Introduction
“The Ol’ Double Diamond” is a Western song that holds a significant place in cowboy music, celebrated for its authentic portrayal of the changing American West. Originally written by Gary McMahan, the song has been covered by numerous artists, including the renowned Chris LeDoux.
The song narrates the story of the Double Diamond Ranch, located near Dubois, Wyoming. This ranch was part of the expansive Mill Iron Ranch, which had holdings stretching from Montana to New Mexico. Known as a haven for cowboys—a place to shoe horses and enjoy a hearty meal—the Double Diamond was steeped in Western tradition. In 1975, the ranch was sold at a public auction, marking the end of an era for many who worked there. McMahan, who attended the auction during a fishing trip with his father, was moved by the sight of cowboys loading their belongings into pickup trucks, seeking new employment. This poignant scene inspired him to write “The Ol’ Double Diamond” on his journey back to Colorado.
Chris LeDoux, a celebrated rodeo champion and country music artist, was among the first to record the song in 1976. Born on October 2, 1948, in Biloxi, Mississippi, LeDoux’s passion for the West and rodeo life was evident from a young age. He achieved significant success in rodeo, winning the 1964 Little Britches World Champion Bareback Rider title and the 1969 Intercollegiate Championship at Sheridan College. In 1976, LeDoux secured the World Bareback Title at the National Finals Rodeo. Parallel to his rodeo career, he began songwriting, capturing the essence of the cowboy lifestyle. His independent music releases, sold from the back of his pickup truck, garnered a dedicated following. In 1989, Garth Brooks mentioned LeDoux in his hit song “Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old),” leading to LeDoux’s signing with Capitol Records Nashville and bringing his music to a broader audience.
“The Ol’ Double Diamond” has been hailed as a modern-day classic, resonating deeply with those connected to ranch life. Michael Martin Murphey, a fellow artist, likened its significance in cowboy music to that of “Mr. Bojangles.” The Western Writers of America recognized its impact by including it in their list of the Top 100 Western songs of all time. In 2009, “The Ol’ Double Diamond” was also cited as one of the top thirteen cowboy songs by Western Horseman magazine.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its heartfelt depiction of the cowboy’s connection to the land and the inevitable changes brought by time. Through its vivid storytelling and emotive melody, “The Ol’ Double Diamond” continues to be a poignant reminder of the evolving landscape of the American West and the resilience of those who call it home.