It's the Cowboy Way!: The Amazing True Adventures of Riders In The Sky [Hardcover]

Don Cusic (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2003

" It's the Cowboy Way! tells the full story of the amazing true adventures of group members Ranger Doug, Woody Paul, Too Slim, and Joey "The CowPolka King" for the first time, from their first gigs at "Herr Harry's Phranks 'N' Steins," in Nashville, to their rise to the top of the Grammy heap. Since 1977, Riders In The Sky has faithfully tended a musical tradition kindled by singing cowboy legends, such as Gene Autry and the Sons Of The Pioneers. Throughout its long career, the group has branded the genre with its own mark, crafting a well-balanced mix of both classic and original western songs -- smooth harmony, hot licks, and comedy. Over the past quarter of a century, and more than 4,500 shows, 290 national TV appearances, 203 public radio shows, nearly 700 Grand Ole Opry appearances, 2.3 million miles on the road, two Grammy Awards, three television series, and 31 albums down the trail, a group that began with a commitment to carry on an American musical tradition has itself become a national treasure.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An insider's view of a group that has played over 4500 shows in the past quarter of a century continuing the tradition of Gene Autry and The Sons of the Pioneers." -- Bourbon Times

"Fans will enjoy this story of each member of the group and their performing history." -- Kentucky Living

"Anyone who has laughed and sung along with this unique group of cowboy musicians will want to read this book." -- Library Journal

About the Author

Don Cusic, a professor of music business at Belmont University, has published more than 500 articles since he began writing. He is the author and editor of many books, including the biography Eddy Arnold: I’ll Hold You in My Heart and Merle Haggard: Poet of the Common Man: The Lyrics. He was the country and gospel editor for Record World and Cashbox, a columnist for Music City News and an album reviewer and special correspondent for Billboard. He lives in Brentwood, Tennessee.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 312 pages
• Publisher: The University Press of Kentucky; 1st Printing edition (November 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813122848
• ISBN-13: 978-0813122847
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,962,222 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Riders in the Sky...the best in Western Music since 1977!!!, November 4, 2004

By 

Madame "Librarian" (Eastern US) - See all my reviews

This review is from: It's the Cowboy Way!: The Amazing True Adventures of Riders In The Sky (Hardcover)

WOW! This is a great book for those who love the Singing cowboy group "Riders in the Sky". If you have never heard of them, try their music! You won't be disappointed!

This book covers nearly EVERYTHING a first time Riders fan could need to know (although there are a few areas of interest missing from this book! Guess you can't include everything in just one volume). A great book with fantastic stories, info and pictures (althought they deleted a few pics from the pre-publication copy....I have an editor's edition and they should have left in ALL the pictures in the final run of this book).

Riders in the Sky are reminescent of Roy Rogers & Gene Autry....but with a bit of "tongue-in-cheek" humor and a bit of their own twists added in. Regulars at the Opry and with a regular tour schedule sure to be hitting a state near you! Check out www.ridersinthesky.com for more info!