Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Chris LeDoux’s Facts: The Best Cowboy Singer You Never Heard of!

Chris LeDoux's Facts
by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

Chris LeDoux was a former champion bareback rider. Pioneered what he calls ‘rodeo rock’n’roll,’ an exuberant, foot-stomping brand of country music. Born on October 2, 1948, in Biloxi, Mississippi. Studied rodeo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and won a national title after high school. Chris LeDoux was one of the most influential artists of country music. He is considered a monumental figure in the world of rodeo. Superstars like Garth Brooks and Toby Keith cite him as a huge influence on their music. These Unknown Chris LeDoux Facts Will Astound You!

1. LeDoux won the 1976 world bareback riding crown.

LeDoux won the 1976 world bareback riding crown. Throughout his career, LeDoux competed in all three rough stock events. In college, he won the 1969 Intercollegiate Rodeo Association title.

2. The Life of a Rodeo Cowboy

He produced 22 albums on his own label along the road. Even though the productions were sometimes hurried, LeDoux’s performances and the song quality were excellent. Thousands of fans across the United States, as well as a young Garth Brooks, were greatly influenced by those early records.

3. LeDoux was signed to Capitol Records in 1991

When he was signed to Capitol/Liberty Records, he quickly rose above the status of a cult figure and achieved chart success with more Chris LeDoux songs like “Whatcha Gonna Do With A Cowboy” (which featured backing vocals by Brooks) and “Cadillac Ranch.”

4. Chris LeDoux will always be viewed as one of country music’s most influential musicians.

LeDoux has had a significant influence on the music of superstars like Garth Brooks and Toby Keith, who sang a duet with him called “Copenhagen” in the early 1990s. He has also worked with musicians including Charlie Daniels, Johnny Gimble, and Janie Fricke.

5. He is regarded as a legendary figure in the rodeo community as well

Chris’s rodeo career was thriving by 1976, and he was becoming a notable singer-songwriter. The bronze sculptures of a Bull Rider and a Bronc Rider that he created were recognized in Wyoming and Nevada, and he also won the Bareback Bronco World Title. Up until 1984, when a series of injuries forced him to hang up his spurs, he rodeoed with a developing cult following.

6. The very definition of a true, hardworking cowboy

Chris LeDoux wouldn’t want his accomplishment in rodeo or country music to be the only thing for which he would be recognized. In fact, it would be due to his steadfast conviction that family should always come first. LeDoux had five children with Peggy, his wife of more than 30 years, and to say that he was a dedicated and loving father and husband would be a grave understatement. Chris LeDoux’s Facts will be remembered as the epitome of a real, hardworking cowboy.

Latest Stories

Dolly Parton points and smiles from a flower-filled parade float at Dollywood as 8-year-old Owen reacts with stunned joy, hands on his face in disbelief.

Dolly Parton Spotted This 8-Year-Old at Dollywood and His Reaction Is Everything

Eight-year-old Owen didn’t expect to have the most unforgettable day of his young life at Dollywood. But when Dolly Parton herself spotted him during the park’s parade and locked eyes ...

Country star Riley Green kneels beside 2-year-old fan Hadley during a heartwarming meet-and-greet at The American Rodeo in Texas.

Riley Green’s Moment With a Young Fan Is Melting Hearts Everywhere

When 2-year-old Hadley walked up to country star Riley Green during a meet-and-greet at The American Rodeo in Arlington, Texas, she didn’t just steal the spotlight — she stole his ...

Garth Brooks appears emotional beside a photo of Larry Bastian, the late songwriter and mentor who helped shape Brooks’ early career and co-wrote “Unanswered Prayers.”

Garth Brooks Is Grieving Someone Who Meant Everything to Him

Garth Brooks is mourning the loss of Larry Bastian, the songwriter who helped shape some of his most iconic music and played a deeply personal role in his early career. ...

Lorrie Morgan performs at the Grand Ole Opry with a somber expression, now pausing her tour as her husband Randy White battles a serious health crisis.

Lorrie Morgan Cancels All April Shows as Husband Faces Major Health Crisis

Country music veteran Lorrie Morgan is stepping away from the spotlight this month as her husband, Randy White, faces a serious health battle. Morgan has canceled all of her concerts ...

Doug Kiker, known as "The Singing Garbage Man" from American Idol, appears emotional against a blue backdrop—his expression now echoing the heartbreak of his recently revealed cause of death.

‘American Idol’ Favorite Doug Kiker’s Cause of Death Has Been Revealed

Doug Kiker, the former American Idol contestant whose heartfelt audition once moved the nation, died at 32. Officials with the City and County of Denver Medical Examiner confirmed this week ...

George Strait smiles from the driver’s seat of his truck at a Texas Dairy Queen, while an excited worker captures the unforgettable moment outside his window.

George Strait Rolled Up to Dairy Queen and Left One Worker Shaking With Excitement

“That’s George Strait.” Becky Gonzalez wasn’t sure she heard her coworker right. It was just another shift at the Dairy Queen drive-thru in Cotulla, Texas, a small town an hour ...

Hank Williams Sr. smiles in a vintage portrait with his guitar, a haunting reminder of the country icon we lost too soon—and the legacy that could've shaped decades more of real country music.

What If Hank Williams Sr. Had Lived? How Country Music Might Be Different Today

When Hank Williams Sr. died alone in the backseat of a Cadillac on New Year’s Day 1953, country music didn’t just lose its biggest star. It lost its moral compass. ...

Jelly Roll beams with pride as he hugs his daughter Bailee, dressed in a yellow prom gown and holding red roses, capturing a heartfelt father-daughter moment.

Jelly Roll Couldn’t Hold It Together Watching His Daughter Leave for Prom

Jelly Roll has stood under stage lights in packed arenas, delivering songs soaked in pain, redemption, and raw truth. But nothing hits quite like watching his daughter, Bailee Ann, step ...

Kelly Clarkson delivers a soul-stirring performance of Kacey Musgraves’ “Follow Your Arrow,” transforming the country anthem into a personal power statement during her Kellyoke segment.

Kelly Clarkson Just Sang Kacey Musgraves’ “Follow Your Arrow” Like It Was Always Hers

Kelly Clarkson didn’t tiptoe into Kacey Musgraves’ “Follow Your Arrow”. She charged straight through the front door with a voice full of gospel grit, Texas twang, and zero hesitation. On ...

Miranda Lambert performs with a smile in bold pink fringe, still lighting up the stage even as award shows continue to overlook her—leaving fans wondering why the most decorated ACM artist in history isn’t getting the recognition she used to.

Miranda Lambert’s CMA and ACM Snubs Have People Talking And the Theories Are Spicy

For nearly two decades, Miranda Lambert’s name was practically etched into the stage at country music’s biggest nights. From the CMAs to the ACMs, she racked up award after award ...