GOD BLESS CHRIS LEDOUX

Good Ride Cowboy

''A worn out tape of Chris LeDoux/ Lonely women and bad booze/ Seem to be the only friends I've left at all,'' Brooks sang in his tale of a lonely cowboy.

Chris LeDoux, passed away 9 March 2005 from cancer.

Rodeo champion turned country singer Chris LeDoux, whose music inspired performers including country superstar Garth Brooks, died yesterday morning in Casper, Wyo.

Mr. LeDoux was 56. He had checked into the Casper Medical Center earlier in the week after complications from the ongoing treatments for cancer of the bile duct.  From the time he turned pro in 1970, Mr. LeDoux earned fame on the rodeo circuit. That fame came not only from his riding and roping expertise, but also from the tapes he would sell out of his pickup truck at rodeo events. Those tapes, recorded on the Mississippi native's own American Cowboy Songs label, were filled with original compositions that documented the rodeo experience.

''It's kind of an underground movement that started years ago,'' he told The Tennessean, speaking of his rodeo-themed tapes. ''It has gradually built into this underground fan base.''

"If you do not know who Chris is and was, if you have never seen him perform, I encourage you to go out and purchase one of his CD's.  Call KFROG, KPLM or KZLA and request a song.........

Hoppy from KFROG Radio gave me my first Chris LeDoux song. (Stampede) It was the first time I had identified the music to the man, and from that day on, I was hooked. I would see Chris in concert, whenever he was in So. California and was not only fortunate enough to meet him, but photograph him and have him autograph those shots. Chris was the first country artist I ever took my son to see, Sean was hooked right then. 10 concerts later, I find myself wishing for just one more.....

I saw Chris two years ago and caught one of his most memorable stage moments on camera. As the stage exploded in a shower of sparks and lights, Chris and his lead guitarist are silhouette in the shower of sparks. I felt it was vintage Chris LeDoux." I hope you enjoy it too! Ron

I can't imagine the Farmer's Fair without Chris LeDoux. But, for me, for his fans, Chris lives on, in his music, in our memories and in our hearts.

Capitol Nashville President and CEO Mike Dungan responded to Mr. LeDoux's passing by saying, ''In a world of egos and sound-alikes, he was a unique artist and a wonderful man. We have always been proud to represent his music and honored to call him our friend. Our thoughts go out to his wife, Peggy, and the LeDoux family.''

Gold Buckle Dreams - The Rodeo Life of Chris LeDoux

By David G. Brown

...If they ever saw a sunrise on a mountain morning
or watched those cotton candy clouds go by
then they'd know why I live beneath these western skies

I got peace of mind and elbow room
I love to smell the sage in bloom
Or catch a rainbow on my fishin' line
We've got county fairs and rodeos
There ain't a better place for my kids to grow
Just turn 'em loose in the western summer time...

Chris LeDoux, Western Skies

GOD BLESS CHRIS LEDOUX

For More Information Contact:
Tel: 1-87- Rockin' DJ
Internet: Ron@rockincountrydj.com