He grew up behind the drum kit of a legend. Now, he’s stepping into the spotlight with a voice that echoes his father’s and a story that’s all his own.
Ned LeDoux’s journey into music was almost predestined. As the son of Chris LeDoux, a Hall of Fame rodeo champion and country music icon, Ned was immersed in the world of music and rodeo from an early age. He began playing drums in his father’s band, Western Underground, in 1998, touring extensively and absorbing the nuances of live performance.
Despite his deep musical roots, Ned didn’t initially see himself as a frontman. It wasn’t until after his father’s passing in 2005 that he began to explore singing and songwriting, eventually releasing his debut EP, Forever a Cowboy, in 2016.
Ned’s music pays homage to his father’s legacy while showcasing his unique voice and perspective. His albums, including Sagebrush (2017), Next in Line (2019), and Buckskin (2022), blend traditional country themes with contemporary storytelling.
In a poignant tribute, Ned released a duet with his late father titled “One Hand in the Riggin’,” combining Chris’s archived vocals with his own to create a heartfelt homage to their shared heritage.
Keeping the Cowboy Spirit Alive
Beyond his music, Ned remains deeply connected to his roots. He continues to perform at events like Chris LeDoux Days in Kaycee, Wyoming, celebrating his father’s legacy and the cowboy lifestyle that defined their family.
Experience Ned’s tribute to his father with this performance of “This Cowboy’s Hat”:
Ned LeDoux’s journey from drummer to solo artist is a testament to the enduring power of legacy and the personal strength required to step out of a legend’s shadow. With each song, he continues to honor his father’s memory while forging his own path in the world of country music.