Remembering Chris LeDoux And His Unforgettable Rodeo Legacy

Wyoming has a long history of legends. Buffalo Bill Cody, Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid, Nate Champion, and Jim Bridger are all names that come to mind, but there's a name on the list of legends that may be known more than those.

Chris LeDoux!

Need I say more? Not really, but I will.

It's not often you come across a fella who is not only a champion rodeo cowboy but also a musical legend who recorded 36 albums, had gold and platinum records, was inducted into multiple halls of fame, and has had statues dedicated to his life and career.

Earlier this month, we marked the 21st anniversary of the legend's passing, leaving an empty space in the hearts of the rodeo and music worlds. I think about when I'm nearing the end of my life, if I can look back and say that I'd done everything I could do, to leave a legacy.

Chris was only 57 when he died, and there's no doubt that when the end was near, he could look back and say, "Shoot, that was a good ride, Cowboy!" He made music that still impacts country music fans, he set the bar high for rodeo competitors, and a family that still strives to keep his name alive. If that's not leaving a legacy behind, I'm not sure what is.

In 2026, the United States celebrated 250 years of freedom, and Chris LeDoux's friends, family, and fans are celebrating 50 years since Chris's 1976 PRCA World Championship. 

If you're not familiar with that season, there could be a best-selling movie made about it. For a movie to be successful, there are a few things you need to ensure are there.

A strong relatable theme...Check!

Dramatic conflict...Check!

The underdog effect...Check!

A hero that everyone loves...Check!

A storybook ending...Check!

The 1976 season was one for the ages, and all of those movie qualities were there. Chris battled injuries, drew horses no one wanted to ride, and still won a World Championship.

You know you can see the part in the movie where the high-energy, hard-driving Chris LeDoux music begins playing, and the camera pans to Chris, looking into the mirror as he pulls on his hat, then heads to the barn to start his hardcore rehabilitation regimen. He's a little intimidated by a horse at first, but his wife Peggy is there to encourage him to get back on the horse. Then flashbacks of the rodeo in Phoenix, where he broke his collarbone, and fades into the shoot on his ranch in Kaycee, where he's strapping in for a hard-fought 8-second ride, but in true Chris LeDoux fashion, he stays on 20 seconds just because he can.

I'm telling you, if Hollywood is looking for the "Feel-good movie of the Year," there it is.

If you know of Chris LeDoux as a rodeo man, a music man, or as THE man, but haven't heard much about his legendary 1976 rodeo season, you should head over to the PRCA's website and read about it. Once you do, you'll really feel my movie idea.