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 Real Cowboys Who Sang Cowboy Songs
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Jim Cohen Member From: Philadelphia, PA |
posted 03 August 2000 12:59 PM
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From tipworld.com REAL COWBOYS WHO SANG COWBOY SONGS Another early authentic cowboy performer was Carl T. Sprague, who also billed himself as the "Original Singing Cowboy." Like Allen, Sprague grew up in Texas, worked as a ranch hand before joining the military during World War I, and recorded for Victor. But Sprague had a lot more success in his career. His 1925 recording of "When the Work's All Done This Fall" sold over 900,000 copies and started the popular singing cowboy trend that lasted into the 1950s. Sprague retired from music in the '30s, although he did make some appearances at folk festivals in the '60s. He even made a record for a German record company in 1972 at the age of 77. Sprague died in 1979. |
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Tim Rowley Member From: Pinconning, MI, USA |
posted 04 August 2000 07:56 PM
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Jim, on the subject of singing cowboys and cowboy singers, you have absolutely got to hear Les Gilliam, the Oklahoma Balladier. Les hails from around Ponca City, OK. He is the officially appointed State Balladier for the State of Oklahoma. He's absolutely a class act, an awesome performer, a patriot, and the nicest down-to-earth feller you'll ever meet. Although he sometimes carries a small (but hot) western band, he often performs solo, playing very fine rhythm guitar, singing authentic cowboy songs in his great western voice and telling stories between tunes. He is a "walking encyclopedia" of cowboy history and western lore. He has written songs, recorded several albums and done a couple videos in the past few years which are available at his shows. He travels and does personal appearances in a 15-state area from North Dakota to Texas, and you can order his material from Eagle Enterprises, P.O Box 350, Ponca City, OK 74602. I have had the great priveledge of working several shows with this fine gentleman at a festival in Michigan and he has become their most requested act, invited back 3 years in a row so far. Oh, I should also mention that Les also does a flawless job singing Western Swing numbers and "silver screen" songs indentified with Gene Autry, the Sons of the Pioneers, Stuart Hamblin and others. He is definitely my favorite living cowboy singer and I recommend that anyone who loves real cowboy music should go and see Les Gilliam perform, YOU WILL BE GREATLY IMPRESSED. Tim R. |
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Larry Lenhart Member From: Ponca City, Oklahoma |
posted 06 August 2000 09:34 AM
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I would most certainly agree with everything that has been said here about Les Gillam. I had the pleasure of playing bass with Les about 10 years ago when he was playing and singing with his son, Dan, who is also a fine singer and player. Don Compston, the President of the Oklahoma Steel Guitar club plays steel for Les when he does his country and swing acts-Don is a great player and Les does a fine job on country and swing tunes as well. Les stays busy with his music after retiring from an outstanding career with Conoco Inc. here in Ponca City, and I am proud of Les and what he has contributed to the music scene the world over. |
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daynawills Member From: Sacramento, CA |
posted 10 August 2000 05:31 PM
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You can't say enough nice things about Les, but go ahead and try. He's great! ------------------ |
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