The Rodeo Star Who Became a Country Legend

Before he ever topped the charts, Chris LeDoux wasn’t chasing a music career—he was chasing rodeo dreams – living the cowboy life for real.

He became a world champion bareback bronc rider in 1976, and while traveling from rodeo to rodeo, he started writing songs about the life he was living—long drives, tough rides, and cowboy pride.

Instead of waiting on Nashville, Chris recorded his own albums and sold them out of his truck. Over time, he moved hundreds of thousands of records independently, building a fan base the hard way—one rodeo at a time.

That grassroots success eventually caught the attention of the industry, and he went on to land a major label deal, scoring hits and becoming one of country music’s most authentic voices. I don’t know if I could narrow his songs down to just one favorite, but Copenhagen Angel…. Still to this day I know every word.

I actually met Chris LeDoux back in 1981. I was just 16, getting escorted to the Kaycee prom by his good friend Mike’s little brother, Ernie. The three of them drove to Ten Sleep to pick me up—and somehow my parents said yes to that overnight trip… still not sure how that happened!

I already had his 8-tracks, vinyl, and cassette tapes back then—and years later, I even took my daughter to see his final concert.

Chris was exactly who you’d expect—funny, a little wild, and yeah… probably traumatized a young girl or two with his sense of humor – I know I was lol

His success eventually led to a major label deal, and he became one of country music’s most authentic voices—blending cowboy culture with music in a way few ever have.

And fittingly, fellow Wyoming fan Garth Brooks even name-checked him in Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old)—helping introduce LeDoux to an even bigger audience.