"Even though kids don't ride around with Roy and Gene
anymore, we're still out there.
THE COWBOY AIN'T DEAD YET! You just can't see us from the
road." Joe Texas
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The Cowboy Ain’t Dead Yet!” is a one man, one act
musical comedy about the most fascinating character to ever ride
across the pages of history, the American Cowboy” It has become the
most talked about cowboy show in America. Joe Texas, portrayed by
R.J. Vandygriff, sets out to dispel the rumor the cowboy is a dying
breed. Through songs, stories and poems of the west, Joe will share
with you the real story of the cowboy, not the Hollywood
version.. It’s a “cowboy thang” and much more. Audiences of all ages
from all walks of life from Elko to Edom, from Chicago to San
Antonio agree this show is a WINNER and a refreshing change. “Robert Joe Vandygriff as Joe Texas in the musical comedy “The Cowboy Ain’t Dead Yet!” is OUTSTANDING!” Springfield News Leader Joe begins his journey as an 1860’s cowboy pushin’ the Longhorn herds from Texas up the long cattle trails to the railhead cowtowns of Kansas. As the trails begin to dry up, he transforms to a ranch cowboy working the big ranches and along the way manages to fall in love, not only with the wide open spaces but with a little school teacher as well. Joe is not about to sell his saddle, nor give up the way of life he loves so he learns to adapt and becomes what we know as the modern cowboy of today. Three costume changes all on stage and no NUDITY, only a cowboy could do this “The Cowboy Ain’t Dead Yet!” starring Robert Joe Vandygriff is a MUST SEE show!” Paris News Joe Texas sings, twirls a rope, plays harmonica, banjo, guitar and even throws in a few dance steps during the show. His expressions and timing have been compared to the legendary comic, Red Skelton, his wit to that of Will Rogers and his vocals to the great Gene Autry. The set is simple, a campfire, saddle, corral fence and a couple of steer heads but it’s extremely effective. There are subtle sound and special effects too enhance the mood but all the music comes from Joe. NO TRACKS! The show is completely self-contained and adaptable to any size venue, large or small, inside or outside. “Robert Joe Vandygriff excels in Western-style stage performance!” Columbia Daily Tribune The play is historically correct, filled with interesting facts about the life and times of the cowboy. Like most cowboys, Joe has been known to enhance the truth. There’s never a dull moment as Joe’s quick wit keeps the audiences laughing and his touching stories will bring tears to your eyes. It is the only show of its kind touring and will most definitely bring a new audience to your venue. Affordable and adaptable, therefore producing a profit on your bottom line. “Robert Joe Vandygriff is a seemingly tireless entertainer.” Sherman Democrat |
RAWHIDE
Joe's story is historically correct and most of what he says is true, though as with all
cowboys, Joe has been known to "enhance the truth." As the trails dried up, when barbed wire
stretched across the west, cowboy's changed with the times. "ADAPTATION"...Joe says, "I figure there's a little cowboy in most folks. So as long as some ol' timer is sittin' on the porch reminisin', there's gonna be cowboys. As long as there's a youngster a wishin' for a pony on Christmas morn', well, you've got yourself a cowboy." When Joe Texas felt too tired to
keep breakin' broncs and taking cows across treacherous rivers, he still wanted to be a cowboy.
"The world just looks better from the back of a horse." What to do? Work one of the
big ranches? Marry the "little school teacher"? A dude ranch? 
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Robert Joe Vandygriff describes himself as a brokedown-no-count-broncridin', can't-catch-team-ropin', burntout honky-tonk singin', no actin', half***-wanna be cowboy. He grew up ridin' horses and strumming an ol' guitar in Roxton, Texas. He competed in Saddlebronc and Bareback in the sport of rodeo as well as working as a rodeo clown and bullfighter. As a country/western recording artist his records of "Big Blue Diamond" and "Say Lady" topped the charts in the early 70's. His "Dedicated" album went to number three on the European Country Music Charts, leading to eight successful tours of England and the European Continent. Robert Joe and his band, "The Shades of Country”, toured the United States, Canada, and Europe playing to sold-out audiences. R.J. appeared with folks like Garth Brooks, The Judds, George Jones, Alabama, and Merle Haggard, just to name a few. When Nashville came calling, R.J. made the move to pursue a songwriting career and ended up a booking agent representing acts like John Anderson, Lee Greenwood, country legends Hank Snow, The Wilburn Brothers, Archie Campbell and many more. Nashville allowed R.J. the opportunity to work in various capacities from representing to producing shows with many of the biggest names in country music, bluegrass and rock’n roll. Nashville is a great place but Texas is home. Robert says “The only thing that could compare with crossing the Jordan and seeing the pearly gates is crossing the Red River and seeing Texas!” He returned to the Lone Star State and to his roots. While working on a ranch in Grayson County, he got a call from a casting agent who needed a band for an episode of the new CBS series, “Walker, Texas Ranger.” starring Chuck Norris. One thing lead to another and R.J. made several appearances on the show as “Ranger Mike” before going on to do numerous commercials and a couple of movies. He has written scripts for television and his music has been used in commercials, TV episodes and movies. R.J. was the recipient of the Will Rogers Award from the Academy of Western Artists in 2004. R.J and Deb make their home on the Barton Ranch in Lipscomb County, Texas. The cowboy way of life is alive and well on the high plains of Texas. |
R.J. Vandygriff was voted the TOP Western Humorist/Storytellers by the Academy of Western Artists in 2004!
CATTLE CALL
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PHOTO'S FROM SHOW Live Shots from the Show! Click on each picture to see FULL SCREEN | |||
 R.J. performing "Mariah" |
 A lonely campfire |
 "Well Howdy Friends!" | |
 Be sure to use...>>> |
 >>>...the Gate!! |  Hat's off to the Cowboy! |
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YELLOW ROSE OF TEXAS
I'D LIKE TO BE IN TEXAS
This CD contains all of the songs featured on this web-site, plus many more. This recording tells the story of the cowboy in song, poem and factual accounts of the cowboy life. A must for your collection! CD $12.00 or Cassette $10.00,
RJ's newest release, "The Cowboy Ain't Dead Yet", Vol II. is now available. Get yours today. CD $15.00. Order your "Cowboy Ain't Dead Yet" caps $8.00 or T-Shirt $10.00 (all prices include shipping & handling). T-shirts are available in Youth sizes S, M, and L or Adult S, M, L, XL or XXL.
To order, please send check or money order payable to:
The Cowboy Ain't Dead Yet
P.O. Box 85 Lipscomb, TX 79056
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