Cowboy Crossroads artwork

Cowboy Crossroads

101 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★★ - 271 ratings

Andy Hedges interviews a different guest on each episode and asks them to share stories from the working cowboy West and beyond. Cowboy poets, ranchers, working cowboys, musicians, songwriters, artists, historians, and western legends.

Music Society & Culture Personal Journals poetry ranching cowboy cowboyculture cowboypoetry cowboysongs
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Episodes

Episode 51: R.W. Hampton

November 26, 2019 05:14 - 50 minutes - 46.7 MB

New Mexico cowboy singer R.W. Hampton talks about how a town kid became a cowboy, his musical influences, his acting career, Ian Tyson, and what makes a cowboy song.   You can find out more about R.W. Hampton at www.rwhampton.com   This episode was sponsored by Shooting Star Saddlery.   Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become a patron at www.patreon.com/cowboycrossroads

Episode 50: Ian Tyson

October 01, 2019 04:01 - 40 minutes - 37.1 MB

The legendary Ian Tyson talks about Elko, Nevada, buckaroo culture, Greenwich Village, traditional folk songs, writing songs with Tom Russell, and encountering Bob Dylan.   You can find out more about Ian Tyson at www.iantyson.com   This episode was sponsored by Republic Boot Company.    Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become a patron at www.patreon.com/cowboycrossroads

Episode 49: Sean Sexton

August 28, 2019 16:58 - 45 minutes - 42.1 MB

Florida rancher and poet Sean Sexton talks about working with his father and son, the Florida cattle business, his writing process, and poetic forms.   You can find out more about Sean Sexton at www.seansextonfineart.com   Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become a patron at www.patreon.com/cowboycrossroads    

Episode 48: Vess Quinlan

July 10, 2019 03:43 - 1 hour - 51.8 MB

Poet Vess Quinlan discusses growing up on small family ranches, contracting polio as a child, occupational poetry, and offers insights into ranch culture.   Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become a patron at www.patreon.com/cowboycrossroads

Episode 47: Ned LeDoux

June 18, 2019 01:20 - 33 minutes - 30.6 MB

Ned LeDoux elaborates on growing up in Kaycee, Wyoming, getting started in music, playing drums with the Western Underground, and being the son of Chris LeDoux. Don't miss the new song at the end of the episode.   You can find out more about Ned LeDoux at www.nedledoux.com   This episode was sponsored by Republic Boot Company.    Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become a patron at www.patreon.com/cowboycrossroads

Episode 46: Rodney Nelson

May 21, 2019 04:37 - 45 minutes - 42.2 MB

Cowboy poet Rodney Nelson of North Dakota talks about his life experiences including ranching, rodeo, poetry, his parents, and the power of music.     Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become a patron at www.patreon.com/cowboycrossroads

Episode 45: Colter Wall

April 23, 2019 04:39 - 42 minutes - 38.6 MB

Colter Wall discusses growing up in Saskatchewan, his interest in cowboy culture, old-time cowboy songs, his 1937 Martin guitar, what it means to be a folksinger and his album Songs of the Plains.   You can find out more about Colter Wall at www.colterwall.com   This episode was sponsored by Republic Boot Company.    Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become a patron at www.patreon.com/cowboycrossroad

Episode 44: Dave Stamey

March 20, 2019 14:44 - 40 minutes - 37.7 MB

Singer/songwriter Dave Stamey talks about his early life, wranglin' dudes, his rural audience, and his songwriting influences. Don't miss the new song at the end of the episode!   You can find out more about Dave Stamey at www.davestamey.com   This episode was sponsored by Republic Boot Company.    Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become a patron at www.patreon.com/cowboycrossroad

Episode 43: Remembering S. Omar Barker

February 12, 2019 03:44 - 45 minutes - 41.7 MB

This episode features two guests celebrating the poetry and memory of S. Omar Barker. Barker's grandniece Georgia Snead shares memories, stories, and anecdotes about Barker and cowboy poet Waddie Mitchell tells his story of discovering Barker's poetry and calling him on the phone.   You can find out more about Waddie Mitchell at www.waddiemitchell.com   This episode was sponsored by Republic Boot Company.    Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become...

Episode 42: Corb Lund

January 08, 2019 06:59 - 46 minutes - 42.7 MB

Canadian singer/songwriter Corb Lund talks about his family history, old cowboy songs, Marty Robbins, Ian Tyson, authenticity, his diverse audience, and tells the story of his parents putting on a rodeo in Zambia. Don't miss his live version of S Lazy H at the end.   You can find out more about Corb Lund at www.corblund.com   This episode was sponsored by The National Cowboy Poetry Gathering.    Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become a patron at ...

Episode 41: John Dofflemyer

December 04, 2018 06:10 - 59 minutes - 54.7 MB

Fifth-generation California rancher and poet John Dofflemyer talks about growing up on his family ranch, poetry, his first trip to Elko, Dry Crik Review, endangered species, and more.    You can find out more about John Dofflemyer at www.drycrikjournal.com   This episode was sponsored by The National Cowboy Poetry Gathering.    Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become a patron at www.patreon.com/cowboycrossroads  

Episode 40: Too Slim

November 06, 2018 15:37 - 31 minutes - 29.2 MB

Bass player, vocalist, and humorist Too Slim reflects on his 40 year career with Riders in the Sky.  Tune in to hear Slim talk about his early musical influences, the beginning of the band, his role in the Paul is Dead conspiracy theory, the Riders’ stage names, working with Pixar, and more.   Find out more about Too Slim at www.ridersinthesky.com   This episode was sponsored by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones.   Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Beco...

Episode 39: Roots on the Narrow Gauge with Tom Russell

October 17, 2018 21:31 - 58 minutes - 53.4 MB

Live from Roots on the Narrow Gauge, Tom Russell shares about his early musical influences, personal encounters with the Beatles and Bob Dylan, living in Nigeria, the making of The Man from God Knows Where and Hotwalker, bad gigs, and his writing process. He tops it off with a new song.   Find out more about Tom Russell at www.tomrussell.com   Find out more about Roots on the Rails at www.rootsontherails.com   Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Beco...

Episode 38: Joel Nelson (Part 2)

September 19, 2018 03:43 - 31 minutes - 28.8 MB

Part 2 of the interview with NEA Fellow and poet Joel Nelson. In this episode, Joel talks about his lifelong journey into poetry from his earliest exposures to literature to writing his own poetry. Listen to the end to hear Joel recite his poem "Awakenings."   Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become a patron at www.patreon.com/cowboycrossroads  

Episode 37: Joel Nelson (Part 1)

September 05, 2018 00:39 - 53 minutes - 49.6 MB

NEA National Heritage Fellow and poet Joel Nelson recalls his childhood memories, how he ended up in Alpine, Texas, and his early days as a working cowboy on the 06 Ranch.   Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become a patron at www.patreon.com/cowboycrossroads

Episode 36: Amy Hale Auker

August 01, 2018 02:14 - 47 minutes - 43.5 MB

Working cowboy, author, and poet Amy Hale Auker stops by Cowboy Crossroads and talks about her father, her history, her writing process, and her work with Andy Wilkinson. Listen to the end of the episode to hear Amy recite the title poem from her new book Livestock Man.   This episode was sponsored by Ear Trumpet Labs microphones.   Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become a patron at www.patreon.com/cowboycrossroads

Episode 35: Australian Bush Poetry with Jack Sammon

July 10, 2018 03:27 - 44 minutes - 41.2 MB

One of the last of the old-time Australian drovers, bush poet Jack Sammon talks about his fascinating life as a drover and coal miner. Tune in to hear about the similarities between Australian bush poetry and American cowboy poetry.     Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become a patron at www.patreon.com/cowboycrossroads

Episode 34: Westfest with Michael Martin Murphey

June 19, 2018 03:26 - 36 minutes - 33.4 MB

Michael Martin Murphey returns to Cowboy Crossroads to talk about the history of Westfest and the influence of Buffalo Bill Cody. Tune in and hear Murphey play an acoustic version of his song "Wild West Show" at the end of the episode!   Find out more about Michael Martin Murphey at www.michaelmartinmurphey.com   Find out more about Michael Martin Murphey's Westfest at www.americanwestfest.com Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become a patron at www....

Episode 33: Wally McRae

May 31, 2018 05:07 - 56 minutes - 51.5 MB

Cowboy poet and rancher Wally McRae talks with Andy about his father and grandfather, the story behind his poem "Reincarnation", the influence of theater on his work, and his friendship with Paul Zarzyski.   Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become a patron at www.patreon.com/cowboycrossroads

Episode 32: John Erickson

April 25, 2018 06:25 - 42 minutes - 39 MB

Hank the Cowdog author John Erickson talks about his deep ranching roots, the inspiration for Hank the Cowdog, sense of place, and the oral tradition of storytelling.   Find out more about John Erickson at www.hankthecowdog.com   Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become a patron at www.patreon.com/cowboycrossroads

Episode 31: Coal Miners and Cowboys with Jerry Brooks

April 10, 2018 02:04 - 43 minutes - 39.9 MB

Jerry Brooks shares about working as a woman in a coal mine for 26 years, coal miners & cowboys, the spoken word, and cowboy poetry.   Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become a patron at www.patreon.com/cowboycrossroads

Episode 30: Riders in the Sky

March 20, 2018 04:48 - 56 minutes - 77.5 MB

Recorded live from the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, NV, Riders in the Sky make the 7216th performance of their career on Cowboy Crossroads! Tune in to hear stories about their early days as a band, their worst gigs, and a few classic songs.   Find out more about Riders in the Sky at www.ridersinthesky.com   Find out more about the Western Folklife Center and the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering at www.westernfolklife.org   Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www...

Episode 29: Charlie Goodnight with Andy Wilkinson (Part 2)

February 27, 2018 03:08 - 35 minutes - 33 MB

On part 2, Andy Wilkinson discusses his personal relation to Charlie Goodnight, the making of his Charlie Goodnight album, and sings his song "Palo Duro Farewell."   Find out more about Andy Wilkinson at www.andywilkinson.org   Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become a patron at www.patreon.com/cowboycrossroads

Episode 28: Charlie Goodnight with Andy Wilkinson (Part 1)

February 13, 2018 04:56 - 54 minutes - 50 MB

Lubbock songwriter Andy Wilkinson shares stories, observations, and anecdotes about his distant uncle Charlie Goodnight. Tune in to hear about the Goodnight-Loving Trail, the first chuckwagon, and the death of Charlie Goodnight.   Find out more about Andy Wilkinson at www.andywilkinson.org   This episode was sponsored by Flint Custom Hats.    Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become a patron at www.patreon.com/cowboycrossroads

Episode 27: The Old Double Diamond with Gary McMahan

January 09, 2018 06:30 - 55 minutes - 44.6 MB

"The Old Double Diamond" is one of the few modern cowboy songs to become a classic. In this episode, Gary McMahan tells the story behind his classic song. Along the way, he discusses his musical influences, the cattle feeding and trucking business, and the cowmen and cowboys he writes for.   Find out more about Gary McMahan at www.singingcowboy.com   This episode was sponsored by Flint Custom Hats.   Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become a patro...

Episode 26: Cowboys, Minstrels, and Medicine Shows with Pipp Gillette (Part 2)

November 21, 2017 05:00 - 35 minutes - 28.5 MB

East Texas rancher Pipp Gillette talks about the roots, influences, and origins of traditional cowboy music and reflects on minstrelsy, blackface, medicine shows, Jack Thorp, and banjos.   Find out more about Pipp Gillette at www.campstreetcafe.com   Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become a patron at www.patreon.com/cowboycrossroads

Episode 25: New York to Texas with Pipp Gillette (Part 1)

November 07, 2017 04:01 - 45 minutes - 36.9 MB

Texas rancher and musician Pipp Gillette talks about the beginnings of his grandfather's ranch in East Texas, his parents meeting in New York City, spending childhood summers in Texas with his brother, and ultimately coming home to the family ranch.   Find out more about Pipp Gillette at www.campstreetcafe.com   Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become a patron at www.patreon.com/cowboycrossroads

Episode 24: Rod Taylor

October 24, 2017 03:27 - 54 minutes - 43.5 MB

New Mexico cowpuncher and musician Rod Taylor talks about the beginnings of his cowboy career, being a camp man, roping a buffalo, acting in a Toyota commercial, and his friendship with cowboy poet J.B. Allen.   Find out more about Rod Taylor at www.rodtaylormusic.net   Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become a patron at www.patreon.com/cowboycrossroads

Episode 23: Hal Cannon

October 10, 2017 14:16 - 33 minutes - 27.3 MB

Folklorist and musician Hal Cannon talks about growing up in the Salt Lake City folk scene, the founding of the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, and the influence of tradition.   Find out more about Hal Cannon at www.halcannon.com   This episode was sponsored by Baxendale Guitar.   Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become a patron at www.patreon.com/cowboycrossroads

Episode 22: Mike Beck (Part 2)

September 19, 2017 04:30 - 37 minutes - 30.1 MB

Mike Beck returns in part 2 of his interview and speaks with passion on the Dorrance brothers, horses, music, and plays a song from the California coast.   Find out more about Mike Beck at www.mikebeck.com   Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become a patron at www.patreon.com/cowboycrossroads

Episode 21: Mike Beck (Part 1)

September 12, 2017 03:26 - 53 minutes - 43.1 MB

California songwriter and horseman Mike Beck talks about growing up in Monterey, California, working with Tom and Bill Dorrance, cowboyin' on the Spanish Ranch, and shares a new song written for Merle Haggard.   Find out more about Mike Beck at www.mikebeck.com   Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become a patron at www.patreon.com/cowboycrossroads

Episode 20: Chuck Hawthorne

August 29, 2017 06:04 - 29 minutes - 24.1 MB

Chuck Hawthorne talks about the three passions of his life: cowboy culture, the military, and music. He also shares the story of how he never met Buck Ramsey and plays a stirring version of a new song.   Find out more about Chuck Hawthorne at www.chuckhawthorne.com   Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become a patron at www.patreon.com/cowboycrossroads

Episode 19: Don Edwards

August 22, 2017 05:00 - 42 minutes - 34.4 MB

Grammy nominated cowboy singer Don Edwards talks about his early days, the White Elephant Saloon, the importance of Jack Thorp, cowboy music and the blues, the solo tradition, guitar playing, and more.   Find out more about Don Edwards at www.donedwardsmusic.com   Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become a patron at www.patreon.com/cowboycrossroads

Episode 18: Tom Russell

August 08, 2017 04:30 - 59 minutes - 47.8 MB

Tom Russell shares stories about picking up Robert Hunter in a taxicab, writing songs with Ian Tyson, playing music behind a snake handler, the advice he would give a young songwriter and more! This episode also includes a live performance of a brand new song about Ian Tyson from the upcoming album, Folk Hotel.   Find out more about Tom Russell at www.tomrussell.com   This episode was sponsored by Baxendale Guitar.   Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com  ...

Episode 17: On the Road with Ramblin' Jack

August 01, 2017 04:00 - 26 minutes - 21.4 MB

Rick Hastie shares stories from 28 years of friendship with the legendary Ramblin' Jack Elliott. Rick is a horseman, sailor, and part-time road manager for Ramblin' Jack.   Find out more about Ramblin' Jack Elliott at www.ramblinjackelliott.com   Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become a patron at www.patreon.com/cowboycrossroads

Episode 16: Last of the Vaudeville Cowboys with Sourdough Slim

July 18, 2017 03:31 - 47 minutes - 38.2 MB

Sourdough Slim's passion for the music and culture of the 1920s is contagious! Listen in to hear Slim talk about vaudeville cowboys, hobo singers, the inspiration behind his name, bad gigs and more.   Find out more about Sourdough Slim at www.sourdoughslim.com   Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become a patron at www.patreon.com/cowboycrossroads

Episode 15: Old-Time Cowboy Songs with Don Hedgpeth

July 05, 2017 13:05 - 27 minutes - 22 MB

Old-time cowboy singer and author Don Hedgpeth discusses traditional cowboy songs, minstrels, why we have cowboy poetry gatherings and more.   Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become a patron at www.patreon.com/cowboycrossroads

Episode 14: Randy Rieman (Part 2)

June 20, 2017 03:27 - 42 minutes - 33.9 MB

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.   Find out more about Randy Rieman at www.randyrieman.com   Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become a patron at www.patreon.com/cowboycrossroads

Episode 13: Randy Rieman (Part 1)

June 13, 2017 03:19 - 30 minutes - 24.7 MB

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.   Find out more about Randy Rieman at www.randyrieman.com   Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become a patron at www.patreon.com/cowboycrossroads

Episode 12: Paul Zarzyski (Part 2)

May 31, 2017 04:34 - 32 minutes - 26.4 MB

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.   Find out more about Paul Zarzyski at www.paulzarzyski.com   Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become a patron at www.patreon.com/cowboycrossroads

Episode 11: Paul Zarzyski (Part 1)

May 23, 2017 04:39 - 33 minutes - 27 MB

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!   Find out more about Paul Zarzyski at www.paulzarzyski.com   Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become a patron at www.patreon.com/cowboycrossroads

Episode 10: Ranch Work Meets Music with Martha Scanlan

May 09, 2017 02:49 - 29 minutes - 23.8 MB

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."   Find out more about Martha Scanlan at www.marthascanlan.com   Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become a patron at www.patreon.com/cowboycrossroads

Episode 9: Black Cowboy Songs with Dom Flemons

May 02, 2017 06:56 - 41 minutes - 33.7 MB

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."   Find out more about Dom Flemons at www.americansongster.com   Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become a patron at www.patreon.com/cowboycrossroads

Episode 8: Ramblin' Jack Elliott (Part 2)

April 18, 2017 05:11 - 30 minutes - 24.6 MB

The legendary Ramblin' Jack Elliott tells stories about a singing rodeo clown, Buck Ramsey, the White House, Gregory Peck, and Bill & Hillary Clinton.   Find out more about Ramblin' Jack Elliott at www.ramblinjackelliott.com   Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become a patron at www.patreon.com/cowboycrossroads

Episode 7: Ramblin' Jack Elliott (Part 1)

April 04, 2017 04:43 - 41 minutes - 33.6 MB

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.   Find out more about Ramblin' Jack Elliott at www.ramblinjackelliott.com   Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become a patron at www.patreon.com/cowboycrossroads

Episode 6: Writing Songs and Building Guitars with Guy Clark

March 21, 2017 03:00 - 48 minutes - 38.7 MB

Noel McKay tells stories about his friendship with Guy Clark and plays a song that they co-wrote.   Find out more about Noel McKay at www.noelmckay.com   Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become a patron at www.patreon.com/cowboycrossroads

Episode 5: Michael Martin Murphey (Part 2)

March 07, 2017 04:41 - 29 minutes - 24.1 MB

Michael Martin Murphey talks about the making of Geronimo's Cadillac, his worst gig, and his first trip to the Elko Cowboy Poetry Gathering.   Find out more about Michael Martin Murphey at www.michaelmartinmurphey.com   Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become a patron at www.patreon.com/cowboycrossroads

Episode 4: Michael Martin Murphey (Part 1)

February 21, 2017 05:53 - 34 minutes - 27.7 MB

Michael Martin Murphey talks about learning cowboy songs as a kid in Texas and his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement.   Find out more about Michael Martin Murphey at www.michaelmartinmurphey.com   Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become a patron at www.patreon.com/cowboycrossroads

Episode 3: Ross Knox

February 07, 2017 05:29 - 45 minutes - 36.9 MB

Ross Knox talks about cowboyin' on big outfits, packing mules in the Grand Canyon, and writing a song with Ian Tyson.   Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become a patron at www.patreon.com/cowboycrossroads

Episode 2: Waddie Mitchell (Part 2)

January 17, 2017 04:14 - 35 minutes - 28.5 MB

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.   Find out more about Waddie Mitchell at www.waddiemitchell.com   Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com   Become a patron at www.patreon.com/cowboycrossroads