About the song
Chris LeDoux was more than just a country singer—he was a symbol of the American West, a real-life cowboy whose music told stories of freedom, grit, and the rodeo life. Born in Biloxi, Mississippi in 1948, LeDoux grew up with a deep love for horses and country living. His early years were filled with rodeo competitions, and he eventually became a champion bareback rider, winning the 1976 Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) World Title. But behind the roar of the crowds and the dust of the arena, Chris had another passion: songwriting.
Long before he signed with a major label, LeDoux was already a legend among rodeo fans. He self-released dozens of albums, selling them out of the back of his truck at rodeo events. His songs weren’t polished by Nashville standards, but they were raw, honest, and full of soul—just like the man himself. Tracks like “This Cowboy’s Hat” and “Life Is a Highway” painted vivid pictures of the cowboy lifestyle, capturing both its romantic freedom and harsh realities.
LeDoux’s music reached a wider audience after Garth Brooks, a longtime fan, mentioned him in the hit song “Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old)”. This moment brought LeDoux into the national spotlight, eventually leading to a recording contract and a new chapter in his career.
Despite his growing fame, Chris never strayed far from his roots. He continued to live on a ranch in Wyoming, valuing family, simplicity, and the open land. Sadly, he passed away in 2005 from cancer, but his legacy lives on. To this day, Chris LeDoux is remembered not just as a singer, but as a true cowboy poet—a man whose life and lyrics were one and the same.
Video
https://youtu.be/oci3IcveYI
Lyrics