Introduction
“Riding Fences” is a song by Chris LeDoux, an American country music artist renowned for his authentic portrayal of the cowboy lifestyle. Born on October 2, 1948, in Biloxi, Mississippi, LeDoux’s early years were marked by frequent relocations due to his father’s Air Force career. Eventually, the family settled in Cheyenne, Wyoming, where LeDoux’s passion for rodeo took root. He began competing in rodeo events during his teenage years, achieving significant success, including winning the Wyoming State High School Bareback Championship in 1967 and the National Intercollegiate Bareback Riding Championship in 1969. His rodeo career culminated in 1976 when he clinched the PRCA World Champion Bareback Rider title at the National Finals Rodeo.
Parallel to his rodeo pursuits, LeDoux nurtured a talent for songwriting, crafting narratives that vividly depicted the trials and triumphs of rodeo life. He began recording his music in the early 1970s, establishing his independent label, American Cowboy Songs, to distribute his work. Over time, he released numerous albums that resonated with fans for their genuine storytelling and energetic performances.
The song “Riding Fences” exemplifies LeDoux’s signature style, blending elements of traditional country with the raw energy of rodeo culture. While specific details about the song’s composition and release are not readily available, it is consistent with LeDoux’s body of work that authentically reflects his experiences as a rodeo cowboy and his deep connection to the Western way of life.
LeDoux’s dedication to portraying the cowboy ethos extended beyond his music. He was also an accomplished bronze sculptor, creating artworks that captured the spirit of the West. His multifaceted talents and contributions to both the rodeo and music industries have left an indelible mark, inspiring subsequent generations of artists. Notably, country superstar Garth Brooks cited LeDoux as a significant influence, even mentioning him in his 1989 hit “Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old).”
Chris LeDoux’s legacy is one of authenticity and passion, with songs like “Riding Fences” serving as enduring testaments to his life as a true cowboy and artist.