Public Cowboy #1: The Music of Gene Autry (CD - 1996)

Riders in the Sky: Ranger Doug (acoustic guitar); Woody Paul (fiddle); Joey the Cowpolka King (accordion); Too Slim (bass instrument).

Additional personnel: Richard O'Brien (acoustic guitar); Robby Turner (lap steel guitar); Pamela Sixfin, David Davidson (violin); Kristin Wilkinson (viola); George Tidwell (trumpet); Louis Brown (trombone).

Riders in the Sky cut this record in the wake of their performing a Gene Autry medley in a television appearance with Autry himself in the audience. The songs are done reverently but with a real sense of fun, essentially the same balancing act that has made them a success on stage and television. Their main innovations are the harmony singing, which works well throughout, and a jazzy approach to Jimmie Rodgers' "Can't Shake the Sands of Texas from My Shoes." Autry's versions have held up magnificently well, but this loving tribute album is a necessary addition to any fan's collection. ~ Bruce Eder minimize