4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Compilation, December 20, 2005
Before there was the definitive "country and western" genre of music, there was what used to be called "cowboy songs," exemplified by Tex Ritter, Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, and others, popular in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s. Many of these songs dealt with what it was like to ride the range on horseback, herding cattle, and fighting rustlers and natural disasters. And they all told a story, complete in 3 minutes, set to music.
The iconic cowboy was a solitary figure, usually with only his horse for company. There is a mournful quality to Tex Ritter's singing that harkens to that lone figure riding the vast plains.
What many people may not know is that Tex Ritter also made a number of recordings for children (most of which begin with "Now boys and girls . . ."). My very favorite of these -- and something that was worth the price of the entire 4-CD set -- is "The Phantom White Stallion of Skull Valley," guaranteed to send chills up your spine.
If you are looking for a nostalgic trip to mid-twentieth century America, you will surely enjoy this music.
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