Red Steagall
We are honored and extremely proud to welcome back Red Steagall as Host of our 6th Annual Roundup Cowboy Gathering being held September 12 – 13, 2008. A renowned songwriter, cowboy poet, singer and native Texan, Red Steagall is a legend in his own time. Writing cowboy songs and poems is more than a pleasant pastime for him, it is a means of preserving a way of life that offers lessons for us all. He has three books of cowboy poetry and songs published, more than 200 of his compositions have been recorded, released 20 albums, performed all over the world and appeared in several movies, as well as a variety of television programs. The Texas State Legislature named Red Steagall as the Official Poet Laureate of Texas and he has his own syndicated radio show, Cowboy Corner, a critically-acclaimed one-hour radio broadcast heard coast-to-coast which celebrates the lifestyle of the American West through poems, songs and stories of the American cowboy. His column “In the Bunkhouse” is featured in Cowboys & Indians, the premier magazine of the West. Red was inducted into the Texas Trail of Fame in 1999, and in 2003, Red received his most cherished honor when he was elected to the prestigious Hall of Great Westerners at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.
Riders In The Sky are truly exceptional. By definition, empirical data, and critical acclaim, they stand "hats & shoulders" above the rest of the purveyors of C & W – "Comedy & Western!" For thirty years Riders In The Sky have been keepers of the flame passed on by the Sons of the Pioneers, Gene Autry and Roy Rogers, reviving and revitalizing the genre. And while remaining true to the integrity of Western music, they have themselves become modern-day icons by branding the genre with their own legendary wacky humor and way-out Western wit, and all along encouraging buckaroos and buckarettes to live life "The Cowboy Way!"
That Riders In The Sky was even formed is a feat of improbable likelihood. What are the odds that a theoretical plasma physicist, a wildlife manager - galvanizer - Life Scout, an English major – shot putter – Bluegrass Boy, and a Polka Hall of Fame member would collectively become "America's Favorite Cowboys?"
Ultimately, exceptional careers do not go unnoticed, and throughout theirs, Riders In The Sky have been honored regularly. In addition to being inducted into the Grand Ol' Opry, Riders are in the Western Music Association's Hall of Fame, the Country Music Foundation's Walkway of Stars, and the Walk of Western Stars (in Newhall, CA near Melody Ranch Studios) along with Gene, Roy, John Wayne and other cowboy legends. No less important than their two Grammies, Riders have been the Western Music Association's "Entertainers Of the Year" six times, and won "Traditional Group of the Year" and "Traditional Album of the Year" multiple times. The Academy of Western Artists has named them "Western Music Group of the Year" twice in 5 years, and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum has bestowed Riders with their Wrangler Award statuette three times. It comes as no surprise then that Billboard magazine's Jim Bessman counts them as one of "the most historically significant acts in the history of American music."
Yes, it would be "The Easy Way" to call it a career after 30 years, but it wouldn't be "The Cowboy Way!" And so, the never-ending trail drive continues. The ponies are rested and watered, and America's Favorite Cowboys are ready to saddle up and ride, bringing good beef to hungry people wherever they may be. Yes, Riders In The Sky are truly an exception to the rule.
That Riders In The Sky was even formed is a feat of improbable likelihood. What are the odds that a theoretical plasma physicist, a wildlife manager -
Ultimately, exceptional careers do not go unnoticed, and throughout theirs, Riders In The Sky have been honored regularly. In addition to being inducted into the Grand Ol' Opry, Riders are in the Western Music Association's Hall of Fame, the Country Music Foundation's Walkway of Stars, and the Walk of Western Stars (in Newhall, CA near Melody Ranch Studios) along with Gene, Roy, John Wayne and other cowboy legends. No less important than their two Grammies, Riders have been the Western Music Association's "Entertainers Of the Year" six times, and won "Traditional Group of the Year" and "Traditional Album of the Year" multiple times. The Academy of Western Artists has named them "Western Music Group of the Year" twice in 5 years, and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum has bestowed Riders with their Wrangler Award statuette three times. It comes as no surprise then that Billboard magazine's Jim Bessman counts them as one of "the most historically significant acts in the history of American music."
Yes, it would be "The Easy Way" to call it a career after 30 years, but it wouldn't be "The Cowboy Way!" And so, the never-
Jake Hooker was born listening to the sounds of traditional country music through his father's west Texas country band. Jake began playing the bass at the age of seven and practiced diligently until he mastered the honky tonk sound. Jake formed his own band at the age of 14 and began performing. By the age of 18, Jake was playing bass and singing full time. He spent some time at South Plains College in Levelland, Texas, studying music and theory. Jake moved to the Fort Worth area in 1998 where he quickly became the local favorite. Jake signed with Southland Records that same year and began recording. Jake's popularity continues to grow. His love and passion for traditional country music never ceases. He feels it is necessary to relay that love to the fans who are so dedicated to it as well. There is no doubt that Jake is strongly influenced by the sounds of Ray Price, Johnny Bush, Farron Young, Curtis Potter, Leon Rausch and Darrell McCall. He spends much of his spare time studying these artists' music in depth. Jake is consumed by his dedication to the music and his hobbies include playing the drums and learning the steel guitar. Jake's graceful and professional image on the bandstand, along with his voice and talented band, make his show unbeatable.
A native of West Texas, Jean Prescott is known as the songbird of the prairie. Her grandfather, a cowboy for the famous JA ranch and the other ranches in the panhandle of Texas had a direct influence on Jean and the direction her life would take. She wears her western heritage as comfortably as a well broken in pair of boots. From the warm glow of a campfire to the birth light to the concert stage, Jean delights her audiences with songs about the west, the people who made it what it is today and those who are dedicated to preserving the western lifestyle.
A multiple award winning artist, Jean's latest CD,
An Inspirational Tapestry Of The West, was selected at the Western Album of the Year by the prestigious Academy of Western Artists. In 1998 she was honored by the State of Texas for her musical contributing to preservation of Texas Music and history.
An Inspirational Tapestry Of The West, was selected at the Western Album of the Year by the prestigious Academy of Western Artists. In 1998 she was honored by the State of Texas for her musical contributing to preservation of Texas Music and history.
A successful professional singer for many years, Jean has been featured at the International Western Music Festival, The World Championship Ranch Rodeo Finals, The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, San Antonio Stock Show and the cowboy's favorite Western Heritage Classic in Abilene, Texas, just to mention few.
Robert Joe Vandygriff describes himself as a brokedown-no-count-broncridin', can't-catch-team-ropin', burntout honky-tonk singin', no actin', half***-wanna be cowboy. He grew up ridin' horses and strumming an ol' guitar in Roxton, Texas. He competed in Saddlebronc and Bareback in the sport of rodeo as well as working as a rodeo clown and bullfighter.
As a country/western recording artist his records of "Big Blue Diamond" and "Say Lady" topped the charts in the early 70's. His "Dedicated" album went to number three on the European Country Music Charts, leading to eight successful tours of England and the European Continent. Robert Joe and his band, "The Shades of Country”, toured the United States, Canada, and Europe playing to sold-out audiences. R.J. appeared with folks like Garth Brooks, The Judds, George Jones, Alabama, and Merle Haggard, just to name a few. When Nashville came calling, R.J. made the move to pursue a songwriting career and ended up a booking agent representing acts like John Anderson, Lee Greenwood, country legends Hank Snow, The Wilburn Brothers, Archie Campbell and many more. Nashville allowed R.J. the opportunity to work in various capacities from representing to producing shows with many of the biggest names in country music, bluegrass and rock’n roll.
Nashville is a great place but Texas is home. Robert says “The only thing that could compare with crossing the Jordan and seeing the pearly gates is crossing the Red River and seeing Texas!” He returned to the Lone Star State and to his roots. While working on a ranch in Grayson County, he got a call from a casting agent who needed a band for an episode of the new CBS series, “Walker, Texas Ranger.” starring Chuck Norris. One thing lead to another and R.J. made several appearances on the show as “Ranger Mike” before going on to do numerous commercials and a couple of movies. He has written scripts for television and his music has been used in commercials, TV episodes and movies. R.J. was the recipient of the Will Rogers Award from the Academy of Western Artists in 2004. R.J and Deb make their home on the Barton Ranch in Lipscomb County, Texas. The cowboy way of life is alive and well on the high plains of Texas.
Billy Mata & The Texas Tradition provides entertainment for true country music traditionalists as well as a new generation of Western Swing enthusiasts. Billy has been performing 30 years for audiences. His followers and enthusiasts range from traditional Honky Tonk listeners to Western Swing dancers. No matter who the audience is, all enjoy the energy and spirit of the musical talent of the performance.
The band is made up of some of Texas' strongest professional musicians with a combination of more than 165 years of musical experience. This includes strong lead vocals by Billy Mata and features true country fiddles, honky tonk steel guitar and true Western Swing style electric guitar that would make Eldon Shamblin proud. The guitar, bass and drums rhythm section are the 'real deal' - making it almost impossible to sit down when you could be dancing. The style of music played is from Bob Wills, Johnny Bush, Mel Tillis, Ray Price, as well as the popular sounds of Asleep at the Wheel, Jerry Jeff Walker, Robert Earl Keen, and many more!
Billy has also made several guest appearances with the Texas Playboys at Western Swing Festivals in Nocona & Snyder, Texas and Hobbs & Ruidoso, New Mexico. Some other same stage performances include: Asleep At the Wheel, Darryl McCall, Earl Thomas Conley, Eddie Raven, Emilio, John Conley, Johnny Rodriquez, Randy Travis, Ray Price, Rick Trevino and many special guest appearances with Leon Rausch, Tommy Allsup & The Texas Playboys. In Fort Worth, Billy has performed for a live monthly radio show, the "Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium of the Air", broadcast by Larry Scott. On July 11, 2000, the Academy of Western Artists, a national organization based in Gene Autry, Oklahoma presented their fifth annual, "Will Rogers Cowboy Awards." Billy was one of the five final nominees in four categories: "Western Swing Male Vocalist" - "Western Swing Group" - "Western Swing CD" - "Western Swing Song". At the televised award ceremony, Billy and his band had the honor of performing his original song - "I'm going Back to San Antonio", and Billy received the esteemed title of, "Western Swing Male Vocalist of the Year."
Following the release of his new CD in 2004, "Traditionally Yours, Billy Mata",
Billy was once again nominated by the Academy; this time in five categories. On July 12, 2005, Billy Mata was once again awarded 2005 Male Western Swing Vocalist of the Year. And he was awarded the top honor presented by the AWA: The Will Rogers 2005 Entertainer of the Year.
Receiving these national AWA Will Rogers Awards represents a great deal to Billy and his love for Western Swing. The awards are given in recognition to the accomplishments and talents of those individuals that are striving to keep the traditions, values and heritage of the American Cowboy alive.
Billy's history and love of traditional Texas Honky Tonk and Western Swing music can be seen and heard in each and every performance. He is a longtime adamant admirer of Traditional Western Swing and sings it from his heart. During his shows, audiences can easily feel the true bond that the music and Billy have together.
The band is made up of some of Texas' strongest professional musicians with a combination of more than 165 years of musical experience. This includes strong lead vocals by Billy Mata and features true country fiddles, honky tonk steel guitar and true Western Swing style electric guitar that would make Eldon Shamblin proud. The guitar, bass and drums rhythm section are the 'real deal' -
Billy has also made several guest appearances with the Texas Playboys at Western Swing Festivals in Nocona & Snyder, Texas and Hobbs & Ruidoso, New Mexico. Some other same stage performances include: Asleep At the Wheel, Darryl McCall, Earl Thomas Conley, Eddie Raven, Emilio, John Conley, Johnny Rodriquez, Randy Travis, Ray Price, Rick Trevino and many special guest appearances with Leon Rausch, Tommy Allsup & The Texas Playboys. In Fort Worth, Billy has performed for a live monthly radio show, the "Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium of the Air", broadcast by Larry Scott. On July 11, 2000, the Academy of Western Artists, a national organization based in Gene Autry, Oklahoma presented their fifth annual, "Will Rogers Cowboy Awards." Billy was one of the five final nominees in four categories: "Western Swing Male Vocalist" -
Following the release of his new CD in 2004, "Traditionally Yours, Billy Mata",
Billy was once again nominated by the Academy; this time in five categories. On July 12, 2005, Billy Mata was once again awarded 2005 Male Western Swing Vocalist of the Year. And he was awarded the top honor presented by the AWA: The Will Rogers 2005 Entertainer of the Year.
Receiving these national AWA Will Rogers Awards represents a great deal to Billy and his love for Western Swing. The awards are given in recognition to the accomplishments and talents of those individuals that are striving to keep the traditions, values and heritage of the American Cowboy alive.
Billy's history and love of traditional Texas Honky Tonk and Western Swing music can be seen and heard in each and every performance. He is a longtime adamant admirer of Traditional Western Swing and sings it from his heart. During his shows, audiences can easily feel the true bond that the music and Billy have together.
