review, some of the other old-time music here as well. Venera- nothing about it caught my bleMusic.Com, phone (678) 232-0268, or Amazon.com. eye. The recordings come from 1928 to 1930, and with one exception, the artists’ names BOOK REVIEW were not familiar. It’s hard to find music from that era that COWBOY PRINCESS RIDES AGAIN is appealing (to me) or that is Cheryl Barnett-Rogers cleaned up enough that the Riverwood Press 2015 listener can actually hear it. But boy, was I pleasantly Before I received my copy of surprised! BACM has done a terrific job with this com- this book, I got a call from my pilation of 24 songs. good friend Jerry West (from As far as I know, Billie Maxwell was the first woman Waxahachie, Texas). He had to record cowboy songs. Her dad was the leader of the just finished reading the book White Mountain Orchestra and in 1929, she cut her and told me it was “the most first records a few days after the band recorded four comprehensive, interesting tracks under the supervision of the legendary Ralph and entertaining Roy Rogers- Peer. You can hear them all here, but Billie’s vocals Dale Evans book I have ever are not my favorite music on this disc! In those years, read – and I have read them much of the music in that part of the country, at least all!” Well, when Jerry West tells you something, “you can take it to the bank!” I got a copy, read it (it was hard to put it down), and he was right! The new book, 267 pages, in paperback, contains updated (sometimes alternate) versions of stories you may have read in Cheryl’s earlier book, Cowboy Prin- cess, plus lots of new stories and photos you probably haven’t heard or seen before because they haven’t been printed before. The style is pleasant to read as well as entertaining and informative. As Roy’s first child, Cheryl was there all through the 40’s and 50’s, arriving before Roy Rogers became King of the Cowboys. She was also Roy’s and Dale’s care-giver in their last years, and encouraged by their primary care physician, she closed the book with a chapter on how they dealt with their complicated health issues in their last years (and, doubtless, prolonged their lives). It’s a very valuable chapter for those of us of a certain age. Cheryl really brings all of those experiences to life in this new book. Like Jerry West, I found lots of information I hadn’t known and tons of photos I’d never seen, including stories and photos of the Sons of the Pioneers! It’s fascinating and highly recommended! $25 on Amazon.com or, if you want a signed copy, the price is $25 plus $5.75 for Priority Mail (insured and takes 2 to 3 days) or $4.50 for media mail (no insurance and takes 10 to 15 days to arrive). Send your check to: Cheryl Rogers-Barnett, PO Box 577, Washington, UT 84780-0577. Continued on page 32 The WESTERN WAY Winter 2016 | 31 Continued from page 31

DVD REVIEW GENE AUTRY, CHAMPION, SMILEY BURNETTE, ETC. Gene Autry Collection No. 12 Gene Autry, Champion, Smiley Burnette, Frankie Marvin, etc. The other day I was watch- So with these films from the 1930’s you get plenty ing an old Buster Crabbe/ of good music, both from Gene Autry and from his Fuzzy St. John movie (Devil guests. Among the songs Gene sings are “Way Out Riders) I hadn’t seen before West in Texas” & Smiley’s composition “On the Prai- when I noticed something rie,” Tim Spencer’s “Ride, Ranger, Ride” & “Song of the very unusual about it: there Pioneers” plus ”Yellow Rose of Texas,” “On the Sunset were four uncredited mu- Trail,” “Sing Me a Song of the Saddle,” “Down in Santa sicians in it. The Crabbe/ Fe,” “There’s a Gold Mine in the Sky,” “Dude Ranch St.John series of B-Westerns Cowhands” and “As Long as I Have My Horse,” among was not a musical series and others. Since Gene’s Melody Ranch radio show had not music was usually limited to started when these films were made, the bonuses on cue music, so I looked closely these DVDs include shows from other years, all with to see if I could recognize the great music from Gene Autry and his cast of first-rate musicians. I spotted Tex Williams & Smokey Rogers in musicians. Another enjoyable bonus feature is a set of a quartet that was introduced as The Big Slicker Band. color TV wraparounds with each film, featuring Gene These two musicians were to be featured with Deuce and Pat Buttram talking about old times and stories Spriggins later in a series of short Western musical about the B-Western movie-making days. films with Tex Williams as the singing cowboy star, and Not only is the music in these films good, it sounds you will surely remember them from the Spade Cooley good because the Autry office has gone to great lengths and Tex Williams Western Swing bands. to restore both the video and the audio tracks, so what The point of this story is that I found them, uncred- you’ll get on these DVDs actually looks and sounds ited, only because I recognized them on-screen. Gene better than it did in the theaters when it came out in Autry’s films didn’t leave the viewers to guess; he often the 1930’s! And the price (four restored, uncut, feature invited regional bands to appear in his movies, which length movies for less than $17) is remarkably reason- served to bring the bands publicity back home as well able. To order, contact the Autry Museum Store by as national exposure, but it also helped promote Gene’s e-mail at [email protected] or call (323) 667-2000, pictures all over the country. Not that they really needed ext.228. With this release, ALL of Gene Autry’s 89 fea- it; his films were extremely popular, making Gene a su- ture films are now on DVD! As Gene Autry DVD’s and per star before World War II, but his films were musical CD’s grow scarce, prices tend to rise, so don’t put off Westerns and he didn’t mind giving Western musicians buying until later. And don’t go for items from other a boost via his films. outlets that look cheaper; they are usually not the re- Texan Art Davis made a number of movies with Gene, stored, full-length versions you’ll find at the Museum, and you may spot him in The Sagebrush Troubadour and there’s really no comparison in the quality. t from 1935, but you’ll find full bands in the other three films in this 2-DVD set. The Tennessee Ramblers, featuring Cecil Campbell and “Fiddlin’ Hank” War- ren, were in Ride, Ranger, Ride (1936) and Yodelin’ Kid Did you know that B-western from Pine Ridge (1937). In spite of their name, the Ten- nessee Ramblers were based in Charlotte, NC on the singing cowboy Jimmy Wakely far-reaching radio station WBT, and “Fiddlin’ Hank” was to become a very popular staple as the comedic fid- changed his name in 1920, dropping dler with the Briarhoppers on WBT in the 1940’s. But a second “e” in his name which the best known group in this set of four films is found in Gold Mine in the Sky (1938), Pee Wee King & his was originally spelled Wakeley? Golden West Cowboys. A few years later, King would have huge hits with “Tennessee Waltz” and “Slowpoke.”

32 | Winter 2016 The WESTERN WAY 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.

ROSE HILL BAND ALMEDA BRADSHAW BARBARA NELSON “Buckles & Barrels” Lovers, Wives & Mothers “Big Corral Roundup”

For their Almeda With this fans, we can Bradshaw CD, the ever report that is on a mis- jazzy and the newest sion. All swinging profit from Ms. Nelson release from this CD’s has done the Rose sales goes what other Hill Band is to organiza- frequent a good rep- tions that releasing resentation of their live performance. work with victims of sex trafficking. artists might consider doing. She Believe it or not, that can’t always be Featured are five Native American has released a CD to bring certain honestly said of a project. singers and eleven supplemental tracks back to the attention of DJs On the recording the personnel musicians, so you know immediately and fans. consists of Scott Ortberg (vocals & this release wants to say what it says Drawn from earlier releases comes bass); Linda Ortberg (vocals, guitar in a special way. Almeda begins with this collection of predominantly & percussion); “Rodeo Kate” Howell- a launch from a platform of safety. swing favorites. The Western con- Chapman (fiddle) and Mathew Wal- “Heavenly Here With You” is the tent includes “Ghost Riders In The song she wrote to express the love ton (harmony, steel, banjo & guitar). Sky,” “Ragtime Cowboy Joe,” “My and trust she and her husband both Little Buckaroo,” “Ridin’ Down The Incidentally the all-around rodeo feel. Then she plumbs deeper. This Canyon” and the curiously miscred- rider on the CD cover is the late isn’t to say the album’s effect is a ited “Blue Shadows On The Trail” Jack Wilkerson of El Reno, Okla- downer…anything but! It’s hopeful in (Johnny Lange & Eliot Daniel, not homa, a Lifetime Gold Member of the its reflection. Randy Newman) and “Out On The PRCA. The album is dedicated to his Two of Dave Stamey’s probing por- Western Plains” (Huddie Ledbet- memory. traits “Rosa May” and “Crazy Mary” ter, not Rory Gallagher)! Swing- The Ortbergs are retired teachers are here and a third is answered with ers and other standards include who, in 1985, returned to their earli- Almeda’s “Davy Don’t You Know.” “Miles & Miles Of Texas,” “Crazy,” er profession and passion for music- Some of Tom Russell’s tough minded “St. James Infirmary” and more. making. They approach what they creations inspired this CD, and one of “What A Wonderful World” is mis- do with obvious enthusiasm that them (“Hallie Lonnegan”) rests here. credited too, but that’s somebody in So does Ian Tyson’s “Somewhere In comes through. And if everybody’s another genre’s job. Sixteen tracks, The Rubies.” Also Almeda’s originals having a good time, performer and and a nice representative set for fans are top notch, so whether you mea- of Barbara! audience, that’s all you can ask. sure by content or performance, this CD: $15 ppd from Barbara Eleven tracks. stands as her best release to date. Nelson, 72521 Tutuilla Creek Road, CD: $15 + $3 s/h from Rose Eleven tracks. Pendleton, OR 97801. Hill Band, 262 County Road 4655, CD: (info through Rhome, TX 76078 www.AlmedaM2Bmusic.com) Continued on page 34 The WESTERN WAY Winter 2016 | 33 Continued from page 33 Nelson (“Inside War”) and J.B. Allen (“A Better Job”). Russell’s delivery occasionally runs toward a Ross Knox-style chant, and at other times BOOK REVIEW BRENDA LIBBY is more toward the conversational. SLIM RANDLES Cowboy Classics II and III For musical support on most of “The Complete Cowboy “Sassafras Roots” the tracks, Jim Jones provides guitar, dobro and piano and Randy Huston Bucket List” Accord- adds fiddle. One of the offerings is an ISBN: 978-1-936744-38-1 ing to the unusual mix of recitation with singing liner notes, (“I Will Ride Smokey Today”) and the The this CD was title track, “That Old Yellow Horse,” is author inspired by a sweet portrait of horse loyalty. Ad- admits remem- ditional picks include “Bitter Sweet,” you’d need bered story “Just His Life” and “The Last Gather.” lots of fragments Eleven tracks with two introductions. time and CD: (info through from (and a bucket www.cimarroncowboypoet.com) about) people who have gone on. suitable to Most of Brenda Libby’s songs are not feed Babe specifically Western by subject, but The Blue her tales of land and happenings on Ox to carry it can superimpose quite easily onto DUANE NELSON “Cowboy Lonesome” the funds a Western setting or scene. required, The specifically Western tracks This one but if you here are “Saloon Girl’s Lament” and was record- visit the the James Gang saga song “Sun- ed with the Will Rogers Memorial in Barrow, down” (with Irl Hess as “Doc”), but continuity Alaska and ride a Lipizzaner in others are defendable…such as of a per- Vienna, Austria…the rest are more “Runs Like A Scar,” “Where The Dan- formance, centralized! Okay, there’s also delions Grow,” “Cool” or “When May which is a Came To Be.” Libby is one of those touring Iceland and Mongolia by nice touch. horse of course. expressive singers who can tip you to Plus Nelson The book is serious fun, and even the existence of a back-story behind has a very listenable, comfortable if you can’t accomplish a single the words you’re hearing. Also, I’ve delivery. one of the tasks, at least there’s a said before she reminds me tonally The covers of other’s works include quick education about them in one of Belinda Gail, and that still holds Sunny Hancock’s wonderful “Horse handy source as Slim count’s ‘em true for me. Ten tracks. Trade,” Stephen Vincent Benet’s CD: $15 + $3 s/h US (info @ “Mountain Whippoorwill” (inspiration down. Personal anecdotes abound www.brendalibbymusic.com) from for “The Devil Went Down To Georgia”), on everything from choosing a hat Brenda Libby, PO Box 447, Roach, Howard Norskog’s “Old Campfires,” or boots, going to farrier, bull or MO 65787. Will Ogilvie’s “Pearl Of Them All” and bronc riding schools or cooking Badger Clark’s “Commuting,” “Glory on a Dutch oven (which doesn’t Trail” and the famous “Annie Laurie/ require a trip to Holland, DENNIS RUSSELL Bad Half Hour” with singing from Horse tenderfoot)! “That Old Yellow Horse” Crazy Cowgirl Band leader, Lauralee Full disclosure: Your humble “Dennis Northcott. Another effective mounting servant was asked to furnish the Russell” has is the one done for “Texas In The Spring” list of Western songs for the book. profession- that is both recited and sung (by Coyote Much had to be omitted, but I gave ally dropped Joe Sartin & Little Joe McCutcheon). it my best shot! the surname Nelson’s own works stand up ad- Trade Paperback Book: $15.95 “Nazelrod,” mirably against the formidable com- (U.S.) from Rio Grande Books but rest as- petition, with “Cowboy Lonesome,” (www.RioGrandeBooks.com), 925 sured. It’s “Requiem,” “Softer Ground” and his still him! Salamanca, NW, Los Ranchos, NM first-ever poem “Shortcut” being par- Most of 87107-5647. the works ticular standouts. Fourteen poems on included here are originals. Guest twenty-three tracks. poems come from Bruce Kiskaddon CD: (info through calling (“Old Western Town”), Terry Nash & 1 541-296-5953 or emailing Mike Moutoux (“Cowman’s Lot”), Joel [email protected]) 34 | Winter 2016 The WESTERN WAY McCall (drums & percussion) and Nathan Phelps (upright bass). THE HIGH COUNTRY COWBOYS “Fingerprints” is a wonderfully LINDA NADON sophisticated Gypsy Swing album… “Songs of-----“ “North of 54 Degrees” particularly for young performers (a I don’t re- This caveat they are doubtlessly growing call coming tight har- sick of hearing). Just let the people away from mony West- play, for cryin’ out loud! And, broth- hearing a ern trio er, how they play!!! They take Jazz, CD by poet made up of Swing & Irish/Scottish reels to new who focus- the broth- fields. It is a listening and dancing es on fam- ers Kosel joy from stem to stern. There are ily ranching was pretty only nine tracks on the album, but with more much the with the extended lengths and the of a clear- cut sense of talk of the sheer astronomical quality of the 2015 WMA Convention. the family than this one provides. performances, no way will you feel That’s a convoluted sentence, but Very much a nod to the Sons Of cheated with this one. Highly (or it’s a big concept to try to put across. The Pioneers, the High Country “Hailey”) recommended! Linda Nadon pretty much writes Cowboys now offer an album of “Yo- CD: (info through www.oga-mu- about the kind of workaday ranch- delin’ Marty” Kosel originals. They sic.com or www.HaileySandoz.com) ing experiences that Yvonne Hol- easily could have come directly to lenbeck embraces. She has a feisty, us from the era of the B-Western credible delivery well suited to her singing cowboy. Most of the famous perspectives. As we move from ex- Nolan-Spencer-Carson kind of sub- PRAIRIE MOON perience to experience and memory to memory, we get a feeling of place, ject matter is present. In the liner “Under Western Skies” notes, Kosel admits to the deriva- neighbors and tempo. We know her The lat- tive inspiration for a number of the husband Larry, her adult kids (who est from make appearances). We hear about songs, so if they have a familiar feel, the Western and then meet her son “The Rodeo there’s the reason. It’s good to find harmony Man” when he chats with us and young folks who embrace the clas- group fea- sings (well) Marty Robbins’ “Cow- sic harmony style, and the Kosels tures five boy In The Continental Suit.” The handle it with conviction. music accents and live audience nice origi- A note…we’re getting close to be- clips provided by brother/producer nals, includ- ing able to offer an entire evening Rocky Lackner provide interesting ing two of made up solely of songs entitled coloration. It’s an intriguing visit. the album’s “Stampede!” With the one here, Note: The numbers don’t line up pick tracks “Singing My Way Down The I now count six! with the list on the jacket…and one Tucson Trail” and “Pokey.” CD: (info through www. poem isn’t listed there at all. Nine- Picks among the collection’s teen tracks. thehighcountrycowboys.com) cover songs include David Ball’s CD: (info through l.lnadon@ “Texas Echo,” Joy Gray’s “All The hotmail.com or write PO Box 2521, Meadow Lake, SK, CANADA Old Cowboys,” the Samuels/Pow- ell/Whitcup classic “Give Me My S9X 1Z6) “Fingerprints” Boots and Saddle,” Red & Danny i s Steagall and Ace Ford’s “Red River PIPP GILLETTE Rose,” Nat Vincent & Fred How- Hailey San- “Sings Songs of Waddie & Pipp” doz (fiddle ard’s “When The Bloom Is On The & harmo- Sage” and “Dear Old Western Skies” Occa- ny vocals) (omitting its principal writer Smiley sionally when I’ve and Joseph Burnette in crediting Gene Autry). Also “Cross The Brazos At Waco” is used the Carmi- term “rus- attributed to Billy Walker, who hit chael (gui- tic,” I will tar, Roland with it, but it’s actually a creation of confess it’s V6-88, bass & bodhran). Lead vocals singer/songwriter Kay Arnold. been a syn- here are provided (when called for) Here is a nice collection with onym for by guest artists Mikki Daniel & Seth smooth harmonies and tight pro- something Russell (on mandolin as well). Four duction. What more do you need?! else. With the ol’ master Pipp Gil- additional fine musicians complete Twelve tracks. lette, I mean it to say “true,” “au- the assemblage: Kendall Rogers CD: $15 ppd from Prairie Moon, thentic” and “Undisputed King Of (piano & piano-accordion), Blaine 4505 Nassau Dr., Wichita Falls, It” to boot! Russell (harmony vocals), Martin TX 76308. Continued on page 36 The WESTERN WAY Winter 2016 | 35 Continued from page 35 As a writer Gates wields a mighty As The Gillette Brothers, Pipp pun, too. Leaning toward the come- and his late sibling Guy became POPPA MAC dic, she includes novelty songs like two of the real cowboys’ go-to guys “Hippo Loose In Hutto” (wherein for music that gave voice to their “Behind The Grease Paint” a lady wrangler saves the day, as thoughts and lives. For this first Admit- inspired by an old newspaper clip- solo release since Guy’s passing, tedly we’re ping and a dose of literary license); Pipp could not have teamed with going back “Roundup Time In Roswell” (ever anyone creatively better attuned a little far- see a little green doggie?) and poems such as “A Curious Sight” (gotta see than Waddie Mitchell. The effect is ther in time that Pipp was just casually recorded that to believe it); “Changes At The than usual somewhere by a John A. Lomax Ranch” and the classic “Gol Durn type, singin’ up a storm. No fuss, no to pick up Wheel.” Her a cappella tight har- muss. Picks include “It Could Have this 2013 mony work on “No Well” and “Way Been Worse,” “Myrtis,” “I’m Happy,” release for Out West In Texas” is impressive as “Middle of Nowhere,” “Dogs Bark In review. well. It’s a good ‘un!! The Night” and the spoon rhythm- Canadian poet “Poppa Mac” Ten tracks total. accompanied “Sentimental Toast.” Mackay has been a real life rodeo CD: (info through www. I feel like giving one to these guys. clown or, more accurately, a bull- purlygates.com) Ten tracks. fighter or rodeo protection athlete. CD: $15 + $4.95 s&h (TX orders Called the most dangerous job in the add $1.24 state tax, please) from world in the world’s biggest sport on Big Daddy Records, 215 S. 3rd St., dirt, the occupation this guy chose Crockett, TX 75835. SUSIE KNIGHT meant he saved lives every time he worked. Even ER doctors can’t make “Fillin’ Tanks” that claim. Knight NOTABLE EXCEPTIONS The perspectives given here were is in her “New Day” gained up close. REAL close! As is his element wont, Poppa Mac most often prefers when she’s Lordy! to bring chuckles or at least smiles telling What a fine of recognition in poems like “Cattle stories album this poetically, one is! Baron,” “Cowboy Hats” or “Old Friend.” Then he gets down to busi- and this It’s both time the range ness in others, such as “Crashin’ around she of material The Gate,” “Scars” and “Hung Up.” found here Fourteen tracks. The liner note forsakes none of her energy by and the numbering is off due to an intro- backing off in volume. This one is sheer con- duction occupying Track One but, her best release so far. viction of delivery that really sets apart as they say around the ring, “don’t Her well-crafted poems benefit this debut release from the ladies let it throw ya!” from her delivery and some par- known as “Notable Exceptions.” Long- CD: (info through www. ticularly artful and intuitive guitar time favorite Judy Coder joined Wash- poppamac.com) support from Jimmy Lee Robbins. ington’s Horse Crazy Cowgirl Band Picks include “Bein’ A Neighbor,” and, from it, has found true harmony “Cliff” (as fine an elder cowboy with one of its longtime members Jen- portrait as I’ve heard in the last nifer Epps. The result is a treasure. PURLY GATES decade), the celebratory “Cookie Friendly or forceful, joyous or caution- ary…the harmonies of Coder & Epps “The Call of the West” Lockhart – Queen Of Auctioneers,” embrace it the full gamut. Susan “When Riders Come To Call” (a A key to the adventure is found “Purly” gritty story of a frontier soiled dove in the liner notes for one Western Gates has and my personal favorite in the warhorse they did see fit to include: basically collection), “Three Saddle Horses” “There’s risk in covering such well- listed her- and “Bring ‘Em Home” (an unusual known material!!” When did you self as “a poem-song delivered by an outlaw’s last hear THAT sentiment expressed poet.” As suffering wife). around the WMA??! this very There’s plenty to recommend Picks include Patty Clayton’s pleasant about this release. But I’ll just rec- marvelous “Red Buffalo,” the little offer- ommend you bring it home. Thirteen Quantrill Raider tale “What Jacob ing attests, she is considerably more Reilly Saw,” Richard Elloyan’s “The than just that! On her release “The tracks total. Weaver”…and basically the remain- Call Of The West” she also demon- CD: (info through www. der of the CD!! strates her chops as an interpreter, susieknight.com, calling 303-495- CD: (info through www. as an obviously seasoned singer and 4869 or emailing lassothecowgirl@ NotableExceptions.com) as a multi-instrumentalist! yahoo.com) 36 | Winter 2016 The WESTERN WAY Music’s very best balladeers and perceptions of aging, or “The Horse- songwriters. man” with its campfire conversa- THE BLACK ACE (& OTHERS) Hiatt’s writes and co-writes in- tion on the place of a cowboy, “… “The Black Ace Yodeling Hitch Hiker” clude the title track “Goodnight when you’re sittin’ horseback, son, From Texas,” “Monte, The Night you don’t look up to any man.” It’s a fine collection with a positive tone Allen Calver” (you’ll never find a better M. Kirby maintained throughout. cowboy portrait), a trilogy dedi- Trade Paperback Book: (info travelled cated to Nevada buckaroo & author across from Gary Robertson, 1482 Hid- Mackey Hedges consisting of “Last western den Valley Rd., Thousand Oaks, Canada… Buckaroo,” “Shadow Of The Wind” CA 91361). writing and and “Cow Work” finishing with the playing lighthearted boogie “Cowboy Up.” theaters, The intelligently selected covers to rodeos go with them include “Every Horse and shows I Ever Rode,” “Dodge City,” “Pretty BOOK REVIEW across the course of forty-two years Painted Ladies,” and, on “Below the ROD MILLER as “The Black Ace, Yodeling Hitch Kinney Rim,” the song’s co-writer “Rawhide Robinson Rides Hiker.” Were it not for the dedica- Michael Fleming lends a harmony tion of his daughter Nola, his life’s voice. The Tabby Trail” work would remain underappreci- It’s superior stuff all ‘round, and ISBN 13: 99781432830755 ated to say the least. ‘Hope Vic Anderson’s tracks “Yodelin’ definitely worth your investment of time and bucks. Ten tracks total. yer han- Hitch Hiker” and “Yodelin’ Cow- kerin’ fer boy’s Last Yodel,” Buddy Gale’s CD: (info through www.tomhiatt.net) another of recitations of several Kirby poems and the tracks from Two Bit Cow- award-win- boys (“Canyon Blues”) and Dry ning poet/ Town Drifters (The Lonely Guitar”) author Rod are welcome additions. ‘Sorry, but BOOK REVIEW Miller’s tall I’m not sold on the enhancements GARY ROBERTSON tales…or someone applied to The Black Ace’s should that vintage tracks. The guitar overlay “A Treasure Trove of Memories” be “tails??” seems to run despite the singer. (101 pages) If anyone Kirby’s own instrument work is Surpris- could be all but lost. And on “B’ar Hunt ing to me up to actu- Reprise” Kirby’s words are recited was an ally herdin’ while he sings them…an unfortu- informa- cats, who better than Miller’s re- nate choice. Yes, his tracks have tion bit in- doubtable creation Rawhide Rob- a public address speaker sound. cluded in inson?!! Described as being not- But if that’s all we have from him, Gary Rob- too-tall, not-too-short, not-too-fat, let it stand. Still, it’s an important ertson’s contribution. not-too-thin…here Robinson is also cover note not-too-gun-shy, not-too-allergic to CD: $25 ppd (money order or accom- certified check only) payable to take on a CAT—the drive to Tomb- panying stone to rid ‘em of rodents! Along The Black Ace, Box 368, Magrath, his book the way we get more of the kind of Alberta, CA T0K 1J0. Email: of poetry. [email protected]. Appar- campfire wild ragging from Raw- ently it’s hide we discovered in his previous TOM HIATT this well- volume. He can out-run Bunyan, known poet’s first book of all-original out-think Fink and out-everything “Goodnight From Texas” verse! else Pecos Bill! The plot gets deeper This As I went from page to page in the (well, somethin’ sure does) as we newest re- volume, I began to become aware pussyfoot down the trail with the lease from of something. Gary Robertson has crew (and one crewette). Tom Hiatt the gift of knowing how to allow mo- Suffice it to say Rod Miller has is in honor ments to fulfill their promise. It’s a again concocted a saga worthy of rarity that deserves celebration. He of the great John Ford…who, upon reading it, is able to magnify occurrences for doubtlessly would have proclaimed Charlie closer examination that otherwise “I’ll have what he’s drinkin’!! Goodnight might be totally overlooked…not in Trade Paperback Book (251 and those any forced or overstated way…and who similarly spend their time allow them to stand with simple no- pages): $25.95 with 48 chapters, a ahorse, and we see clearly that bility. Works like “I Saw Him Check prologue, epilogue AND a postscript! Hiatt remains one of Western My Cinch” present a moment on Continued on page 38 The WESTERN WAY Winter 2016 | 37 Continued from page 37 These missed arriving in time for Santa’s Sleigh this year, but certainly worth considering for early gifting in 2016. Note: There is a rocky mountain oyster song, but hey…this is Cow- DVD REVIEW boy after all!! DVD: Call or text 1-307-349- THE HIGH COUNTRY BUFFALO BILL (BOYCOTT) 7197, email wfboycott@hotmail. COWBOYS com or get info through www.buf- “Merry Christmas from Our & DR. JO falobillboycott.com “Buffalo Bill’s Holiday House To Yours” Roundup” If you ALLEN & JILL KIRKHAM prefer your A little “Colorado Cowboy Christmas” holiday late is bet- standards ter than If it’s late (and oth- never, and for the sea- ers) done I wouldn’t son (some- in tight want to day folks three-part miss re- will send viewing these re- Western some- leases in harmony, the Kosel brothers may thing from late sum- just have what you’re looking for. these two! mer when In addition to the obligatory Buffalo I can pro- standard fare one finds on holiday Bill (Boy- mote them in time), at least for use releases, here we also find a few cott) and next year you can order this pleas- other Christmas decorations for partner “Dr. Jo, Flower Of The antly homespun holiday album. color. “Blue Christmas,” “Out Of Prairie” (a.k.a. Joanne Orr) were For the most part it’s the selec- The East,” “Still” and “Christmas videoed in performance by Wyo- tions you would expect, but there On The Plains” brighten things up ming Public Television at the new are some nice originals from the for you. These guys made quite a Lander Community & Convention Kirkhams as well. Those are the title favorable impression on stage at Center. After much negotiating, the track “Colorado Cowboy Christ- 2014 show was finally released by mas” in two versions – a “radio mix” the November WMA Convention the station on DVD for all to enjoy. and the good ol’ extended play ver- in Albuquerque, so if this CD gets The show captures the live concert sion – and “Christmas Eve in Colo- you into the mood to collect The performance of the duo admirably, rado.” Former Flying W Wrangler High Country Cowboys, so much and the expanded effect added by Scott Vaughn’s “Pot Bellied Stove” the better. our ol’ friend Les Hamilton (fiddle, has been fired up for the occasion, I yearn for the day when I receive harmonica & jingle bells); Joe Lefe- and another one-time Flying Dub- holiday offerings in time to actually vre (stand-up bass); Tom Wilson ber Joe Stephenson is playing on tell you about them ahead of the (bodhran & penny whistle) and the CD. season for which they are intended, Willie Leclair (traditional Native If you can’t make use of the al- but maybe that time will yet come. American sign language) adds to bum immediately, maybe you can CD: (info through www.thehigh- the enjoyment. The songs offered pop it on during all those Christmas countrycowboys.com) t are basically Christmas “light” and in July sales that show up! novelty in nature, and therefore, CD: (info through www. are more able to be enjoyed by all. KirkhamMusic.com)

Western Music Association Web Site You can now view The Western Way as well as the Festival and Events Calendar on our Web site! Visit often to keep up with what’s going on in our Western Music family. www.westernmusic.org

38 | Winter 2016 The WESTERN WAY Western Charts TOP 30 COWBOY / WESTERN ALBUMS

1. Ride a Wide Circle - Mary Kaye 16. Spirit Rider - Brenn Hill 2. Down the Trail - Kristyn Harris 17. Cowboy Songs - Rich Price 3. Cowboy to the Bone - R.J. Vandygriff 18. Gatherin’ Strays - Trails & Rails 4. Jewel of the West - LeeLee Robert 19. From the Ranch to the Rodeo - Tony Lundervold 5. Crossing Borders - Carol Markstrom 20. Granite Mountain - Belinda Gail 6. This Cowboy - R.W. Hampton 21. Forty Miles of Famous - Richard Elloyan & 7. Riders in the Sky Salute: Roy Rogers, King of the Steve Wade Cowboys - Riders in the Sky 22. Riding After Midnight - Clint Bradley 8. Cowboys and Girls - Randy Huston & Hannah Huston 23. Ridin’ the Arizona Trail - The Bill Ganz Band 9. All I Need - Horse Crazy Cowgirl Band 24. Partners - Doug Figgs 10. Race With the Wind - Jim Jones 25. Trail Jazz - Cowboy Joe Babcock 11. Cowgirl Swing - Mikki Daniel 26. Ride for His Pay - Robert Beene 12. Too Hot to Handle - Red Hot Rhythm Rustlers 27. Distant Furrows - Barry Ward 13. Horses That Run Far Away - Bob Marshall 28. Goodnight From Texas - Tom Hiatt 14. Shadows of Time - Royal Wade Kimes Gunsmoke Trails and Other Tales - Gary Lee Tolley 15. Night Rider - Marshall Allen Bailey & the Silver Bullets 30. Lonesome Country Road - Barry Ward

TOP 10 WESTERN SWING ALBUMS 10 MOST PLAYED POETRY ALBUMS

1. Ain’t Dead Yet - Hot Texas Swing Band 1. Cowboy Poet: the Poetry of Larry McWhorter & 2. Still the King - Asleep at the Wheel Friends 3. Trail Jazz - Cowboy Joe Babcock 2. Rhyming the Range - Yvonne Hollenbeck 4. Susie Blue & the Lonesome Fellas - Susie Blue 3. Cowboy Lonesome - Duane Nelson 5. A Platter of Brownies (The Music of Milton 4. Baxter Black’s NPR CD’s - Baxter Black 5. One Hundred Years of Thunder - Doris Daley & Brown) - Carolyn Martin Bruce Innes 6. Down the Trail - Kristyn Harris 6. First Time Out - Tom Kerlin 7. Too Hot to Handle - Red Hot Rhythm Rustlers 7. Once We Were Kings - Dale Page 8. All I Need - Horse Crazy Cowgirl Band 8. Western Wordsmith - Susie Knight 9. Legends - Coby Carter 9. The Bar D Roundup, 2014 - Various Artists 10. Jewel of the West - LeeLee Robert 10. Elko: A Cowboy Gathering - Various Artists Now Playing - Western Swing Authority *A missing number in the list represents a tie for that spot. 10 MOST PLAYED SONGS BY WESTERN MUSIC DJS Attention DJs! Your contributions toThe Western Way charts are welcomed. Please 1. Driftin’ Cowboy - R.W. Hampton send your playlist, including the song and the 2. She Could Ride - Mikki Daniel CD on which it appears, to [email protected]. 3. Down the Trail to San Antone - Kristyn Harris 4. Don Edwards for President - Red Hot Rhythm Rustlers 5. Grit, Grace, and Balin’ Twine - Mary Kaye Various DJ friends have reported their playlists Ride a Wide Circle - Mary Kaye 7. Wyoming: Jewel of the West - LeeLee Robert for the last quarter, thus helping us compile these 8. Swingtime in the Rockies - Horse Crazy Cowgirl Band charts reflecting which CDs are being played the The Night Herding Song - Mary Kaye most on their radio shows. You will find a listing Cowboy to the Bone - R.J. Vandygriff of those reporting DJs on the following page. Hurricane Deck - R.J. Vandygriff

The WESTERN WAY Winter 2016 | 39 Western Playlists - Reporters Here are the DJs who sent their playlists this quarter:

Waynetta Ausmus Chuckaroo the Buckaroo Paul Hazell PO Box 294 Calling All Cowboys Radio PH Records Tom Bean, TX 75489 88.9 FM, KPOV FM Royal Mail Building (PO Box 3) [email protected] 22470 Rickard Rd. Brambleside www.WaynettaAusmus.com Bend, OR 97702 Bellbrook Industrial Estate 541-388-2537 Uckfield Michael Babiarz http://kpov-od.streamguys.us/calling_all_ East Sussex KVMR Community Radio 89.5FM cowboys_new_56k.mp3 TN22 1XX, UK 120 Bridge Street The Flying SL Ranch Radio Show “Paul Hazell’s World Of Country” Nevada City, Ca 95959 NFLY – No Fly Internet Radio www.uckfieldfm.co.uk 530-265-9073 radio.spalding-labs.com Uckfield FM (in the UK) 916-233-6203 [email protected] [email protected] www.kvmr.org Telephone: +44 7775 545 902 [email protected] KWC Ameriana Radio Station Miguel A. Diaz Gonzalez Judy James Marshal Allen Bailey avenida galtzaraborda nº47 2ºA Cowboy Jubilee with Judy James High Plains Public Radio 20100 renteria and Western Heritage Radio 210 N. 7th St. Guipuzcoa PO Box 953 Garden City, Kansas 67846 España Weatherford, TX 76086 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.hppr.org/wsot.html 1-800-678-7444 Mike Gross Tom Kerlin & Uncle Rich 15 Nina’s Way Horsetown South Western Bobbi Jean Bell Manchester, CT 06040 Music Show OutWest “Swingin’ West” 120 Village Circle 22508 6th St. [email protected] Senoia, GA 30276 Newhall, CA 91321 www.swinginwest.com 770-599-1923 “Campfire Café” w/host Gary Holt (plays primarily western swing and more [email protected] [email protected] band-oriented western material.) 661-255-7087 Al Krtil Greg Harness “Early Morning Trails” Butch Martin & Skip Bessonette KRBX Radio Boise 225 West 7th Street, “Whittler’s Corner” 1020 W Main St #50 Ship Bottom, NJ 08008-4637 KRRM, Rogue River, OR Boise ID 83702 (609) 361-8277 KBNH, Burns, OR [email protected] [email protected] 1410 Kubli Rd. “Ramblers’ Retreat” www.sudzincountry.com Grants Pass, OR 97527 Wednesday, 6-8am Mountain, 89.9 FM [email protected] http://ramblersretreat.com Jarle Kvale www.krrm.com http://radioboise.org KEYA Public Radio www.earsradio.com PO Box 190 Steve Harrington Belcourt, ND 58316 Art Bohman PO Box 803 [email protected] KSUU – 91.1 FM Show Low, Az 85902 107 N. 1150 W. (928) 242-3367 Graham Lees Cedar City, UT 84720 [email protected] Radio HWD 435-586-8735 www.mountainsaddleband.com/ 13 Overthorpe Ave. [email protected] old-west-chapel Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF120DS, UK Peter Bruce Sam Harris [email protected] Flagstaff Country FM 93.5/AM 930 CVFM Country KAFF Radio 4 Shadforth Close, Old Shotton Village 1117 W. Route 66 Peterlee Flagstaff, AZ 86001 Co. Durham 928-556-2650 SR8 2NG, England www.country935.com www.cvfm.org.uk [email protected] [email protected] Continues on page 41

40 | Winter 2016 The WESTERN WAY Eddy Leverett Bob O’Donnell Totsie Slover c/o Campfire Productions “The Western Jukebox 2” Real West From The Old West 1623 Co. Rd. 820 1028 N. Borner St. #119 AM 1230 KOTS Radio Cullman, AL 35057 Prescott, WI 54021 220 S. Gold Ave. Around the Campfire [email protected] Deming, NM 88030 WKUL Ph: 651-925-7429 575-494-0899 www.wkul.com [email protected] [email protected] Barbara Richhart www.realwestoldwest.com Western Belle of KSJD www.demingradio.com Wyn Machon CowTrails Show Facebook/totsieslover 5 Lowther Street 32229 CO RD P Oamaru 9400 Mancos, CO 81328 Eric Swansick New Zealand Studio: Sundays 12:00-2:00 PM Back at the Bunkhouse New Zealand Country Music Radio Studio 970-564-0808 13800 NE Merchant Rd. FM 107.3 (NZCMR) Home: 970-882-1413 Carlton, OR 97111 [email protected] Cell: 970-739-8408 503-708-3960 Streaming www.ksjd.org Dallas & P.J. McCord [email protected] Tommy Tucker 30 Village Dr. www.cowtrails.com “Snake River Radio Roundup” Creswell, OR 97426 KRLC Radio KNND 1400AM Sunday’s 1PM to 4PM O.J. Sikes 805 Stewart Ave. Cowboy Culture Corner 327 Westview Ave. Lewiston, ID. 83501 [email protected] Leonia, NJ 07605 208-743-1551 [email protected] [email protected] Marvin O’Dell KKRN, Redding, CA “Keepin’ It Western” “Around the Campfire” www.earsradio.com defendersoffreedomradio.com Leonard Werner KKRN (Redding, CA) Country Routes www.earsradio.com WDVR FM 89.7 & 91.9 [email protected] PO Box 191 10430 W. Loma Blanca Dr. Sergeantsville, NJ 08557 Sun City, AZ 85351 609-397-1620 805-551-4649 www.wdvrfm.org www.musikode.com [email protected]

Around the Convention

The WESTERN WAY Winter 2016 | 41 42 | Winter 2016 The WESTERN WAY

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