Chris LeDoux: A Rare Country Music Legend and Rodeo Champion

By steve
• - 12/3/24

Chris LeDoux was known for his heartfelt songs and electrifying stage presence . . . discover more about this Country Music legend and rodeo champion

Chris LeDoux was known for his heartfelt songs and electrifying stage presence, LeDoux’s legacy extends beyond the world of music to the arena of professional rodeo, where he achieved remarkable success as a bareback rider.  He is a rare country music artist that truly lived the cowboy lifestyle.  Watch the video about Chris LeDoux and discover more facts below.

Chris LeDoux:  The Cowboy Legend of Country Music and Rodeo Video

The Early Years: A Cowboy in the Making

Born on October 2, 1948, in Biloxi, Mississippi, Chris LeDoux’s early life was steeped in the traditions of the cowboy lifestyle. His father’s military career meant the family moved often, but LeDoux found his heart in Wyoming, where he later settled. From a young age, he developed a love for horses, rodeo, and country music—passions that would define his life.

A Champion Bareback Rider

Before he became a household name in country music, Chris LeDoux was a celebrated rodeo competitor. In 1976, he achieved one of rodeo’s highest honors by winning the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) World Bareback Riding Championship. His incredible skill, strength, and determination earned him respect in the rodeo world and demonstrated his commitment to the cowboy lifestyle.

LeDoux competed professionally for many years, often traveling the rodeo circuit with his guitar in tow. It was during these long drives between events that he began writing songs about the rodeo experience, cowboy life, and the Western way of living.

Music Born from the Rodeo

LeDoux’s music career started as a grassroots effort. He recorded and sold his own albums to rodeo fans directly out of his truck, gradually building a loyal following. His songs, such as “Bareback Jack,” “Rodeo Life,” and “Cowboy’s Prayer,” captured the grit, excitement, and hardships of rodeo life.

In 1989, LeDoux’s career skyrocketed when Garth Brooks name-dropped him in the song “Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old).” The lyric, “a worn-out tape of Chris LeDoux,” introduced him to a wider audience and led to a record deal with Capitol Records.

The Musical Maverick

Over the course of his career, LeDoux released 36 albums and sold more than six million records. He was known for his high-energy live performances, which often included pyrotechnics, mechanical bulls, and a genuine rodeo flair. Fans loved his authenticity—LeDoux wasn’t just singing about cowboy life; he was living it.

His hits, such as “Whatcha Gonna Do With a Cowboy” (a duet with Garth Brooks), “This Cowboy’s Hat,” and “Copenhagen,” remain iconic in the world of country music. His songs are a testament to the values of resilience, independence, and love for the open range.

Legacy and Honors

Chris LeDoux passed away on March 9, 2005, after a battle with cancer, but his legacy endures. He was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2005 for his contributions to the sport and the Cowboy Hall of Fame for his influence on Western culture.

In 2017, Wyoming honored its favorite cowboy with the unveiling of the Chris LeDoux Memorial Statue in Kaycee, Wyoming. The statue, titled “Good Ride Cowboy,” depicts LeDoux riding a horse, guitar in hand, a fitting tribute to the man who so perfectly bridged the worlds of rodeo and music.

Wife and Kids

Chris shared a profound partnership with his wife, Peggy Rhoads, and together they raised five children. Their enduring relationship and family life were central to LeDoux’s personal and professional journey.

Marriage to Peggy Rhoads

On January 4, 1972, Chris LeDoux married Peggy Rhoads, the daughter of a Wyoming rancher. Their union was marked by mutual support and shared adventures, especially during the early years of LeDoux’s rodeo career. Reflecting on their early days, LeDoux once remarked, “My wife rodeoed with me. We spent a week by the river in California eating beans and bologna when we first got married. I found the perfect lady for this old cowboy.”

Peggy’s unwavering support was instrumental as LeDoux balanced the demands of rodeo competitions and his burgeoning music career. Her resilience and dedication were celebrated in LeDoux’s song “Wife Behind The Cowboy,” which pays tribute to the steadfast presence of a supportive partner.

Chris Ledoux’s Five Children

Chris and Peggy LeDoux were blessed with five children: Clay, Ned, Will, Cindy, and Beau. While specific birthdates are not publicly available, the family’s legacy continues through their children’s endeavors.

• Clay LeDoux: The eldest child, Clay, has maintained a private life away from the public eye.
• Ned LeDoux: Following in his father’s musical footsteps, Ned has established a career in country music, performing both his own compositions and his father’s songs. He continues to honor his father’s legacy through his performances.
• Will LeDoux: Will plays a significant role in organizing the Annual Chris LeDoux Days, a two-day celebration in Wyoming that honors his father’s contributions to rodeo and music.
• Cindy LeDoux: Cindy embraced the rodeo spirit, participating as a barrel racer, reflecting the family’s deep-rooted connection to rodeo culture.
• Beau LeDoux: Beau has chosen to lead a private life, away from the public spotlight.

 

The LeDoux children have upheld their father’s legacy, each contributing in unique ways to the family’s traditions in music and rodeo. Their collective efforts ensure that Chris LeDoux’s spirit and contributions continue to be celebrated and remembered.

Conclusion: A True Cowboy Icon

Chris LeDoux’s life was a celebration of the cowboy spirit. Whether he was riding bareback broncs in the rodeo arena or performing on stage, he brought an unparalleled authenticity to everything he did. His music continues to inspire new generations of fans, proving that his legacy as a true cowboy and country music legend will never fade.