Riders In The Sky Set For 5000th Career Appearance

NASHVILLE, TN. (Riders In The Sky announcement) - America's Favorite Cowboys, Riders In The Sky, will reach yet another monumental milestone on April 16, 2005 when they will appear for the 5000th performance of their long and illustrious career. The appearance will be at Cincinnati's Taft Theatre, where the Grammy Award-winning artists will perform in front of a live audience for a special taping of 'Riders Radio Theatre', the on-going NPR radio show that is currently hosted by WVXU-FM.

'Who could have possibly imagined this unlikely career 27 1/2 years ago?' mused Ranger Doug, Idol of American Youth, vocalist and guitar player for the group. 'We certainly couldn't have done it without the support of our families, management team, friends, record labels, and of course the fans... so many great people, so much belief in what we do!'

'I gave it one, maybe two years tops' added Too Slim, a Righteous Tater, vocalist and bunkhouse bass player. 'But the catering wasn't all that bad, and the audiences seemed to tolerate us'.

'Catering? You guys get catering?' asked Woody Paul, King of the Cowboy Fiddlers, who also shares vocal duties. 'I'm just along for the ride... literally... I sleep better on the bus'.
The 5000 appearances have included concerts in all 50 states, 711 counties and 9 countries. They have performed on the Grand Ole Opry (and became members in 1982), national TV, and National Public Radio. They have performed at fairs, festivals, clubs, theatres, conventions, the White House, and even at the North Pole. They are in the Western Music Association's Hall of Fame, and have their own star in the Walk of Western Stars in California. Here is a brief rundown of other benchmark appearances:

#1 - 11/11/1977: Herr Harry's Phranks ‘n' Steins, Nashville TN
#1000 – 12/30/1983: Nashville Now TV appearance
#2000 – 6/25/1988: Double Diamond Stables, Bellevue, CO
#3000 – 8/13/1994: Red Butte Gardens, Salt Lake City, UT
#4000 – 9/10/1999: Western Washington Fair, Puyallup, WA

Approximately 10 years ago, the Riders added fourth member, accordionist and eternal optimist Joey the Cowpolka King, who reminisced, '5000 performances... hard to believe. From the Hollywood Bowl to Carnegie Hall, from Riders Radio Theatre to Toy Story 2... What a ride and what a thrill to have played for our friends in all 50 states, and to have brought the best in Western Music to folks in other countries as well. When I stand on a stage with my three best friends doing what we love, I know, as always, that this is the Cowboy Way!'