MUSIC

You surprised we include music? Are you kidding? Gene Autry on the trail singing, “Where you sleep out every night and the only law is right, I'm back in the saddle again.” It’s the Cowboy Way.

Don’t confuse cowboy western music to country western. Different eras, different instruments. On the cattle drive you might have one cowhand with a guitar, but mostly it was a harmonica or just plain whistling.

You can get samples of music that won the west (and the women who rode in it) by clicking on a few of our favorite artists. We include Chris Ledoux, a real live rodeo cowboy whose lyrics cam from riding the range and inspired Garth Brooks and George Straight, the other rodeo rider who got very rich on country.

Don't bother recommending songs here unless you really know cowboy.  We have our CD libraries full of foot-tappin country, but the ones Gary whistles on the trail or walking his dog is from MMM or Wylie or Don Edwards mixed with hymns.  It's the Cowboy Way.

Michael Martin Murphy http://www.murphsranchmarket.com

Now this guy with his band is the consummate performer with variety, fresh songs you’ve never heard and a sense of loving the west. Matt and Gary rate 10

Wylie and the Wild West http://www.wylieww.com/

Gary’s personal favorite. Wild Wylie is the Yahoo yodler and has the most colorful, range riding songs, all original.

Chris Ledoux http://www.ledouxcountry.com/]

Something very soulful from a true cowboy; you’ll want to shout with Garth Brooks, “God bless Chris Ledoux!” and listen for hours.

Don Edwards http://www.donedwardsmusic.com/shop/music_catalogue.htm

Half cowboy poet, half troubadour. Authentic cowboy western.

Sons of the San Joaquin http://www.thesons.com/media/

Whistling and riding tunes true of the old and new west.  We've got The Sons strumming and troubadorin' in the background as we write.

Flying W Wranglers http://www.flyingw.com They perform at the famous Flying W, an historic ranch just over the rise.  Most fun is knowing how they weave personal testimonies of faith in song and discussion, getting away with it because "in them olden days ridin' through timber and under God's skies, we just couldn't help but know there was a really good God and thanking him for another day under saddle."  Take a peek at their U-Tube:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoWO_OgI3f8

Speaking of The Cowboy Way...

Ranger Doug and his Riders in the Sky http://ridersinthesky.com/ For kids and adults the Rider put on the best of all shows, funny and talented. A must see if they perform near you. Jes fer fun, peek at the their web. It’s all about the Cowboy Way.