Chris LeDoux Songs Ranked
Chris LeDoux (October 2, 1948 – March 9, 2005) was an American country music singer-songwriter, bronze sculptor, and hall of fame rodeo champion. During his career, LeDoux recorded 36 albums (many self-released), which have sold more than six million units in the United States as of January 2007. He was awarded two gold and one platinum album certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), was nominated for a Grammy Award, and was honored with the Academy of Country Music Music Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award. LeDoux is also the only person to participate and also perform at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. In August 2000, LeDoux was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis, which required him to receive a liver transplant. Garth Brooks volunteered to donate part of his liver, but it was incompatible. An alternative donor was located, and LeDoux received a transplant on October 7, 2000. After his recovery, he released two additional albums. In November 2004, LeDoux was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma, for which he underwent radiation treatment until his death. LeDoux died of cancer on March 9, 2005, at age 56. His funeral was held on March 11. Here are all of Chris LeDoux songs ranked.
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10. Cowcamp Blues (Old Cowboy Heroes, 1980)
“When you listen to the instrumentation on this song, you feel like LeDoux is channeling Gene Autrey. Cowboys being on the road and leading simple lives is a staple of his music. Even though the song is a part of the traditional country music genre, you hear elements of rock and roll guitars in the background. “
9. Stampede (Stampede, 1996)
“Ledoux’s home state of Wyoming and how he grew up is the topic of this song. His voice is toned down from some of his more uptempo feel. Additionally, the guitar’s riffs and drum licks sound more sweeping. The lyrics and overall vibe of the song are about the harsh life a cowboy leads.”
8. Western Skies (Whatcha Gonna Do with a Cowboy, 1992)
“This song is about coming home and staying true to who you are. LeDoux spent his career staying true to his music and experience, bringing them to hit song after hit songs. Western Skies is a tribute to the inspiration LeDoux drew from all of his other stars. “
See more: Chris LeDoux Albums Ranked
7. Country Fair (Western Underground, 1991)
“This song is about the fun of a Friday night in a small town after a long day of work. The uptempo song illuminates how small-town America is excited by special events that capture a different feeling from their day-to-day.”
6. Look At You Girl (Whatcha Gonna Do with a Cowboy, 1992)
“LeDoux typically writes songs about cowboys, rodeos, and the lifestyle these people typify. However, he executed this ballad with candor and truth. Throughout the song, you hear piano chords which add to the romance. His genuineness is on full display, and a listener begins to see another side of a cowboy, understanding they’re hard-working and fall completely in love because women who deal with this type of lifestyle are rare.”
5. Hooked On An 8 Second Ride (Chris LeDoux and The Saddle Boogie Band, 1988)
“Rodeos are an adrenaline rush for the spectators, but only because you can feel the determination as to the cowboy’s chase the dreams of being crowned champion. This song’s driving guitar and drums lend energy to the song’s lyrics, about those who stay on the circuit even if they are barely making a living because they love the lifestyle and the challenge of staying on a bull for 8 seconds.”
See more: The Chase Songs Ranked
4. Copenhagen (Songs of Rodeo Life, 1971)
“Let’s face it, the stereotype of chewing tobacco is often true about cowboys. This song is LeDoux’s tongue-in-cheek tribute to the bad habit. The lyrics are also about the trouble you can get into with this habit. He also briefly mentions how it puts a kink in his love life.”
3. This Cowboy Hat ( Used to Want to Be a Cowboy, 1982)
“The lyrics in this song deliver a poignant message; even if we’re different, everyone can find common ground if they try. Much of this song is stripped down, with LeDoux speaking over a light guitar, easily conveying the importance of this song.”
2. Cadillac Ranch (Whatcha Gonna Do with a Cowboy, 1992)
“Although it’s sad, many farms die because there is a lot of issues in the industry. Cadillac Ranch is a fun spin on a growing problem. The song’s beat and subject create a tune with lots of energy. Surprisingly, Nashville never tried this concept.”
1. Whatcha Gonna Do With A Cowboy (Duet Garth Brooks) (Whatcha Gonna Do with a Cowboy, 1992)
“It only fits that LeDoux would do a duet with Brooks since the former is one of the main reasons he was thrust into the spotlight. It’s a fun song, especially since the listener can assume that many of the shenanigans in this song are things LeDoux did during his cowboy days.”
