Introduction
“Forever a Cowboy” is a heartfelt track by Ned LeDoux, featured on his debut EP of the same name, released on December 2, 2016. The song serves as a tribute to the enduring spirit of the cowboy and reflects Ned’s deep-rooted connection to his Western heritage.
Ned LeDoux, son of the legendary rodeo champion and country music artist Chris LeDoux, grew up immersed in the cowboy lifestyle. He spent much of his youth playing drums in his father’s band, Western Underground, gaining invaluable experience in the world of country music. Following his father’s passing in 2005, Ned felt a compelling desire to honor and continue his father’s musical legacy. This led him to step into the spotlight as a singer-songwriter, crafting songs that encapsulate the essence of the cowboy way of life.
The creation of “Forever a Cowboy” was a collaborative effort that bridged generations. Ned co-wrote the song with his father, Chris LeDoux, and esteemed producer Mac McAnally. The inspiration for the song came from a collection of unfinished song ideas and lyrics that Ned’s mother discovered among Chris’s belongings. These “thoughts,” as Ned refers to them, provided a foundation upon which he and McAnally built new compositions, seamlessly blending Chris’s original ideas with Ned’s contemporary perspective. The first two lines of “Forever a Cowboy” are directly attributed to Chris, making the song a poignant father-son collaboration.
Produced by Mac McAnally, who had previously worked with Chris LeDoux, the song embodies the authentic Western sound that fans of the LeDoux family have come to cherish. The lyrics paint vivid imagery of the cowboy lifestyle, celebrating its timeless values and the rugged beauty of the Western frontier. Ned’s sincere delivery and the song’s evocative melody resonate with listeners, offering a modern homage to the traditions that shaped his upbringing.
“Forever a Cowboy” stands as a testament to Ned LeDoux’s dedication to preserving and evolving the musical heritage established by his father. By intertwining personal experiences with collaborative songwriting, Ned not only honors Chris LeDoux’s legacy but also asserts his own voice within the country music landscape. The song encapsulates the enduring spirit of the cowboy, ensuring that the stories and values of the Western way of life continue to resonate with audiences today.