Chris LeDoux was far more than a country musician; he was a genuine embodiment of the Western spirit—a world champion rodeo cowboy, independent music pioneer, sculptor, and devoted family man. His life story reveals a tapestry of talents and passions that extended well beyond the stage.
🐎 Rodeo Roots and World Champion Cowboy
Born on October 2, 1948, in Biloxi, Mississippi, LeDoux’s early years were marked by frequent relocations due to his father’s Air Force career. Eventually, the family settled in Wyoming, where LeDoux’s affinity for rodeo blossomed. He began competing in junior rodeos and quickly made a name for himself, winning the Wyoming State High School Bareback Bronc Championship twice. His rodeo prowess continued through college, culminating in the 1969 National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association Bareback Riding Championship. In 1976, he achieved the pinnacle of rodeo success by winning the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) World Bareback Riding Championship. Throughout his career, LeDoux qualified for the National Finals Rodeo four times and competed in all three roughstock events.
🎶 Independent Music Trailblazer
LeDoux’s musical journey began as a means to support his rodeo career. He started writing and performing songs about the rodeo lifestyle, selling tapes at rodeo events from the back of his pickup truck. With his father’s assistance, he established his own record label, American Cowboy Songs, in 1970. Over the next two decades, he self-released 22 albums, cultivating a dedicated fan base.
His big break came in 1989 when Garth Brooks mentioned him in the song “Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old),” bringing LeDoux national attention. Subsequently, he signed with Capitol Records and released several albums, including the gold-certified “Whatcha Gonna Do with a Cowboy,” featuring a duet with Brooks that reached number seven on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
🎨 Sculptor and Visual Artist
Beyond music and rodeo, LeDoux was a talented sculptor. He created bronze sculptures that captured the essence of the cowboy lifestyle. Notably, his works “Wild Horse Fit” and “Eyeball to Eyeball” were displayed at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. These pieces, on loan from his friend Garth Brooks, highlight LeDoux’s artistic depth and his ability to portray the rugged beauty of the West through visual art.
👨👩👧👦 Family Man and Rancher
In 1972, LeDoux married Peggy Rhoads, and together they raised five children on their Haywire Ranch near Kaycee, Wyoming. Despite his fame, LeDoux prioritized family life and ranching. His son Ned followed in his musical footsteps, while Beau became involved in rodeo and ranch operations. LeDoux’s commitment to his family and the cowboy way of life remained steadfast throughout his career.
🏆 Honors and Enduring Legacy
LeDoux’s contributions to both rodeo and music earned him numerous accolades. He was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2005, recognized in both the Bareback Riding and Notables categories—a unique dual honor. Additionally, he received the Academy of Country Music’s Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award in 2005.
His legacy continues through annual events like Chris LeDoux Days in Kaycee, Wyoming, celebrating his life with rodeos, concerts, and art shows. A bronze statue titled “Good Ride Cowboy,” depicting LeDoux during his 1976 championship ride, stands in his hometown as a tribute to his enduring impact.
Chris LeDoux’s multifaceted life as a champion cowboy, independent musician, gifted artist, and devoted family man paints the portrait of a true American icon. His authenticity and dedication to the Western lifestyle continue to inspire fans and fellow artists alike.