Cowboy Crossroads

Old-time cowboy singer and author Don Hedgpeth discusses traditional cowboy songs, minstrels, why we have cowboy poetry gatherings and more.

Randy Rieman explains the process of braiding a rawhide reata, shares about his passion for the spoken word, and recites a horse poem from the Australian tradition.

Respected horseman, rawhide braider, and reciter, Randy Rieman, reflects on the beginnings of his cowboy career in Montana, his early mentors, and the influence of legendary horsemen, Tom & Bill Dorrance.

Rodeo poet Paul Zarzyski talks about falling in love with the sound of words, writing songs with Ian Tyson and Wylie Gustafson, how to become an extreme creativist, and reads a brand new song lyric.

Paul Zarzyski talks about watching westerns with his father, how he became a bronc rider, giving of yourself as an artist, adopted humpback whales, and more!

Martha Scanlan talks about the first song she wrote, finding the groove in ranch work and music, and plays a stunning version of her song, "The Shape Of Things Gone Missing, The Shape Of Things to Come."

Dom Flemons talks with Andy about the African American influence on country music and cowboy songs and plays a soulful rendition of "Goodbye Old Paint."

The legendary Ramblin' Jack Elliott tells stories about a singing rodeo clown, Buck Ramsey, the White House, Gregory Peck, and Bill & Hillary Clinton.

Ever wondered what Ramblin' Jack Elliott's response would be to a smoke alarm going off? Listen to find out and and hear Jack talk about Brooklyn, baseball, dogs, bronc ridin', and Casey Tibbs.

Noel McKay tells stories about his friendship with Guy Clark and plays a song that they co-wrote.

Michael Martin Murphey talks about the making of Geronimo's Cadillac, his worst gig, and his first trip to the Elko Cowboy Poetry Gathering.

Michael Martin Murphey talks about learning cowboy songs as a kid in Texas and his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement.

Ross Knox talks about cowboyin' on big outfits, packing mules in the Grand Canyon, and writing a song with Ian Tyson.

The second part of the interview with Waddie Mitchell where he tells stories about the first cowboy poem he ever heard, his love of literature, and appearing on the Johnny Carson show.

Cowboy poet, Waddie Mitchell talks about his early days as a working cowboy, attending the very first Ray Hunt clinic, and reads a brand new poem.