It's the Cowboy Way! : The Amazing True Adventures of Riders In The Sky

Annotation It's the Cowboy Way! tells the full story of the amazing true adventures of group members Ranger Doug, Woody Paul, Too Slim, and Joey "The CowPolka King" for the first time, from their first gigs at "Herr Harry's Phranks 'N' Steins," in Nashville, to their rise to the top of the Grammy heap. Since 1977, Riders In The Sky has faithfully tended a musical tradition kindled by singing cowboy legends, such as Gene Autry and the Sons Of The Pioneers. Throughout its long career, the group has branded the genre with its own mark, crafting a well-balanced mix of both classic and original western songs -- smooth harmony, hot licks, and comedy. Over the past quarter of a century, and more than 4,500 shows, 290 national TV appearances, 203 public radio shows, nearly 700 Grand Ole Opry appearances, 2.3 million miles on the road, two Grammy Awards, three television series, and 31 albums down the trail, a group that began with a commitment to carry on an American musical tradition has itself become a national treasure Something happened when Ranger Doug, Too Slim, Woody Paul, and later Joey "The Cowpolka King" took the stage in the white cowboy hats and dazzling western regalia. Riders In The Sky revived the old Western songs that had been so popular in their childhood by following in the bootsteps of songwriting legends such as Gene Autry and Bob Nolan of The Sons of the Pioneers. At a time when the "outlaw" movement saw artists such as Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson topping country charts with gritty songs about drinking and depression, Riders In The Sky hit just the right chord with maturing baby boomers. It's the Cowboy Way! is the story of the Riders' journey from obscurity to - well - less obscurity. It's a behind-the-scenes glimpse at a group of serious musicians with not-so-serious outlooks on life, four men who set out not just to revive a lost musical tradition but to nurture America's love of good-hearted, heroic cowboys. A Portrait Of The Popular Western Music And Comedy Group Includes Each Band Member's Story, A Year-by-year Chronology, And A Complete Discography. The Amazing True Adventures Of Riders In The Sky -- Ranger Doug's Story -- Too Slim's Story -- Woody's Story -- Joey's Story -- Sessionography. Don Cusic. Includes Discography (p. 255-280) And Bibliographical References (p. 304-306).