MIKE MOUTOUX

Continued from page 37
rhyming verse…when she feels like it.
In case this all sounds purely capricious on her
part, I encourage you to try something. She closes
this collection with two thoroughly absorbing and wellcrafted
short stories “Home” and “It Is The Right Thing
To Do.” Read them, then re-read the poems ahead of
them. I think you will find she is very much in control
of what she’s doing.
The theme here is, as the title should suggest to
you, the minor…and sometimes more than minor…
adversities one is apt to encounter along the path. Step
lively, and try these out for yourself.
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Did you know that Smiley
wrote the cowboy classic tune
“Ridin’ Down the Canyon,”
then sold half of it to Gene
Autry before he even sang
the song to him?
Performer’s Perspective
Continued from page 18
didn’t want to become an addict and wind up in Frozen
Horse, Alaska?
The marc said these following things:
1. Don’t play more than twice a week.
2. Never own more than two guitars.
3. Never get up in the middle of the night to practice.
4. Never hope to win an award for what you do.
5. Only attend music conventions for the humor in
them.
6. Never enter a songwriting, guitar playing, or singing
competition expecting to win anything.
7. Report immediately to the MEA anyone you know
who begins to take lessons for advanced players.
8. Get your children, even your boys, into knitting
classes.
9. Move to the east coast and learn some sea shantys.
(A sea shanty, chantey, or chanty is a type of work song that
was once commonly sung to accompany labor on board large
merchant sailing vessels. The term shanty most accurately
refers to a specific style of work song belonging to this historical
repertoire. However, in recent, popular usage, the scope of its
definition is sometimes expanded to admit a wider range of
repertoire and characteristics, or to refer to a “maritime work
song” in general. – Wikipedia)
10. If all else fails, take up smoking and drinking. t
Western Air
Continued from page 26
They race in a much greater pasture (but)
I’m saddened we’ll ride out no more
(As) I stand by his old corral
We both appear to be empty...
But it and my sad heart are singing
With memories of El Cantador!!
(repeat refrain to close)
In “A Cowboy Celebración” we revealed four more such
songs never before attempted in English!! They were “Caballo
Prieto Azabache” (My Dark/Black Horse) about a valiant
animal in the days of Pancho Villa, “Cuando Estoy en el
Campo” (When I’m In The Country) about the spirit of
family-owned land, “Cancion del los Vaqueros” (Song Of
The Cowobys) about the spell they can cast and “Son de la
Vaquilla” (Song of the Heiffer) in which a rancher coaxes/
prays for a cow to bring her calves to safety from the hawk in
his corral! Yes, it was a little bit more than just a night of
mariachi entertainment I’d say…
I personally would be happy to consult with anyone who is
interested in pursuing cultural context translating. There is so
much to discover, embrace and celebrate in the cowboy culture
and music of Mexico. We owe it to Western to do this!!! t
From the Trail
Continued from page 20
He has won numerous rodeo buckles and the last, “Ben
Johnson saddle.” Richards is also a published author, having
written the definitive and only authorized biography of the
legendary World Champion Rodeo star, Casey Tibbs, titled,
“CASEY TIBBS Born to Ride,” published by Moonlight Mesa
Associates. Also known for his Cowboy Concerts with his
son, Jason Richards, his writing of Western songs, poetry and
recordings, many of which have been recorded by well-known
artists, and used in films. All of these Cowboy things he has
done, and so much more, that have made up the fabric of his life.
He has won many awards and received numerous
commendations for his work, but Richards is so honored
to have been informed that on April 16th, 2016, he will be
receiving his most prestigious Cowboy Award of all, “The
Chester A. Reynolds Award,” given annually by the Western
Heritage Museum and Cowboy Hall of Fame, in Oklahoma
City, Oklahoma, to a Cowboy who has shown throughout his
life, a body of quality work and an unwavering commitment
to Western ideals and values: and that does perfectly describe
Rusty Richards!
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38 | Spring 2016 The WESTERN WAY