Back in the Saddle Again - Cowboy, BG & Country Country Singer from Oklahoma City, OK

My name is Doug Stafford, a solo (sometimes duo) act performing cowboy music, western swing and Americana. I specialize in a one-hour Gene Autry program. A standard Americana set can encompass western swing, old country, bluegrass, even a little jazz and blues. That means Bob Wills, Hank Williams, Hank Snow, Bill Monroe, Doc Watson, Roy Rogers and whatever else topped the charts in 1935. Songs may include Route 66, Your Cheatin' Heart, Man of Constant Sorrow, Milk Cow Blues, Happy Trails and lots more. I got a million of 'em. At least a couple hundred. "Back in the Saddle Again" is a one-hour tribute to the music and legacy of Gene Autry, the first of the great cowboy crooners of the silver screen. Beginning in the 1930's, Gene made musical magic on records, movies, live theater, radio and television. I weave tales of Gene's amazing life along with songs he helped make famous like Tumbling Tumbleweeds, Carry Me Back to the Lone Prairie, Sioux City Sue, and of course, Back in the Saddle Again. This is a great show for older groups, the 'old at heart,' and anybody with a fondness for the nostalgia of the old B Movie westerns. Gene was the 'rock star' of his era, in the days before rock and roll. His movies captivated generations of boys and girls, and to prove their loyalty, they bought his comic books, lunch boxes, Sear & Roebucks guitars, toy pistols and cowboy hats. (Gene was a merchandising machine.) Let me take your audience back to their childhood for a well-deserved hour, back to a simpler time of honest music. My musical background is varied. I started singing and playing guitar at 10, seriously singing in high school, and got a degree in vocal performance from University of Oklahoma. After a stint in professional theater, I got a day job for 20 years. I have been a member of the bluegrass band Southbound Mule for 15 years, and Dustbowl Gypsies acoustic duo for ten years. And I have anchored the bass section at church for 30 years. I have a special fondness for the Memory and Alzheimer units in senior living centers. They are especially responsive to this music from their childhood! Give me a call. I'd love to hear from you! Doug Stafford Back in the Saddle Again