“2011 COWBOY KEEPER AWARD” RECIPIENT
BY NATIONAL DAY OF THE COWBOY
NASHVILLE, TN – (July 7, 2011) –The Board of Directors of the National Day of the Cowboy (NDOC) has chosen Grammy Award-winning Riders In The Sky as one of eight recipients to receive its “2011 Cowboy Keeper Award”. Selection for the annual award is based on the significance of contributions to the preservation of pioneer heritage and cowboy culture. The award was conceived in support of the NDOC’s mission to increase awareness for, and celebration of, the annual National Day of the Cowboy resolution.
For 30+ years, and over 6,000 career appearances, Riders In The Sky have been keepers of the flame passed on by Gene Autry and Roy Rogers, reviving and revitalizing Western music. On August 9th, America’s favorite cowboys are releasing their highly anticipated inspirational album, The Land Beyond The Sun. While remaining true to the integrity of the genre, they have become modern-day icons by branding it with their own legendary wacky humor and Western wit. As stars of the stage, screen, Grand Ole Opry, Saturday morning TV, National Public Radio, and Sirius/XM Satellite Radio, they encourage buckaroos and buckarettes of all ages to live life “The Cowboy Way!” Billboard magazine’s Jim Bessman counts Riders In The Sky as “one of the most historically significant acts in the history of American music.” Mission Control recently played their version of “Woody’s Roundup,” to wake up NASA’s own riders in the sky for the Space Shuttle Discovery crew of STS-133!
Past Cowboy Keeper recipients include U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, U.S. Senator Craig Thomas, Cheyenne Frontier Days Committee, Old Cowtown Museum. The 2011 Cowboy Keeper Awards will be presented throughout the year, including one on July 23, 2011, the Seventh Annual National Day of the Cowboy.