Introduction
Chris LeDoux, born on October 2, 1948, in Biloxi, Mississippi, was a multifaceted individual renowned for his achievements as a rodeo champion, country music singer-songwriter, and bronze sculptor. His early life was characterized by frequent relocations due to his father’s Air Force career, but it was in Wyoming where he found his true calling, embracing the cowboy lifestyle that would profoundly influence his music and career.
LeDoux’s passion for rodeo began in his youth, leading him to win the Wyoming State High School Bareback Championship in 1967 and the National Intercollegiate Bareback Riding Championship in 1969. His dedication culminated in 1976 when he secured the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) World Bareback Riding Championship, solidifying his status in the rodeo community.
Parallel to his rodeo career, LeDoux nurtured a deep-seated love for music. He began writing songs that vividly depicted the trials and tribulations of the rodeo circuit, resonating with many who shared similar experiences. In 1971, he recorded his first album of rodeo songs and, with the support of his parents, established his independent record label, American Cowboy Songs. By 1989, his grassroots approach had yielded substantial success, with his independent albums generating over $4 million in sales.
LeDoux’s music career experienced a significant boost when Garth Brooks mentioned him in the 1989 hit song “Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old),” introducing LeDoux to a broader audience. This acknowledgment led to a contract with Capitol Records in 1991, resulting in the release of his major-label debut album, “Western Underground.” The following year, he collaborated with Brooks on the title track of his album “Whatcha Gonna Do with a Cowboy,” which became his only Top 10 single, peaking at No. 7 on the charts.
Throughout his career, LeDoux was celebrated for his energetic live performances, often incorporating elements reminiscent of his rodeo background, such as pyrotechnics and mechanical bulls. He released a total of 36 albums, selling over six million units in the United States, and earned accolades including one platinum and two gold album certifications.
LeDoux’s contributions to both rodeo and music were widely recognized. He was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2005, becoming the first person to be honored in two categories: as a bareback rider and for his notable contributions to the sport through his music.
Additionally, he received the Academy of Country Music’s Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award in 2004, acknowledging his influence and pioneering spirit in the country music genre.
LeDoux’s legacy continues to inspire both the rodeo and country music communities, embodying the enduring spirit of the American cowboy.