Public Cowboy
Encyclopedia
Public Cowboy is a studio recording released by the Western
band Riders in the Sky on October 22, 1996. It is available as a single CD.
"Gene Autry's music was always more than something which fed childhood fantasies. It is still more than something which fuels or expresses adult nostalgia. A life-time of writing, performing, and recording music marks Gene Autry as an undeniable influence on his diverse audiences, on the development of Western music, and on the image of the cowboy. Even a performer as important as Autry could be forgotten in time if it were not for a new generation which records his music. We are fortunate that the Riders are of our time and have offered such an instrumental and vocal tribute which stands as a respectful interpretation of Gene Autry's cowboy classics. Let Riders in the Sky take you on a journey through our collective musical heritage. It is a trip worth taking." — James H. Nottage
Western music (North America)
Western music originated as a form of American folk music. Originally composed by and about the people who settled and worked throughout the Western United States and Western Canada. Directly related musically to old English, Scottish, and Irish folk ballads, Western music celebrates the life of...
band Riders in the Sky on October 22, 1996. It is available as a single CD.
Critical reception
Allmusic stated "The Riders in the Sky cut this record in the wake of their performing a Gene Autry medley in a television appearance with Autry himself in the audience. The songs are done reverently but with a real sense of fun, essentially the same balancing act that has made them a success on stage and television. Their main innovations are the harmony singing, which works well throughout, and a jazzy approach to Jimmie Rodgers' "Can't Shake The Sands of Texas From My Shoes." Autry's versions have held up magnificently well, but this loving tribute album is a necessary addition to any fan's collection.""Gene Autry's music was always more than something which fed childhood fantasies. It is still more than something which fuels or expresses adult nostalgia. A life-time of writing, performing, and recording music marks Gene Autry as an undeniable influence on his diverse audiences, on the development of Western music, and on the image of the cowboy. Even a performer as important as Autry could be forgotten in time if it were not for a new generation which records his music. We are fortunate that the Riders are of our time and have offered such an instrumental and vocal tribute which stands as a respectful interpretation of Gene Autry's cowboy classics. Let Riders in the Sky take you on a journey through our collective musical heritage. It is a trip worth taking." — James H. Nottage
Track listing
- "Back in the Saddle AgainBack in the Saddle Again"Back in the Saddle Again" was the signature song of American cowboy entertainer Gene Autry. It was co-written by Autry with Ray Whitley and first released in 1939...
" (Gene AutryGene AutryOrvon Grover Autry , better known as Gene Autry, was an American performer who gained fame as The Singing Cowboy on the radio, in movies and on television for more than three decades beginning in the 1930s...
, Ray WhitleyRay WhitleyRaymond Otis Whitley , also known as Ray Whitley, was a Country and Western singer, radio and Hollywood movie star.-Singing and live performance:...
) – 3:58 - "Sioux City Sue" (Ray Freedman, Dick Thomas) – 2:39
- "Mexicali Rose" (Helen Stone, Jack Tenney) – 2:48
- "You Are My SunshineYou Are My Sunshine"You Are My Sunshine" is a popular song first recorded in 1939. It has been declared one of the state songs of Louisiana as a result of its association with former state governor and country music singer Jimmie Davis. The song is copyright 1940 Peer International Corporation, words and music by...
" (Jimmie DavisJimmie DavisJames Houston Davis , better known as Jimmie Davis, was a noted singer of both sacred and popular songs who served two nonconsecutive terms as the 47th Governor of Louisiana...
, Charles MitchellCharles Mitchell (songwriter)Charles Mitchell is a songwriter, best known as a collaborator with Jimmie Davis. Davis's best known composition, "You Are My Sunshine", was co-written by Mitchell.- References :...
) – 3:24 - "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?" (Scott Wiseman) – 3:39
- "Can't Shake the Sands of Texas from My Shoes" (Autry, Johnston, Pitts) – 2:55
- "That Silver Haired Daddy of Mine" (Autry, Jimmy Long) – 3:50
- "Be Honest with Me" (Autry, Fred RoseFred Rose (musician)Fred Rose was an American Hall of Fame songwriter and music publishing executive.-Biography:Born in Evansville, Indiana, Fred Rose started playing piano and singing as a small boy. In his teens, he moved to Chicago, Illinois where he worked in bars busking for tips, and finally vaudeville...
) – 2:20 - "Blue Canadian Rockies" (Autry, Cindy Walker) – 2:45
- "Lonely River" (Autry, Fred Rose, Ray Whitley) – 3:02
- "South of the Border" (Michael Carr, Jimmy Kennedy) – 3:13
- "Ridin' Down the Canyon" (Autry, Smiley Burnette) – 4:16
Personnel
- Douglas B. GreenDouglas B. GreenDouglas B. Green , better known by his stage name Ranger Doug, is an American musician, arranger and award-winning Western music songwriter, best known for his work with the Western music and comedy group Riders in the Sky in which he plays guitar and sings lead and baritone vocals. He is also an...
(a.k.a. Ranger Doug) – vocals, guitar - Paul ChrismanPaul ChrismanPaul Chrisman , better known by his stage name Woody Paul, is an American singer, fiddler, and composer, best known for his work with the Western swing musical and comedy group Riders in the Sky. With the Riders, he is billed as "Woody Paul — King of the Cowboy Fiddlers".Chrisman began playing...
(a.k.a. Woody Paul) – vocals, fiddle - Fred LaBour (a.k.a. Too Slim) – vocals, bass