Chris LeDoux Giveaway: Classic Chris LeDoux

I was playing with some guys a while back. It was a casual jam with a lot of original music. Then, one of the guys, after playing an original, broke into “Copenhagen.” Not my favorite Chris LeDoux song, but whatever. When he was done, people were really impressed and told him how great of a song it was. Although he never expressly claimed he wrote it, he let on as though he did write it. Not being the confrontational type, I let it be, but in reality, I was more than annoyed. First off, it’s not right to let people give you credit for something that isn’t yours, and secondly, how did these people not know “Copenhagen” was a Chris LeDoux song? I was with the wrong crowd; no question!

I just recently learned of “Caballo Diablo;” it’s a badass song. Charlie Daniels wrote it, but LeDoux sells it better than him. Even better though is the version with both of them on One Road Man.

I would love to have this CD, I have heard of Chis LeDoux but not much of his music, so I would enjoy having the best of his recordings

This Cowboy’s Hat

I’m with Jenna.

I love the story of Garth playing a show in Texas, then flying to join LeDoux on their duet in Cheyenne, Wyoming for the Frontier Days.

I love me some Ledoux!

My favorite song of Chris’s is This Cowboy’s Hat. I also have a fantastic memory of seeing him perform at Jamboree in the Hills the year before he died. He rode a mechanical bull on stage!

Chris was one of those performers who, like Garth, was effortlessly entertaining. Whether he was riding the bull, shooting the confetti cannon, or just dancing around like a more drunk, less coordinated Mark Miller, he had his audience’s complete, undivided attention.

I would put Western Underground up there with the best music of the late 80’s/early 90’s. Riding For A Fall, Cowboy’s Hat, County Fair, Working Man’s Dollar- all great, instantly accessible songs.

I’m one of those that only discovered Chris Ledoux due to Garth’s name drop- and I agree it’s one of the greatest things Garth ever did.

There isn’t much that I don’t like about Chris LeDoux. I think his cover of “Life Is A Highway” kicks the hell out of Rascal Flatts’ version.

I love the story of Garth getting his liver tested to see if he would be a match for Chris, for Chris’s liver transplant. Not only would the operation be painful, but the test is no picnic either. Garth wasn’t a match, but the gesture was touching. Furthermore, Garth wanted the gesture to be kept quiet, but Chris said, “too bad.”

Riding For a Fall

Chris performed at the San Joaquin County fair out here in California years ago. I was 11 and beyond stoked to see him live; the show is still fresh in my memory 10 years later. After spending 2 years at the Univ. of Wyoming and seeing everything he meant to the people that live in that area, commemorating his life every year on the anniversary of him passing, I am still one of the many LeDoux fans out there continuing to keep his spirit and passion blaring from my radio speakers.

In addition the the songs y’all mentioned above, here a few of my favorites. I seem to like quite a few from his Old Cowboy Classics album.

Night Rider’s Lament
Bad Brahma Bull
Tie A Knot In The Devil’s Tail
Silence On The Line (ouch)
Tennessee Stud
The Blizzard
He Rides The Wild Horses
Caballo Diablo

I like his renditions of cowboy standards like “Little Joe The Wrangler” and “Strawberry Roan” as well. “Under This Old Hat” sounds like something that George Strait could record as an album cut, after all, LeDoux did record “Amarillo By Morning” before George.

A few years back, probably 1999 or 2000, a few of my gal pals took a trip to Vegas for NFR. Chris was playing the Silverton on the south end of the strip. My friend, Dar, who knew all about him wanted to go, so I said I would. The only song I knew of his was Cadillac Ranch. We stood in the back, almost late. He was sponsored by Crown Royal, I think. $5. shots and you keep the glass. Thank God I wasn’t driving. It’s a small venue. It was a concert for the ages. Where had I been all those years? Fast forward to Jamboree in the Hills in 2005 or 2006. He had the place in the palm of his hand. Even my 70s-80s rocker husband was hooked. I think that was the last tour he did. RIP. Not much of a story, but I will accept manna from Heaven or EMI with undying gratitude.

In my eyes, Chris Ledoux was Country music. He could be the guy strumming on a guitar outside of a campfire in the middle of nowhere, or riding a bull on stage in front of thousands of fans. I did not know the man, but from all acounts, he was a down-to-earth, humble guy and he used his music to reflect his lifestyle. I enjoy listening to and trying to play Chris Ledoux’s songs. Not to mention, the emotions that they convey to the listener. I laugh when I hear “Five Dollar Fine” or “Copenhagen” and I break down when I hear “This Cowboy’s Hat.” I believe if he could have had the right PR, behind him, he’d be at a Trace Adkins status now with the mainstream, but I believe his music is mech greater and influential than that.

I’ve never listened to him before

I know some of the songs but not Chris. Strange, I don’t know how I missed it.

Chris is one of them singers and people that you have to actually see and hear to get the true feeling of what he is about.

The one time I seen him in concert it was the best show I have ever seen anybody do. I have been to over 700 concerts too! His smooth sounding voice is also very soothing, and the words role off his tongue.

His songwriting as well is underrated and when you hear it you have a great understanding of the scene and what he’s trying to convey. Even if you have not been there or done that.

RIP chris ledoux! I will be buying this, and I rarely buy cd’s

Charlie,

Don’t forget the dvd of the videos too. That’s a nice addition and truly makes this a collection worth having, and I don’t say that about many ‘bonus DVDs’

I have a few favorite, Look at You Girl: my husband wanted to have that played at our wedding.
Another favorite is Five Dollar Fine: I cried at the end of this video, I was laughing so hard!
My husband Ted has all of his albums. When I asked him why he liked Chris LeDoux songs so much, he stated that he sang songs that immitated his (Ted’s) own life.
Ted was pretty down when he heard Chris had passed away. I rarely see him in tears and that day he was so close! :(
My oldest daughter has gotten into his music and that is surprising considering most of the school is into “other” music.!!