Living in Wyoming, I hear a lot about this genuine cowboy who lived in Kaycee - just a few miles up the road from us here in Casper.
Chris LeDoux was a true Western singer who funded his rodeo riding by selling albums out of the back of his pickup. He even won the bareback riding event at the National Finals Rodeo in 1976, and retired in 1980.
I was abroad - and going through a bitter divorce - when he died in 2005, so missed the news for a few years. Given that his children are my age, it makes his death hit home much more than it might otherwise.
Here are a few of my favorite songs of his. (All links are from his Vevo site, so the views go to his family.)
Amarillo by Morning - Chris LeDoux
Originally by Terry Stafford and Paul Fraser, most of us remember this being sung by George Strait (1983), but Chris covered it in 1975. I think his voice does it very well, don't you? (See the Wikipedia.)
County Fair - Chris LeDoux
Chris wrote about the things he knew - and the life he loved. This song is a lovely story of a couple who cement their love at the County Fair - the culmination of any young 4-H or FFA competitor's year.
You Just Can't See Him From the Road - Chris LeDoux
As a genuine cowboy and rancher, Chris LeDoux knew exactly what he was talking about. This is the real cowboy's life that he's singing about.
Song of Wyoming - Chris LeDoux
Chris loved Wyoming and considered it his home even though he was born in Mississippi (Air Force family.) It's only appropriate that he sang this and the next song about Wyoming.
Take Me Back to Old Wyoming - Chris LeDoux
Other artists admired Chris LeDoux very much. In fact, in Garth Brooks' "Wild Horses" song, there's a line about having a "worn out tape of Chris LeDoux." The story goes that when Chris heard that for the first time, he nearly drove off the road - so humble was the cowboy!
I love this duet that Chris did with Bon Jovi!
Bang a Drum - Chris LeDoux and Jon Bon Jovi
Chris didn't really do many videos, but this one is really something. I just love how the two artists work together so wonderfully - showing that we can get along with other styles of music!
Today's Finale!!!
Thank the Cowboy for the Ride - Chris LeDoux
I can't think of a better concluding song. This song is another sweet story of young love, but I think it's just as appropriate for this cowboy who departed this planet far too early. Thank you for the ride, Chris! You will always symbolize Wyoming and the REAL Wild West!
That's it for today! I hope you had as much fun as I did!
As usual, I'm simply sharing YouTube videos on a theme, all rights remain with the original.
By Song
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Lori Svensen
author/designer at A'mara Books
photographer/graphic artist for Viking Visual
verified author on Goodreads
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