Skip to main content

Ray Reed Sings Traditional Frontier and Cowboy Songs

Ray Reed
Ray Reed Sings Traditional Frontier and Cowboy Songs

On this 1977 Folkways release, New Mexico cowboy Ray Reed (1917–1998) sings songs about the old West; many of them he learned from his father, and he composed some as well. He had spent some years in California, and his polished style reflects the influence of the 1930s Los Angeles music scene, where he was friendly with some of the Texas Playboys―the group backing legendary Texas Swing singer Bob Wills.

In 1990, concerned about the passing of traditional cowboy culture, Reed initiated an annual festival in New Mexico, the Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium, that continues today. Liner notes provide background information on the music as well as song lyrics.

Track Listing

icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
101
Sioux Indians Ray Reed 04:07
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
102
California Joe Ray Reed 14:47
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
103
Billy the Kid Ray Reed 02:32
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
104
Sod Shanty Ray Reed 03:19
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
201
O Bury Me Not Ray Reed 03:53
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
202
Zebra Dun Ray Reed 03:51
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
203
Punchin' the Dough Ray Reed 02:23
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
204
Powderhorn Ray Reed 03:52
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
205
Miss Aledo Ray Reed 02:39
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
206
Cattle Call Ray Reed 02:27