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Gary McMahan, Cowboy Poet - Yodeler - Story Teller - Humorist
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Colorado cowboy and entertainer, Gary McMahan is a walking page
of American history. A native of Greeley, Colorado, he is a descendant
of generations of farmers, ranchers, and stockmen on both sides
of his family. For years he has worked on, managed, owned, and operated
horse and cow outfits in the Rockies. He has made his living doing
everything from cowboying to guiding to even driving stagecoaches.
He knows how to brand, calve, rope, ride broncs, fence, hay, shoe
horses, pack, and drive teams. He rodeoed for eight years, roping
calves and riding bareback horses, saddlebroncs, and bulls. He has
won many honors in the rodeo arena, including a few all-around titles.
Through it all, Gary has been a keen observer as well as a participant.
His colorful background has set Gary in good stead to practice his
heart's desire: to write, perform, and record the stories, poems,
songs, and humor of his Western heritage. Starting in his early
teens around the campfires, he has developed into one of the most
dynamic and sought-after writers and performers in his field.
For two decades Gary's songs have been recorded by major-label
recording stars like Ian Tyson, Chris LeDoux, and Riders in the
Sky. He has also recorded three critically acclaimed albums himself.
His last album received the most prestigious award in Western music:
the National Cowboy Hall of Fame's Wrangler Award for the most outstanding
original song of 1992. Gary's poems have been published by the Cowboy
Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada. He has been featured at the National
Cowboy Poetry Gathering eight time and the Western Music Association's
national festival twice. He has played hundreds of cowboy poetry
gatherings, banquets, festivals, and concerts throughout the U.S.,
Canada, and Australia. He has entertained the likes of Ivana Trump,
the Cowboy Cartoonists Association of America, and the Rancho Vistiadores
on pack trips in some of the most magnificent parts of the West.
Gary has also shared the stage with such greats as Doc Watson,
Baxter Black, Ian Tyson, Riders in the Sky, and Chris LeDoux. In
1991, his world-class yodeling won him the Western Music Association
coveted National Champion Yodeler title.
The key to Gary's success is his cowboy heart coupled with his
award-winning talents and on-stage charisma.
An evening with Gary McMahan is a well timed mixture of all of
these talents. He scatters funny songs, poems, barn-burning yodels,
and hilarious stories throughout his performance. His shows offer
tons of variety for everyone and are down-home, clean, fast-paced,
"awesomely entertaining," and gut bustingly funny.
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