Chris LeDoux

http://www.chrisledoux.com/home.cfm

     Chris Ledoux was a rodeo man originally, and started writing songs to support his passion for rodeo. He's one of the greatest influences in country music that you'll never  hear of. His voice and style of writing are very plaintive and simple. You know he says what he means and means what he says. He meets two of my criteria for musical greatness: He writes his own sings, and he's true to himself (he sings what he knows). There's not much I can say that he doesn't say more eloquently himself, so just have a listen, y'all.

     Some great songs to get you hooked:
Not for Heroes
God Must Be A Cowboy
Western Skies
 County Fair
Watcha Gonna Do With A Cowboy (with Garth Brooks)
     He passed away of cancer a few years back, leaving his widow off 33 years as well as their five children. Garth Brooks came out of retirement to release a tribute to Chris, who was Garth's personal hero. Garth Brooks is one of the good guys around our house...always a classic.

You can read more here.