Introduction
”The Ol’ Double Diamond” is a poignant Western ballad that captures the essence of change and loss in the American West. Originally penned by Gary McMahan, the song narrates the story of the Double Diamond Ranch, a real-life property near Dubois, Wyoming, that was auctioned off in 1975. This event marked the end of an era for many cowboys who had dedicated their lives to working on the ranch.
Gary McMahan, a songwriter from Colorado, attended the auction with his father during a fishing trip. Witnessing the sale and observing the cowboys losing their livelihoods deeply moved him. He recounted, “It broke my heart to see the old West getting sectioned off, sold to the highest bidder, and dying out.” This emotional experience inspired him to write “The Ol’ Double Diamond” on his journey back to Colorado.
The song eloquently portrays the life of a cowboy working on the Double Diamond Ranch, highlighting the challenges faced during harsh winters, the bond formed with horses, and the profound connection to the Wyoming landscape. The lyrics reflect a deep appreciation for the cowboy lifestyle and the inevitable changes brought about by the sale of the ranch.
Chris LeDoux, a celebrated rodeo champion and country music artist, was among the first to recognize the song’s significance. Known for his authentic portrayal of cowboy life, LeDoux recorded “The Ol’ Double Diamond” in the mid-1970s, selling the album independently during his rodeo travels. His rendition resonated with many, leading some to mistakenly believe he was the original composer. McMahan noted, “Sometimes when I’m singing in Wyoming and mention that I wrote that song, some young buck will come up to me, ready to fight, and say, ‘BS! Chris LeDoux wrote that song!'”
The song has since been covered by numerous artists, including Ian Tyson, and is regarded as a modern-day classic in Western music. Members of the Western Writers of America have recognized it as one of the Top 100 Western songs of all time, and in 2009, Western Horseman magazine cited it as one of today’s top thirteen cowboy songs.
“The Ol’ Double Diamond” stands as a heartfelt tribute to the vanishing cowboy way of life and serves as a reminder of the profound changes that have shaped the American West.