Display MoreHello Chilibill
I have special memories for "El Paso".
When i was a kid, i liked themesong of Rawhide. so, i bought Frankie laine's
record . Side B on this record was the song El Paso by Marty Robbins.
I had been listening to a performance with rapt attention both song.
regards,
H.sanada
Here's a trip down memory lane.
[extendedmedia]
Chester 
ChiliBill,
No, I was referring to Hank Williams, Hank Thompson, Ernest Tubb, George Jones, and a host of many of my favorite stars, who may of had a horse or two at their estates, but spent most of their time at recording studios, or on the road, not out roping cows.
And no, you don't need glasses, those you mentioned were definitely on horseback! Fortunately, they were the exception to the rule. Although Gene Autry spent a lot of time buying radio stations and real estate.
Chester
One thing that everybody should be aware of is that everything tends to change over time. Back in the 1950s there were many country fans who thought that adding steel guitar or electric guitar to country music was "a sin." As time has gone by, they have both been accepted as part of a traditional sound.
ChiliBill, I also kind of doubt if any of the early country stars spent time on the back of a horse (i.e., they weren't cowboys).
I do think there is a fair amount of competition for the C&W dollar. My impression is that the forces that control Hollywood have been trying to tap into the Nashville movement. Since they are more R&R oriented and many of them control C&W radio stations (financially), their "new country" sound predominates in many areas.
So things have changed quite a bit over the past 50 years, but it's basically up to each individual to enjoy what they like to hear. Fortunately, with the Internet, we can have access to both the old and the new with just a few clicks, to enjoy as we see fit.
Chester
BTW, any of you folks ever heard the national anthem of Texas? The title is "Cotton-Eyed Joe" and it'll get your foot to stompin' big time. Great for line dancing. One of my favorite versions is performed by Asleep At The Wheel.
You mean . . . like this . . . ?
Wow, many if not all of the old CW favorites have been preserved on youtube.
Here are a few at the top of my list, for fun and enjoyment ! !
Red Sovine Teddy Bear
CW McCall Convoy
Hank Snow "I've Been Everywhere"
David Houston Almost Persuaded
Ben Colder Almost Persuaded
Grandpa Jones Eight more miles to Louisville
Are You from Dixie
The Banjo Am The Instrument For Me
Good 'ole Mountain Dew
David Allen Coe
Now you're talkin'!
One of my favorite songs of all time is his "You Never Even Call Me By My Name" - many a time I've been driving down the road singing 
along with that song as loud as I could!
Oh, yeah!! I just love YouTube!
Chester
You guys have mentioned some good ones, and here are a few more -
Hank Thompson and his Brazos Valley Boys
Grandpa Jones
Ernest Tubb and the Texas Troubadors
Red Sovine
Loretta Lynn
George Jones
Tammy Wynette
Roy Clark
Buck Owens (the "Bellering Billionaire from Bakersfield")
Hank Snow
Merle Haggard (I'm Proud to be an Okie from Muskogee)
and of course we don't want to forget Dolly Parton!
I know I'll think of some more . . . but this is good for now . . . .
Chester
I'm very much a traditionalist when it comes to music, and to be honest I'd rather hear fingernails on a blackboard than listen to Rascal Flatts or Carrie Underwood.
Sorry for ranting, but I had to vent
You've got my attention, Bek!
I've loved C&W since I was 14 years old, and continued to listen to it for the past 40+ years. I can relate to your rant, as it could easily be mine, too.
Recently, I've gotten away from listening to the local FM C&W radio stations, as all they seem to have is the newer stuff. I keep searching the dial when I am in other areas, hoping to find a traditional C&W station, and have been successful at times when I am up in Oregon.
It seems there are a lot of people that feel the way we do, and I would think someone could make good money with a "country oldies" type radio station.
George Strait . . . yes!
Alan Jackson . . . yes!
And don't forget Randy Travis!
Chester
