Howdy! This page is part of my guide to "western" music, the legacy of the so-called "singing cowboys." You gotta love this stuff, with its sweet, old-fashioned sentimental themes, its love of nature and the great outdoors. Here's a look at the legacy of western music, old and new, with reviews and recommendations to make your next cattle drive the best one yet. This page covers artists under the letter "W" - please feel free to make recommendations or comments if I've missed someone.
(PS - Don't forget the cowgals, as well!)
Jimmy Wakely - see artist discography
Cindy Walker - see artist discography
Ozie Waters "It's Indian Summer" (BACM, 2005)
Johnny Western "Have Gun, Will Travel" (Columbia, 1962) (LP)
Johnny Western "Gunfight At The OK Corral" (Bear Family, 1981)
Johnny Western "Arizona Morning" (JRC, 1982)
Johnny Western "Heroes And Cowboys" (Bear Family, 1991)
This 3-CD set includes his complete works from 1952-1981...
Ray Whitley & The Six Bar Cowboys "Back In The Saddle Again" (BACM, 2005)
Slim Whitman - see artist discography
Buddy Williams "Down The Old Bush Track" (BACM, 2005)
Tex Williams "Hey Mr. Cotton Picker" (BACM, 2005)
Tex Williams "River Of No Return" (BACM, 2005)
Foy Willing & The Riders Of The Purple Sage "Sagebrush Swing" (Collector's Choice, 2004)
A sweet, swinging set of western-themed oldies from the 1940s edition of the fabled Riders Of The Purple Sage. The harmonies are sublime, the musicianship is first rate, and the songs are all a lot of fun... The liner notes don't say exactly when these radio performances were made, but the late 'Forties seem like a safe bet, perhaps when the band was on the All-Star Western Theatre program... Anyway, it's great stuff, with bandleader Foy Willing at the peak of his powers. This is a generously programmed, 20-song collection, well-paced and with great sound quality. Recommended!
Foy Willing & The Riders Of The Purple Sage "The Timber Trail" (Binge Disc/Cattle Records, 2005)
Foy Willing & The Riders Of The Purple Sage "Trail Herdin' Cowboy" (Binge Disc/Cattle Records)
Foy Willing "Cowboy/The New Sound Of American Folk" (Soundies, 1999)
Late vintage material, dating from the 1960s, with Willing somewhat miscast as a "folk" artist during that scene's heyday. OK, for the hardcore fan, I suppose.
Foy Willing "...And The Riders Of The Purple Sage" (BACM, 2005)
Zeke Winters & The Rocky Mountaineers "Bunkhouse Boys" (BACM, 2005)
Actually Big Bill Campbell, performing under another name...
Wylie & The Wild West Show - see artist discography
