What is it that makes the Hardin-Simmons University Cowboy Band unique in it's appeal to people all over the world?
It isn't the size - the band number around thirty-five to forty-five members.
It isn't fancy uniforms - traditional western attire is what is worn.
And it isn't strict regimentation - that's for sure.
Marching at a super-fast cadence of 200 to 220 beats per minute, the cowboys shuffle into view, whooping and hollering and waving their hats in the air. Their leather chaps move in smooth unison as the band seems to float along. Now and then two bandsmen break ranks and join arms to "swing-your-partner" in square dance style. Occasionally, one may stop and greet bystanders, one may borrow a chair to sit a second and fan his hot feet with his hat, and another my give a quick kiss on the cheek to a very surprised (but not displeased) young lady. These are soon rounded up by the others, who grab them by the ear and "persuade" them to rejoin the group.
Soon the drum major gives a signal and the Band starts into "The Eyes of Texas," or "Texas March." Periodically, they come to a full stop and begin a series of six or ten giant scissor kicks which crisscross each other. Nick-named the 'cowstep,' the origins of this maneuver are said to have arisen out of necessity due to circumstances which arise when following directly behind HSU's Six White Horses. With chaps flying, instruments flashing, and general "carrying on" during each kick, it is an impressive sight. After a brief pause, the band whirls back into it's rapid cadence, holding hats aloft and whistling and hollering with irresistible enthusiasm.
This parade enthusiasm is present in the Band's many other performances, including sit-down concerts, rodeos, and football and basketball games.
Why does the Cowboy Band thrill crowds? Because it celebrates with them! Most groups are satisfied with performing for others, but the Cowboy Band does more - it joins in the celebration. This characteristic, coupled with the world's fascination with the free-spirited cowboy of the American West, may account for it's popularity wherever it goes.
The Cowboy Band acquired the nickname "World Famous" after it's European tour in 1930, and since that time has performed in forty states, eight capitals of the world, ten foreign countries, and as far north as ten miles from the Arctic Circle.
Since the Band's inception, it has been an important and active part of the Big Country and Abilene. It has marched in presidential and gubernatorial inaugurations, nationally televised football games, and a host of parades and other festive affairs.
It was back in 1923 that Grady Kinsolving, secretary of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce, asked the Band to represent Abilene at a West Texas Chamber of Commerce gathering in San Angelo (quite an honor considering the fact that the little band had previously ventured no farther than the towns of Baird, Tuscola, and View, traveling by train and horse drawn coach). In looking about for some distinctive yet affordable uniforms, a visit to the local dry goods store turned up some chaps, hats, and neckerchiefs; the Cowboy Band was born!
In the mid-twenties, Will Rogers, America's beloved humorist, heard the Band, and became it's friend and promoter. He gave the boys his blessing and one hundred dollars, saying, "I'm gonna give you one hundred dollars on the condition that you buy some music with a tune in it." They returned the favor by making Rogers an honorary member of the Band. Although Rogers was the first genuine celebrity to perform with the Band, many others have as well, among them Bob Hope, Gene Autry, Bing Crosby, Paul Whiteman, Gary Cooper, Dale Robertson, and most recently, the popular cowboy singing group, Riders in the Sky.
The Cowboy Band is one of the most widely traveled bands around. The first European tour came in 1930 as they traveled to England, France, Belgium, and Holland. In 1952-53 they paraded through the continent again with the USO European tour. In 1963 the Band traveled to Japan with the International Baptist Convention, and in 1979 they toured in Montreal, Canada. In 1984 they traveled to England, France, Switzerland, and West Germany under the sponsorship of the men's department of the Baptist World Alliance.
The Band has played for six presidential inaugurations: Herbert Hoover in 1929, Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941, Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1953, Richard Nixon in 1969, Jimmy Carter in 1977, and George W. Bush in 2001. It has also performed for nine Texas governors' inaugurations - the first for Governor Dan Moody in 1929 and for Governor George W. Bush in 1995, and has represented the State of Texas at national and international civic club conventions in San Francisco, New Orleans, New York, Chicago, Detroit, and Dallas.
The Cowboy Band has earned a reputation for being one of the top rodeo bands in the country, having played for world championship shows in Madison Square Garden, Boston Garden, Cheyenne, Colorado Springs, Phoenix, and numerous others.
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