Rodeos 1975, 1978, 1979, 1981

These tapes contain a number of interviews with prominent rodeo officials, cowboys and instructors concerning various aspects of the sport, including animal rights, rodeo schools, and rodeos as portrayed in movies. The individuals interviewed include Bob Eidson, Warren Cox, Dennis White, Shawn Davis, Freckles Brown, John McBeth, Brian Kerwin, Meryl O’Loughlin, Lex Connelly, Sandy Kirby, Jerome Robinson, Robert V. Miller, Larry Clayman, Jon Taylor and J. Kelly Riley.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Rodeos

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: 1975, 1978, 1979, 1981

Location: Varies

Interviewer: Unknown

Length: 4 hours

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: *Bob Eidson, (Interviewee) September 14, 1978*
Humane aspects of rodeos, Treatment of animals, Cowboys’ feelings about animals, Defense of rodeos, Ignorance of animal rights activists, Stress of roping on animals, Horse racing, Pro-rodeo television network, Growth of criticism vs. rodeos, Anti-rodeo legislation, Football compared to rodeos, Men, Beasts and Guts, Motivation of American Humane Association (AHA), Team rodeos, Rodeos as an annual event.

Tape 1, Side 2: *Warren Cox and Dennis White (Interviewees) September 15, 1978 *
Philosophy of animal rights agencies, Relationship with rodeo associations, Rodeo rule books, Humane specifications, Efforts by rodeos to abide by rules, Televised rodeos, Feelings about rodeos, Attitude about outlawing rodeos, Percent of rodeo animals hurt or killed, Problems with small, unsanctioned rodeos, Concern over timed events, Steer busting, California Polytechnic and University of California, Davis, study on calf roping, Rodeo as reminder of the Old West, Philosophy of animal rights agencies, Tactics of American Humane Society (AHS), Incident: cow being kicked in the stomach, Duties of AHS inspectors, Evaluation of specific rodeo events, Cowboys, Changing work habits of Humane aspects of some, Disreputable animal rights organizations, Tactics of AHS (again)
Shawn Davis and Freckles Brown (Interviewees) June 2, 1975*
Rodeo schools, Benefits, Goals, Preparation needed for rodeos, Shawn Davis’ broken back anecdote, Injuries, Rodeo in Europe, Lack of success, Need to stage events, Freckles Brown, Career, Changes in rodeo cowboys, Changes in rodeos, Definition of cowboy, Requirements to be a successful rodeo cowboy
John McBeth (Interviewee) June 4, 1975*
Rodeo schools, Popularity of, Competition between, Motivating students, Lessons taught, Age limits, Advantages obtained by graduates of Changes in rodeos, Changes in cowboys, New breed, Drug use, John McBeth, Career, Growing sophistication of rodeos.

Tape 2, Side 1: *Brian Kerwin (Interviewee) March 1978*
Rodeo cowboys, Cowboy subculture, Attitude of, Public perception of rodeos and cowboys, Rodeo films, Popularity of rodeos, Bull riders, Clothing styles, Attitude of, Anecdote about breaking a horse in the movie, "The Busters"
Meryl O’Laughlin (Interviewee) March 1978 *
Rodeo Films, "Stoney Burke" compared to "The Busters", Realism, Evolution of portrayal of cowboys, Role of women, Casting cowboys for television movies, Films’ realistic portrayal of cowboys, Discussion of various cowboy films, Films’ contribution to the popularity of cowboys, Why there are so few rodeo films.

Tape 2, Side 2: *Lex Connelly (Interviewee) March 20, 1978*
Rodeo films, Portrayal of cowboys, Changes in rodeos, Clothing styles, Growth of rodeos on television, Suitabililty of rodeo for film, Changes in rodeo cowboys (again), Bad reputation of rodeo cowboys, What attracts cowboys to rodeos, Changes in rodeos (again), College rodeos, Rodeo cowboys, Lack of ranch experience, Lifestyle, Mobility, Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, Madison Square Garden, Rodeo audiences
Sandy Kirby (Interviewee) June 1975*
Rodeo school, Impact on students, Impact of audience on cowboys’ performance, Fear of death of injury, "Wrecks", Eastern rodeos, Retirement, Difficulty of
Jerome Robinson (Interviewee) June 1975*
Career, Reasons for bull riding, Rodeo school, Requirements for bull riding, How rodeos have changed, Esthetic value of rodeos, Urban audiences.

Tape 3, Side 1: *Robert V. Miller (Interviewee) February 10, 1979*
Humane aspects of rodeos, Opinion of California Polytechnic cattle roping experiment, Cattle roping, Bruising due to, Pain as a result of, Ringworm, Psychological impact of rodeos on children, Cruelty in sports, Importance of intent, Need for inspections in rodeos, Type of regulation needed in rodeos, Effect of flank straps, Proper role of American Humane Society, MUSIC.

Tape 3, Side 2: *Bob Eidson (Interviewee) January 7, 1981*
Advertising schemes for rodeos, National Finals, Cowboys’ attitude about, Growing sophistication of rodeos, Comparison of modern rodeo cowboys to older generations of rodeo cowboys, Lack of media coverage for rodeos, Rodeo as a sport, Increase in rodeo popularity, Requirements for rodeo judges, Salaries, Reasons why a cowboy would be suspended, Cowboy superstitions, Cowboy rituals, Evolution of telecasting rodeos, John Blair and Company, Jack Fritz, Sponsors, Lighting of arena, Cost, Ratings, Ages of rodeo cowboys, Political affiliation of cowboys, Conservatism, Jack Kemp, Rodeo rules and regulations, Point system, Endorsements, Rodeo accidents, Insurance, Canada, Rodeo deaths, Membership statistics, By event, By race, By age, By sex, Rodeo cowboys’ attitude toward urban cowboys.

Tape 4, Side 1: Bob Eidson (continued), Drug use among cowboys, Qualities among cowboys, Taxes,
Larry Clayman and Jon Taylor (Interviewees) June 1975*
Rodeo clowns, Role of, Dangers facing clowns, History of, Training required, Styles, Acts and routines, Three categories of rodeo clowns, Job market for rodeo clowns.

Tape 4, Side 2: *J. Kelly Riley (Interviewee) January 14, 1981*
Commercial sponsorship of professional rodeos, Origins of (1971), Arena advertising, Lex Connelly, American Broadcasting Corporation, Attitude of Professional Rodeo, Cowboy Association officials, R. J. Reynolds Company, Harry Knight, Impact on public awareness, Target group of commercial sponsorship, Various tobacco commercials and advertisements, Sales, Jack Palance, U. S. Tobacco Company, Scholarship program, Northeastern market, Southeastern market, Promotion budget, Point system, Pay-offs.

Range Dates: 1970-1985

Bulk Dates: 1975-1980

Access Information

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