Introduction
“Take Me to the Rodeo” is a spirited track by Chris LeDoux, featured on his 1997 live album, Chris LeDoux Live. This album captures the energy of his performances at venues like the Grizzly Rose in Denver, Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth, and Wyoming’s Casper Events Center. The song exemplifies LeDoux’s signature blend of country music and rodeo culture, reflecting his authentic experiences as both a rodeo champion and a musician.
Chris LeDoux’s journey began in Biloxi, Mississippi, on October 2, 1948. Growing up in an Air Force family, he moved frequently but developed a passion for the Western lifestyle during visits to his grandparents’ Wyoming farm. By age 13, he was participating in rodeos, eventually earning a rodeo scholarship to Casper College and winning the Intercollegiate National Bareback Riding Championship during his junior year at Eastern New Mexico University. In 1976, LeDoux clinched the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) World Bareback Riding Championship, solidifying his status in the rodeo world.
Parallel to his rodeo career, LeDoux began crafting songs that vividly depicted the life of a cowboy. He recorded his first album in 1971 and sold tapes from the back of his pickup truck at rodeo events, establishing a grassroots following. By 1989, he had independently released 22 albums, selling over $4 million worth of records. That same year, Garth Brooks mentioned LeDoux in his hit song “Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old),” bringing national attention to LeDoux’s music. This exposure led to a contract with Capitol Records, under which he released an additional 18 albums, further blending his rodeo authenticity with musical prowess.
“Take Me to the Rodeo” encapsulates LeDoux’s dual passions, offering listeners an authentic glimpse into the exhilarating world of rodeo through his energetic performance and heartfelt lyrics. The live rendition on Chris LeDoux Live showcases his ability to connect with audiences, bringing the spirit of the rodeo arena to the concert stage.