WLM | people
carry on those traditions as well as
he incorporates his own music into
his shows, always including the
favorites of his dad’s.
A couple months ago Ned put out his
first EP (extended play) and it is called
Forever A Cowboy. It includes ‘We Ain’t
Got it All,’ ‘Johnson County War,’
‘Brother Highway’ and of course, ‘The
Hawk.’ You’ll need a tissue or two
when you listen to that one!
The old songs written by Chris were always Ned’s favorites,
so when Ned’s mother handed him a box overflowing with
songs, half-finished songs, and song ideas by his father, he
was elated. Searching through them for inspiration he came
across one called ‘We Ain’t Got it All’ and it captured his
attention. Ned finished that song and now it is a popular part
of their performances. A song co-written by a father and son
may not be unusual, but under these circumstances, it is.
Being the son of a legendary country music superstar no
doubt felt a bit daunting, but Ned didn’t hesitate to carry
on his father’s tradition. His five-piece band is called Ned
LeDoux Band and three of his band members were in his
father’s band. He states that, “My parents have always been
my heroes and they will be beyond forever. I’m proud to pick
up the reigns and carry on his music. There is a generation
coming up that doesn’t know about Chris LeDoux and I want
to make sure they do.”
Chris was heavily into the rodeo
world, with Cheyenne Frontier
Days – the Granddaddy of Them All
– being near and dear to his heart.
Chris’s ashes are even spread in that
arena. Ned thinks of it as the Grand
Ole Opry of the West. I would say
that makes it sacred ground.
Chris LeDoux was the real deal.
He was an-honest-to-goodness
Wyoming cowboy and was the
same man, whether branding cattle,
riding bareback, or singing his music
in your hometown. Chris passed
these principles on to his children
along with a strong work ethic,
always having goals, living by the
Golden Rule, and never forgetting
that God and family are at the top
of the mountain! Ned is happy to
8
Ned made his first appearance on
the Grand Ole Opry on January 27, 2017, at the Ryman
Auditorium – known as the Mother Church of Country
Music. “The Opry was wonderful! Knowing the history of the
place and playing my own songs, ‘Brother Highway’ and ‘The
Hawk’ was a special night,” Ned says. He feels that was “…a
big step for this Wyoming cowboy.”
You can find Ned’s CDs any place you buy your music. You
can also order his CD online at nedledoux.com -- and be sure
to follow him on Facebook. W L M
James Hufferd
A noVEL By
The Bells of Autumn
…A story steeped in
Wyoming history, with a few
excellent yarns thrown in --
about a standoff between two
formidable men, leading to
one last, improbable skirmish
with Sioux Indians on
Wyoming soil at the
end of 1903.
AVAILABLE now on AMAZon.CoM
or from Sunstone Press at (800) 243-5644
Wyoming Lifestyle Magazine | Spring & Early Summer 2017