Cowboy Church #248 - Christmas Eve Service.

 Hello, my friends and welcome to a special Christmas Eve service of Cowboy Church. 

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers with a medley of Sleigh Ride and Jingle Bells. This comes from Roy and his wife Dale Evans' 1967 Christmas album, Christmas is Always. 

This is followed by Johnny Cash with The Gifts They Gave. This song was written by John himself and first appeared in his 1963 Christmas album, The Christmas Spirit. 

Afterwards comes everyone's favorite cowboy/hippie Willie Nelson with It Came Upon a Midnight Clear. The song was written by Edmund H. Sears. This hymn first appeared in Boston's Christian Register, on December 29, 1849 (yes after Christmas). That version has a verse that does not appear in this version, "But with the woes of sin and strife the world has suffered long; Beneath the angel-strain have rolled Two thousand years of wrong; And man, at war with man, hears not the love-song, which they bring: O hush the noise, ye men of strife, and hear the angels sing!" This verse reflects the state if America at the time this song was written. The Civil War was approaching, and Sears found himself concerned with the division in our country. Unlike many Christmas songs, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear is not a song about peace on Earth but rather a plea for it. With the division and anger that is so prevalent today, this is a perfect Christmas song for our time. This song has been put to different tunes over the years and the two most prevalent are Carol (by Richard Storis Willis in 1850) and Noel (by Sir Arthur Sullivan in 1878). Carol is the preferred version of this song in the U.S. and is the one Willie performs here. The tune had been used for other lyrics dating back to when it was written in 1850, and was first used to accompany, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear in 1878. Willie's version comes from his 1997 Christmas album, Christmas with Willie Nelson.

Then comes Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with The Little Boy Who Couldn't Find Christmas. This is the A-Side of a 1954 Little Golden Record. The B-Side would be The Story of Christmas. 

Next is Martha Mears and The Sons of the Pioneers with a 1944 radio performance of Jingle Bells. James Lord Pierpont wrote this song in 1857. Despite being known as a Christmas song today, it was originally written with a different holiday in mind. Under its original title, One Horse Open Sleigh this song was written to be used in a Thanksgiving service at a Church where Pierpont was the organist. The song was so well received that it played again at the Church on Christmas day. For a song written to be performed at a Church, the original lyrics were racier than one would think and would be changed so that children's church choirs can perform the song.

Afterwards is Waylon Jennings with O Come All Ye Faithful. This hymn was originally written by John Francis Wade, who wrote the song in Latin under the name Adeste Fiedeles. Much later Frederick Oakley and William Brooke credited an English translation of this hymn. Instead of just directly translating the hymn, they also added some new stanzas. This version of the hymn first appeared in 1841 in FH Murray's Hymnal for Use in the English Church.

This is followed by Merle Haggard with Santa Claus and Popcorn. This song (written by Merle himself) comes from Merle's 1973 album, Hag's Christmas. It is important to remember with all the ways we celebrate Christmas, that this holiday is all about Jesus and all these ways we celebrate are there to pay tribute to him, including Santa Claus and Popcorn.  

Just in time for Christmas Eve, next is Gene Autry and Rosemary Clooney with The Night Before Christmas Song.  

Then comes Tex Ritter with his 1945 recording of Christmas Carols by the Old Coral.

Next is Randy Travis with God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. The origins of this hymn remain unknown. However, it must date back to at least the 1800's as it is sung outside Ebenezer Scrooge's office in Charles Dickens'  A Christmas Carol (1843). The Oxford Book of Carols (London, 1928) gives two different tunes to these lyrics. The first is known as the "Cornish" version and is rarely heard today. The second is known as the "London" version and is the one we most often hear today. The London version is believed to have first been first published in A Little Book of Christmas Carols, with Ancient Melodies to which they are Sung in Various Parts of the Country (1846). That this was published in 1846 makes many music and literary scholars believe that the Cornish version is the one that Ebenezer Scrooge probably heard.   

Today's musical selection ends with The Charlie Daniels Band with Jesus is the Light of the World. This comes from their 1980 album, Christmas Time Down South  

Now for a special Christmas episode of Roy Rogers' radio show.

Now for a Christmas message from the Reverand Billy Graham. 

Matthew 1:18-2:23

The Birth of Jesus Christ

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,

    and they shall call his name Immanuel”

(which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

The Visit of the Wise Men

2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;

for from you shall come a ruler

    who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

The Flight to Egypt

13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” 14 And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt 15 and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”

Herod Kills the Children

16 Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah:

18 “A voice was heard in Ramah,

    weeping and loud lamentation,

Rachel weeping for her children;

    she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.”

The Return to Nazareth

19 But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20 saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead.” 21 And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. 23 And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene.

Thanks for joining me come back Sunday for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails to you until we meet again. 

Cowboy Church #247

 Hello my friends and welcome back for another service of Cowboy Church.

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with Let There Be Peace on Earth. This recording comes from the husband-and-wife duo's 1967 Christmas album, Christmas is Always. 

This is followed by Elvis Presley with O Little Town of Bethlehem. The lyrics to this hymn were written by Phillips Brooks in 1865. He wrote the words this hymn after taking a group of Sunday school children on a pilgrimage to Bethlehem. The music was written by Louis H. Redner, the church organist. There was originally another verse to this hymn, "Where children pure and happy pray to the blessed Child. Where misery cries out to thee, son of the undefiled; where charity stands watching and faith holds wide the door, the dark night wakes, the glory breaks, and Christmas comes once more." However, Redner objected to the words "son of the undefiled." Brooks briefly changed the line to "son of mother mild" before dropping the verse all together. This hymn appeared on a small leaflet in 1868 and in The Sunday School Hymnal in 1871.This version of the hymn comes from Elvis' 1957 album, Elvis' Christmas Album. This album met with controversy upon its release for the rock and roll versions it had of classic Christmas songs and the contemporary rock and roll Christmas music. This was considered to be disrespectful. However, this song is performed in a rather traditional manner. It is also simply a lovely version of this classic hymn. 

Afterwards is Red Sovine with his 1956 recording of If Jesus Came to Your House. 

Then comes The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1937 recording of Dwelling in Beulah Land. Dwelling in Beulah Land was written by C. Austin Miles (who also wrote the gospel classic In The Garden) and was first published in 1911. C. Austin Miles once said, “It is as a writ­er of gos­pel songs I am proud to be known, for in that way I may be of the most use to my Mas­ter, whom I serve will­ing­ly al­though not as ef­fi­cient­ly as is my de­sire.” Roy Rogers (at this time Leonard Slye) sings lead on this song. This was his last year with the Pioneers before he would leave to start his solo movie career. 

Next comes Toby Keith with O Come All Ye Faithful. This hymn was originally written by John Francis Wade, who wrote the song in Latin under the name Adeste Fiedeles. Much later Frederick Oakley and William Brooke credited an English translation of this hymn. Instead of just directly translating the hymn, they also added some new stanzas. This English Language version of the hymn first appeared in 1841 in FH Murray's Hymnal for Use in the English Church. Toby's recording comes from his 2007 Christmas Album, Classic Christmas. 

This is followed by Gene Autry with his 1949 recording of If it Doesn't Snow on Christmas. This is the B-Side of his major holiday hit, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. While this may not be the Christmas classic that the A-Side is, it is a fun little song. 

Today's musical selection ends with Johnny Cash with This Train is Bound for Glory. This wonderful recording comes from John's 1979 album; A Believer Sings the Truth. This was a double length gospel album and Columbia Records felt that such an album from John could never be successful. However, Columbia allowed John to release the album on its own and it was successful earning a spot in the Country Top 50. A shorter version of the album called I Believe would be released in 1984, which would feature a select few songs from the double album. A Believer Sings the Truth would not find its way to CD until 2012.

Now it is time for a Christmas sermon. 

Today's movie is Headin' for the Rio Grande (1936) starring Tex Ritter. 

Psalm 115

1 Not to us, Lord, not to us

    but to your name be the glory,

    because of your love and faithfulness.

2 Why do the nations say,

    “Where is their God?”

3 Our God is in heaven;

    he does whatever pleases him.

4 But their idols are silver and gold,

    made by human hands.

5 They have mouths, but cannot speak,

    eyes, but cannot see.

6 They have ears, but cannot hear,

    noses, but cannot smell.

7 They have hands, but cannot feel,

    feet, but cannot walk,

    nor can they utter a sound with their throats.

8 Those who make them will be like them,

    and so will all who trust in them.

9 All you Israelites, trust in the Lord—

    he is their help and shield.

10 House of Aaron, trust in the Lord—

    he is their help and shield.

11 You who fear him, trust in the Lord—

    he is their help and shield.

12 The Lord remembers us and will bless us:

    He will bless his people Israel,

    he will bless the house of Aaron,

13 he will bless those who fear the Lord—

    small and great alike.

14 May the Lord cause you to flourish,

    both you and your children.

15 May you be blessed by the Lord,

    the Maker of heaven and earth.

16 The highest heavens belong to the Lord,

    but the earth he has given to mankind.

17 It is not the dead who praise the Lord,

    those who go down to the place of silence;

18 it is we who extol the Lord,

    both now and forevermore.

Praise the Lord.

Thanks for joining me. Come back next week for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails to you until we meet again. 

Cowboy Church #246

 Hello my friends and welcome back for another service of Cowboy Church. 

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with a medley of What Child Is This and Sweet Little Jesus Boy. This comes from their 1967 album, Christmas Is Always.

This is followed by Floyd Cramer with O Holy Night. This hymn was written in 1847. The lyricist for the song (even though this is an instrumental version here) was Placide Cappeau. Cappeau was a poet who rarely wrote about Christian subjects; however, the local priest asked him to write a poem for Christmas mass. He didn't know what to write so he looked at the story of Jesus' birth in the book of Luke and tried to place himself there. He then asked his friend Adolphe Charles Adams (who had composed over 80 operas) to write some music. This hymn would gain controversy in France, when the church learned of its writers. Cappeau had left the church and joined the socialist party. Adams was not Christian, but rather Jewish. The idea that neither of the writers of a Christian hymn were in fact Christian, upset many church leaders. These church leaders denounced the song and deemed it not fit to sing in a church. Yet despite this the hymn was one of the most popular Christmas songs in France at the time. This recording comes from Floyd's 1996 album, We Wish You a Merry Christmas. 

Afterwards is the Sons of the Pioneers with their 1937recording of Leaning on the Everlasting Arms. This hymn began with a man named Anthony Showalter. As a fan of gospel music and an elder in a Presbyterian church, he held many "singing schools" at various churches in the south. One day he received two letters from former students who were struggling after their wives had passed. To respond to these letters, Showalter consulted scripture. He came across Deuteronomy 33:27, "The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." After reading this verse lyrics for a song chorus went through his head and he wrote down, "“Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms; Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.” After using this in the letters to his former students he sent this chorus to his friend hymnist, Elisha Hoffman. In the letter he also wrote, “Here is the chorus for a good hymn from Deuteronomy 33:27, but I can’t come up with the verses.” Hoffman then wrote the rest of the lyrics to which Showalter put to music. The hymn was published in 1887.

Then comes Washington Phillips with his 1929 recording of I Had a Good Father and Mother.


This is followed by Johnny Cash with I Heard thew Bells on Christmas Day. This song began as a poem written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow on December 25th, 1864. At this time the United States was still in the midst of a civil war and this poem reflected and commented on this, ending with a message of hope, that even through all this war and violence, "God is not dead nor does he sleep." This poem featured two stanzas that were not used in the later hymn that directly referenced the Civil War. John B. Calkin composed the music in 1872.

Next comes Gene Autry with Frosty the Snowman. Gene recorded and released this song in 1950 (with When Santa Claus Gets Your Letter as a B-side). Later that same year, Jimmy Durante recorded it later the same year. This song was written by Steve Nelson and Jack Rollins, who wrote another holiday themed song (though for a different holiday), Here Comes Peter Cottontail, which Gene Autry also recorded in 1950.

Next is Emmylou Harris singing Light of the Stable. Emmylou recorded this song in 1975. She would later state "Light of the Stable is one of my favorite tracks we ever cut. It was the jelling of the original recording group, the combination of Brain's [Brain Ahern] production and how incredibly creative those guys were was perfect. There is almost more space on the track then there are notes and I always loved that." The song would become the title track of her 1979 Christmas album, which I personally consider one of my favorite Christmas albums. [the quote comes from the liner notes of that album]

Today's musical selection ends with Gillian Welch performing Beulah Land.  

Now for a Christmas Sermon.

Today's movie is Tex Ritter in The Whispering Skull (1944). 

Psalm 76

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of Asaph. A song.

1 God is renowned in Judah;

    in Israel his name is great.

2 His tent is in Salem,

    his dwelling place in Zion.

3 There he broke the flashing arrows,

    the shields and the swords, the weapons of war.

4 You are radiant with light,

    more majestic than mountains rich with game.

5 The valiant lie plundered,

    they sleep their last sleep;

not one of the warriors

    can lift his hands.

6 At your rebuke, God of Jacob,

    both horse and chariot lie still.

7 It is you alone who are to be feared.

    Who can stand before you when you are angry?

8 From heaven you pronounced judgment,

    and the land feared and was quiet—

9 when you, God, rose up to judge,

    to save all the afflicted of the land.

10 Surely your wrath against mankind brings you praise,

    and the survivors of your wrath are restrained.

11 Make vows to the Lord your God and fulfill them;

    let all the neighboring lands

    bring gifts to the One to be feared.

12 He breaks the spirit of rulers;

    he is feared by the kings of the earth.

Thanks for joining me. Come back next week for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails to you until we meet again. 

Cowboy Church #245

 Hello my friends and welcome back to another service of Cowboy Church. 

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers' 1940 recording of Silent Night.  This song was written in 1818 by Josef Mohr and Franz Xaver Gruber. Raised in Salzburg, Mohr became an ordained priest on August 21, 1815. He was then sent to a town just north of Salzburg called Obendorf. That is where he met a schoolteacher named Franz Xaver Gruber, who would later become the organist at Old Saint Nicholas Church in 1816. They were in a need for a song on Christmas Eve, 1818. Mohr presented Gruber with a poem he had written a few years before and Gruber quickly put it to music on his guitar (the organ was broken) and that Christmas Eve the first ever audience heard Silent Night. The tempo of that earlier version was faster paced than the one we know today but it was still very popular with the audience and would soon become a song synonymous with Christmas. 

This is followed by Patty Loveless with Beautiful Star of Bethlehem. This recording comes from her 2002 album, Bluegrass & White Snow, A Mountain Christmas. 

Afterwards is Washington Phillips with his 1928 recording of What Are They Doing in Heaven Today. /

Then Gene Autry's 1947 recording of Here Comes Santa Claus.  Gene wrote this song's lyrics (the music was written by Oakley Haldeman). He was inspired by a time when he rode, Champion Jr. in Hollywood's Santa Claus Lane Parade. He rode in front of Santa Claus and heard a small boy shout, "Here comes Satna Claus." He knew that this would make a perfect Christmas song. This song became such a hit that many Christmas recordings followed as well as songs for other holidays like Easter and Thanksgiving. 

Next is Tex Ritter with his 1957 recording of It Came Upon a Midnight Clear. The song was written by Edmund H. Sears. This hymn first appeared in Boston's Christian Register, on December 29, 1849 (yes after Christmas). That version has a verse that does not appear in this version, "But with the woes of sin and strife the world has suffered long; Beneath the angel-strain have rolled Two thousand years of wrong; And man, at war with man, hears not the love-song, which they bring: O hush the noise, ye men of strife, and hear the angels sing!" This verse reflects the state if America at the time this song was written. The Civil War was approaching, and Sears found himself concerned with the division in our country. Unlike many Christmas songs, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear is not a song about peace on Earth but rather a plea for it. With the division and anger that is so prevalent today, this is a perfect Christmas song for our time. This song has been put to different tunes over the years and the two most prevalent are Carol (by Richard Storis Willis in 1850) and Noel (by Sir Arthur Sullivan in 1878). Carol is the preferred version of this song in the U.S. and is the one Willie performs here. The tune had been used for other lyrics dating back to when it was written in 1850, and was first used to accompany, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear in 1878. 

Then comes Tennessee Ernie Ford with Jesus Paid it All. Elvina Hall wrote the words to this hymn on the flyleaf of her hymn book and handed it to her pastor. Meanwhile the church's organist John Grape handed the pastor a new piece of music he had just written. Noticing that the poem and the music fit together perfectly, the pastor put the two together and the hymn was born. The hymn came to be in 1865.

Today's musical selection ends with The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1948 recording of Rounded Up in Glory. 

Today's movie is Where the Buffalo Roam (1938) starring Tex Ritter. 

Now for a Christmas message from Dr. Charles Stanley. 

Psalm 139

For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.

1 You have searched me, Lord,

    and you know me.

2 You know when I sit and when I rise;

    you perceive my thoughts from afar.

3 You discern my going out and my lying down;

    you are familiar with all my ways.

4 Before a word is on my tongue

    you, Lord, know it completely.

5 You hem me in behind and before,

    and you lay your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,

    too lofty for me to attain.

7 Where can I go from your Spirit?

    Where can I flee from your presence?

8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;

    if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

    if I settle on the far side of the sea,

10 even there your hand will guide me,

    your right hand will hold me fast.

11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me

    and the light become night around me,”

12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;

    the night will shine like the day,

    for darkness is as light to you.

13 For you created my inmost being;

    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

    your works are wonderful,

    I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you

    when I was made in the secret place,

    when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;

    all the days ordained for me were written in your book

    before one of them came to be.

17 How precious to me are your thoughts, God!

    How vast is the sum of them!

18 Were I to count them,

    they would outnumber the grains of sand—

    when I awake, I am still with you.

19 If only you, God, would slay the wicked!

    Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!

20 They speak of you with evil intent;

    your adversaries misuse your name.

21 Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord,

    and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?

22 I have nothing but hatred for them;

    I count them my enemies.

23 Search me, God, and know my heart;

    test me and know my anxious thoughts.

24 See if there is any offensive way in me,

    and lead me in the way everlasting.

Thanks for joining me. Come back next week for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails to you until we meet again. 

Cowboy Church #244

 Hello my friends and welcome back to another service of Cowboy Church. 

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with the medley Remember Whose Birthday It Is/Happy Birthday, Gentle Saviour. There is no problem at all enjoying all of the presents, decorations and movies that come with Christmas (and no one loves them more than me), but we must always remember that Christmas is all about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and it is important every Christmas to remember what Jesus gave up by coming down from heaven to be a human here on Earth. Most importantly it is important to remember why he did it. He did it because of his love for us and his desire for us to be able to spend eternity in heaven with him. This wonderful recording comes from Roy and Dale's 1967 Christmas album, Christmas is Always.

This is followed by Brenda Lee with Papa Noel. This 1958 recording was the B-side to Brenda's biggest hit, Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree. 

Afterwards is The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1947 recording of The Sea Walker. This song was written by Tim Spencer, one of the group's founding members. Music was a major part of Tim's life from very early on. In fact when he was only 3 years old he was already singing at the church he grew up in. His love of things cowboy and western related also began very early as he had grown in awe of western movies and screen cowboys like Tom Mix, Hoot Gibson, William S. Hart and others were his boyhood heroes. With this it is no surprise that in 1931, he went to California to see how his talents could be used in Hollywood. Yet music always remained a major passion for him. As he worked in a warehouse, he would spend his weekends and time after working going around to all the country music radio shows, getting to know all the people he could. This is how he met fellow founding members of the Sons of the Pioneers, Bob Nolan and Leonard Slye (later Roy Rogers). The Sea Walker as well as being written by Tim also features him as the lead singer. The great Bass vocals in this song are courtesy of Hugh Farr.

Then comes The Chuck Wagon Gang with It Came Upon a Midnight Clear.  The song was written by Edmund H. Sears. This hymn first appeared in Boston's Christian Register, on December 29, 1849 (yes after Christmas). That version has a verse that does not appear in this version, "But with the woes of sin and strife the world has suffered long; Beneath the angel-strain have rolled Two thousand years of wrong; And man, at war with man, hears not the love-song, which they bring: O hush the noise, ye men of strife, and hear the angels sing!" This verse reflects the state if America at the time this song was written. The Civil War was approaching, and Sears found himself concerned with the division in our country. Unlike many Christmas songs, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear is not a song about peace on Earth but rather a plea for it. With the division and anger that is so prevalent today, this is a perfect Christmas song for our time as well. This song has been put to different tunes over the years and the two most prevalent are Carol (by Richard Storis Willis in 1850) and Noel (by Sir Arthur Sullivan in 1878). Carol is the preferred version of this song in the U.S. This recording of the song comes from The Chuck Wagon Gang's 1970 album, Going Home for Christmas. 

Next is Mississippi John Hurt with his 1928 recording of Blessed be the Name.

Now for Doc Watson with What a Friend We Have in Jesus.  This hymn still has an important message for us today. When it seems like there is no one to turn to at any moment of our lives, Jesus is always there. He is always there to listen to us, no matter what. More than that though he deeply cares about every single one of us. A better friend than Jesus could never be found no matter how hard we try. What a friend we have in Jesus indeed. 

 Today's musical selection ends with a true Christmas classic, Gene Autry's 1949 recording of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. After Gene had a hit with Here Comes Santa Claus, it seemed natural that he needed a Christmas follow-up. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer ended up being that follow-up. Rudolph as a character made his debut in a children's book by Robert L. May, that was a free booklet that was handed out to kids at Montgomery Ward. The song was written by May's brother-in-law, Johnny Marks. Marks would later say about writing this song, "I thought about it for a while and sat down to write a song about it. That song was easily one of the worst songs ever written. Then about a year later I was walking down the street when a new melody came to me. It's the only time that ever happened to me, and I have to admit it is a great melody." When this song was sent to Gene, he was originally hesitant to record it. He was not a fan. However, his wife Ina loved the song. It is widely believed that Ina talked Gene into recording this song. With all the recordings of this popular Christmas carol over the years, Johnny Marks said Gene's version was his favorite. In 1961 he told Gene, "What I sent you in 1949 were ink dots on a piece of paper. You had to translate this into a sound, lyrically and musically, that people would like. How many great songs have been lost because of the wrong rendition? Many people have said 'Any one could have had a hit with Rudolph.' My answer has always been: 'We'll never know. I only know that Gene Autry did do it, and that all the other followed." (quotes from Public Cowboy no.1: The Life and Times of Gene Autry by Holly George-Warren)

Now for a Christmas sermon from Charles Spurgeon. 

Today's movie is The Utah Trail (1938) starring Tex Ritter. 

Psalm 121

A song of ascents.

1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—

    where does my help come from?

2 My help comes from the Lord,

    the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot slip—

    he who watches over you will not slumber;

4 indeed, he who watches over Israel

    will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The Lord watches over you—

    the Lord is your shade at your right hand;

6 the sun will not harm you by day,

    nor the moon by night.

7 The Lord will keep you from all harm—

    he will watch over your life;

8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going

    both now and forevermore.

Thanks for joining me. Come back next week for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails to you until we meet again. 

Video Link: Gene Autry - Yodeling Cowboy (from Red River Valley 1936)

Cowboy Church #226

 Hello my friends and welcome back for another service of Cowboy Church. 

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with The Lord is Counting on You from one of the duo's little golden records for children. This was released as the B side of a 1954 record with Open Up Your Heart and Let the Sun Shine In on the A side. Both of those songs were Christian songs written for younger believers by Stuart Hamblen. This was appropriate as Stuart Hamblen had been a singing cowboy on radio since back in 1926. Probably his most famous compositions were It is No Secret (What God Can Do) and This Old House. The Lord is Counting on You reminds kids of the importance of Sunday School.

This is followed by Onie Wheeler with his 1961 recording of Mother Prays Loudly in Her Sleep. This song was written by Onnie himself. 

Afterwards is Anne Wilson with her recent recording of her original song, God Story.

Then comes The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1937 recording of Leaning on the Everlasting Arms. Lloyd Perryman sings lead on this recording and his softer voice fits this song perfectly. This recording was made on December 16, 1937, in Hollywood. This was towards the end of Roy Rogers (or Leonard Slye as his birth name was) being a member as he would leave the group to become a solo movie star. This recording features both Roy and Pat Brady on it. Pat Brady would be Roy's replacement as a member of the Sons of the Pioneers. In later years Pat Bradey would become Roy's sidekick on TV's The Roy Rogers Show. 

Next is Anita Carter with God Is.

Then comes Johnny Cash with Dark as a Dungeon. In the line notes for the Unearthed box set, John stated, "You say it sounds like a song I should have written? I always thought so too. Merle Travis wrote this song in the '40s and I recorded it over the years two or three different times, but I never really got it the way I wanted it. But I kept on trying. I really don't know how to explain what the ingredient is that makes it a keeper or a reject. It depends on the song, the performance, on a lot of things. Merle's been dead 10 or 12 years now, but I told him that I would keep trying until I get it right, and I did. Hence this version here."   

Afterwards is 19-year-old Jordana Bryant with her self-penned When God Closes Doors.

Today's musical selection ends with Gene Autry's recording of There's a Gold Mine in the Sky. Gene recorded this song on November 24, 1937, in Los Angeles. The song was written by composer Charles Kenny and his brother poet Nick Kenny, the same duo that wrote Love Letters in the Sand. This song would later be used in the Gene Autry movie, Gold Mine in the Sky (1938). 

Next comes an episode of Red Ryder radio show.

Now for a sermon from Charles Spurgeon.

Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. 1 Peter 3:9

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. Proverbs 31:26 

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Colossians 3:12

Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control. Proverbs 25:28

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 2 Peter 1:5-7

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 

 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4 

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12

Thanks for joining me. Come back next week for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails to you until we meet again. 

 

Sgt. Gene Autry is on the Air

Many of you may already know that Gene Autry joined U. S. Army Air Corps during World War II. During this time as well as his regular military duties, he recorded an episode of his radio show a week. The radio show would be retitled Sgt. Gene Autry. Earlier episodes of his radio show would have a mixture of some musical performances and a western story. Around this time the western story was replaced with stories of the war. His movie career went on hold during the war though and Republic Pictures (who produced Gene's films) promoted Roy Rogers as the new "King of the Cowboys."

Here is a 1942 article from Modern Screen Magazine about Autry's entry into the military. If you have trouble reading it click on the pages below and use your touch screen to zoom in. If you don't have a touch screen, click here.

Now here is a vintage Gene Autry recording, Wildcat Mama Blues. Gene Autry receives a songwriting credit for this song. Gene recorded this song on November 16, 1931, and is backed by Roy Smeck on banjo. Other songs he recorded the same day were I'm a Railroad Man (Waiting on a Weary Train), Under the old Apple Tree and There's a Good Girl in the Mountains. All these songs featured backing by Roy Smeck. (Source: Public Cowboy no.1 by Holly George-Warren)

Some Cartoons for Saturday Morning #231

 Hello my friends and happy Saturday morning. Once again, it is time for some classic cartoon. 

Today's cartoon selection begins with Porky's Pooch (1941). Though all the classic Charlie Dog cartoons would be directed by Chuck Jones, this Bob Clampett short clearly sets up the template that all of those later cartoons would follow. In fact the first Charlie Dog cartoon, Little Orphan Airedale (1947), would be a remake of this film. The backgrounds in this film are live action photographs. A year later Bob would use a live action opening for Eatin' on the Cuff or The Moth Who Came to Dinner (1942). The following is an exhibitor's review from Motion Picture Herald, "PORKY'S POOCH: Looney Tunes Cartoons—Right up my alley for my patronage. Running time, 7 minutes. —Vic Stephano, Grove Theatre, Groveton, Tex. Small Town Patronage." A review in The Motion Picture Daily called the film, "Good for a few laughs." The Showman's Trade Review gave advice to movie theater owners on how to advertise this cartoon, "Play it up to all Porky fans and make some new fans to win over some of the dog lovers in your community by staging a pet show, prize contest for best snapshot of a pet or prize contest for a brief essay on 'why my dog is the best in town.'" 

Up next is the Fleischer Screen Song short, I'm Afraid to Come Home in the Dark (1929).

Now we join our hero Mighty Mouse in A Fight to the Finish (1947). During this period many of the Mighty Mouse cartoons were operatic melodrama parodies. Like many cartoon fans, I have a real fondness for the Mighty Mouse films of this period. 

I have also mentioned before that I am also a fan of the cartoons Jack Kinney directed for Disney. These were some of the studio's funniest, often providing an almost Tex Avery like sense of humor that I find irrespirable. Next comes one of those great cartoons, Motor Mania (1950). Despite this film being such a comedic tour de force, it also had a successful life as a safety film. This film received the National Safety Council Award. This cartoon was even used in 1953 in Oakland, California as a mandatory part in its Traffic Violator School. No need to look at this film as an educational experience, it is just as fast paced and funny as any of Jack Kinney's great cartoons for Disney. The cartoon is narrated by John McLeish, who had previously done the narration of other Goofy cartoons including, How to Ride a Horse (1941). Jack Kinney would later remember, "We were sitting around, chewing it over, trying to think of someone to do the narration, and I had just said, 'Gawd! I wish John McLeish was in town. He'd be perfect,' when as if on cue, the phone rang. It was John calling from New York. 'McLeish!' I shouted into the phone. 'I wish you were here!' 'I shall be,' he intoned, 'If you've got a job for me.' 'You got it.' 'I'll be there Monday.'" 

Now it is time for a commercial break. 

Today's cartoon selection continues with a delightful Woody Woodpecker cartoon, Chew Chew Baby (1945). This movie was directed by Shamus Culhane, who had previously been an animator for Disney, the Fleischer Brothers and Warner Brothers. Culhane proved to be one of the finest directors to work at the Walter Lantz Studio (where the Woody Woodpecker cartoons were made). The cartoons he directed for this studio were some of the finest cartoons to come out of it, including one of the most praised Woody Woodpecker cartoons, The Barber of Seville (1944).







   

Now it is silent movie time with the Out of the Inkwell short, No Eyes Today (1929). 

Next is the Columbia Color Rhapsody cartoon, Bon Bon Parade (1935). This a cute and sweet little film and the rare sentimental cartoon from Columbia that kind of works. Despite this sentimentality the highlight is the caricatures of The Three Stooges. 

Today's cartoon selection ends with The Simpsons in The Money Jar (1988). This is one of the shorts made for the Tracey Ullman Show before the animated family got their own TV series. 

Thanks for joining me. Come back next week for more animated treasures. Happy trails to you until we meet again. 

Resources Used

Walt Disney and Assorted Other Characters by Jack Kinney.

Of Mice and Magic: A History of the American Animated Cartoon by Leonard Maltin

https://mediahistoryproject.org/

  

   

Cowboy Church #217

 Hello my friends and welcome back for another service of Cowboy Church. 

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with a wonderful version of the classic hymn, How Great Thou Art. In the book, Happy Trails: Our Life Story, Roy tells of a story that had to do with this song. "I'll tell you about one time we nearly got into a real war with the promoters: at the World Championship Rodeo at Madison Square Garden in 1952. During the first rehearsal I started to practice 'How Great Thou Art,' a religious song I wanted to make the centerpiece of our musical act. There's a line in that song that goes, 'Then sings my soul my Savior God to Thee...' Someone in the front office heard the rehearsal and came to me that night to tell me I wasn't allowed to mention Christ at the rodeo. 'It might work for the kids in Houston, Texas' he told me, 'But this is New York. You can't preach to kids here.' I told him I wasn't preaching but that the Savior was a part of the song and I fully intended to sing that song in New York or anywhere else we performed. They suggested that I could change the words of the song so it didn't mention Him. I'm not one for grandstand plays but I told those fellas that if I couldn't sing 'How Great thou Art' just how it was written, Dale and I would pack up and leave town. The song stayed in the show. That year we did forty-three performances over twenty-six days and broke all Madison Square Garden attendance records."

This is followed by Rivky Van Shelton with I Shall Not Be Moved. This recording comes from his 1992 gospel album, Don't Overlook Salvation. 

Next comes Johnny Cash singing Let the Lower Lights Be Burning. In the notes for the box set Unearthed, John wrote, "This is a very special song for me, and I'll tell you what it means to me now. When my father was dying, he was in a coma, and all my brothers and sisters and I were gathered around the bed, and we felt like telling him goodbye. But my oldest sister Louise said, 'Let's sing to him.' So we started singing 'Let the Lower Lights be Burning.' At some point I looked at him and, though he had been sound asleep in a coma for days, his lips started moving and he started singing that song along with us. The more we would sing it the more he sang. And he opened his eyes and he looked around at us as we were singing. Ad of course everybody had a good cry as watched him and listened to him as he sang 'Let the Lower Lights be Burning' with us."

Afterwards is John Seagle & Leonard Stokes with their 1929 recording of Will There Be Any Stars in My Crown.

 This is followed by Gene Autry and Dinah Shore with their 1950 recording of In The Garden. This song was written by C. Austin Miles (who also wrote Dwelling in Beulah Land). As well as a hymnist, Austin's hobby was photography. He wrote this song in 1912 while waiting some film to dry in a cold and leaky basement. Miles had discovered earlier that he could read the bible in the red lighting of his darkroom and often did. This day he was reading John 20. He read about how Mary went into the garden to see Jesus' tomb. Her heart was full of sadness, but when she learned that Jesus had overcome the grave she was moved to great joy. This passage moved Miles as he read it, and this song started to come to him. Miles originally intended this song to be an Easter song and for it to be from the point of view of Mary Magdalene. Miles would later say about this song, “This is not an experience limited to a happening almost 2,000 years ago. It is the daily companionship with the Lord that makes up the Christian’s life.” Learning this story has made this song all the more powerful for me and I hope it enhances the power of this great hymn for you as well. The same day Gene and Dinah recorded this song (April 20, 1950), they also recorded a lovey version of The Old Rugged Cross. 

Then is Chosen Road with Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing. 

Afterwards is Bob Dylan performing With God on Our Side. Though Bob Dylan has been long associated with protest songs, he was a protest singer for only a very short period in his long career. This period mostly consisted of the singer/songwriter's second and third albums. His third album, 1964's The Times They Are a Changin' marked his most political album, it is also one of the Pulitzer Prize winner's best works.    

Today's musical selection ends with The Sons of the Pioneers with Power in the Blood. This recording comes from their recent 2024 gospel album, Campfire Spirituals. Though none of the original members may be alive today, the current line up does a wonderful job of keeping the legacy of one of country music's finest groups alive. Their new album is a wonderful example of this, and this version of Power in the Blood is simply wonderful. The Sons of the Pioneers have previously recorded this hymn in 1937 and 1948. This song was written in 1889 by Lewis Edgar Jones while at a camp meeting taking place at Mountain Lake Park, MD. 

Now for an episode of the Red Ryder radio show. 

Now for a message from the Reverend Bill Graham. 

Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9

Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. Acts 16:30-33

Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly. Proverbs 14:29

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had. Romans 15:5

But the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. Matthew 24:13

Thanks for joining me. Come back next week for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails to you until we meet again. 

Cowboy Church #215

 Hello my friends and welcome to a special Easter service of Cowboy Church. 

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans singing Easter Is A Loving Time. This recording comes from a 1955 Little Golden Record, that the husband-and-wife duo had made. Here they are backed by The Sandpipers and Mitchell (Mitch) Miller & his Orchestra.

This is followed by Gene Autry performing Peter Cottontail in a scene from the movie, Hills of Utah (1951). This song was written by Steve Nelson and Jack Rollins, the team that wrote the Christmas classic Frosty the Snowman. Because of Gene Autry's success with such Christmas songs as Here Comes Santa Claus and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, the songwriting duo decided that Gene Autry was the best singer to introduce a song about a holiday figure. When Gene recorded the song it went up to #3 on the Country Charts. Naturally the song would have to appear in a Gene Autry movie.

To remind us why we truly celebrate Easter, Johnny Cash will then sing He's Alive from his 1979 album, A Believer Sings the Truth. This song tells of the story of Peter and how the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus affected him. This song brings us a message of hope in the most hopeless of times. When Jesus was crucified, things seemed as dark and hopeless as they get, yet he raised from the dead and brought great joy and forgiveness to all who accept him as their lord and savior. If he can overcome the grave, how much more can he overcoming anything we might be worrying about right now.

Now comes Henry Burr with his 1911 recording of Will the Roses Bloom in Heaven. 


How can you have Christian music for Easter without having, The Old Rugged Cross? The answer is you can't. So here is Ricky Van Shelton singing it. The song itself dates back to 1913 and was written by evangelist, George Bennard. Actually, the first verse was written in 1912. It was written while Bennard was a part of a series of revival meetings in Albion, Michigan. He was worried about the complete disregard for the gospel around him and wrote this verse as a repose. Of writing it Bennard said, "I seemed to have a vision .... I saw the Christ and the cross inseparable." The song wouldn't be completed for several months, when he was leading meetings at a local church in Pokagan, Michigan. He played it for Rev. Leroy (the sponsoring pastor) and his wife, Ruby Bostwick, both of whom found themselves moved to tears. It was then incorporated into a service at that church on June 7, 1913. The song has the same effect today as it must have back then. 

Next is George Strait with Three Nails and a Cross from his 2011 album, Here for a Good Time. As well as George Strait being the main singer, this song has a top-notch line up of background singers including Chris Stapleton, Thom Flora, Marty Slayton, Wes Hightower and Faith Hill.

Then is fiddle player and arranger Craig Duncan with a beautiful instrumental version of Because He Lives. Craig Duncun has worked with artists such as Randy Travis, Billy Dean, Kathy Mattea and Roy Clark over the years. Today he performs a wide variety of music from country to gospel to Motown to jazz standards with his group of talented musicians. 

Today's musical selection ends with the Sons of the Pioneers with their 1935 recording of When I Leave This World Behind. 

Now for a message from S.M. Lockridge. 

And now one from Billy Graham. 

Let's continue with an Easter episode of Jack Benny's radio program.

Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. On the way, he took the Twelve aside and said to them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!” Matthew 20:17-19

He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. Mark 8:31

A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:29-30

As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.  But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’ ” Mark 16:5-7

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

“Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” Mark 14:36

Above his head they placed the written charge against him: this is Jesus, the king of the Jews. Matthew 27:37

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.” Matthew 28:5-6

He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ Luke 24:6-7

They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. Luke 24:2-3

With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God's grace was so powerfully at work in them all. Acts 4:33

Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Romans 8:34

Thank you for joining me come back in a couple weeks for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails until we meet again.