Michael Martin Murphey

Western Music - Cowboy Songs

As in the tradition of Gene Autry and Roy Rogers, Michael Martin Murphey is a cowboy, in the best sense of the word. I remember reading an article where he was very critical of the performance by some rodeo clowns that wasn't up to family standards, in his and a lot of other folks view. Speaking out on things like this, by cultural role models, can mean a lot and should be commended especially when dealing with issues of morality, family values, and our radically changing culture. He is also one of the best cowboy singer/songwriters of the cowboy and western music revival era.
Michael Martin Murphey was born in Dallas, Texas and has an unbreakable bond with the great outdoors that began at an early age. The late Richard Farnsworth, legendary Hollywood stunt man and Western actor once called him a "master horseman."
His trail riding adventures have taken him to the most beautiful wilderness locations in the country, including: the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, the Colorado Rockies, the Sonora Desert - Arizona, Zion Canyon - Utah, Monument Valley - Navajo Reservation, and many others.
Although Murphey is probably best known for his pop hit "Wildfire", he was introduced to cowboy music at a young age and returned to his roots to record a passel of traditional and contemporary cowboy songs.
Murphy was considered, by some, the original "Outlaw" of the 1980s Texas country music scene, along with the likes of Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings. But Murphey, who preferred horses and ranch life, to the big city and night life, objected to the drug and alcohol abuse that was linked to the so called, "Outlaw’s of Country Music." In 1983, Murphey received the "Best New Artist" award from the Academy of Country Music.
In 1989, Murphey left the cookie-cutter, country music scene to pursue real western music, something it seems Nashville has moved further and further away from over the years. "Cowboy Logic" would be Michael’s last hit song on the country music charts, he would go on to record "Cowboy Songs," an album of traditional and contemporary cowboy songs, which pretty much marked the beginning of the cowboy and western music revival. Murphey would have the first cowboy album since Marty Robbins, to go "Gold," and has 6 gold total.
His awards are numerous and come from a variety of organizations, including: the Academy of Western Artists - Best Album and Song, International Charley Russell Western Heritage Society - Red Sash Award for Outstanding Service in Preservation of Western Heritage, National Park Service - Golden Smokey Award for Outstanding Service, Will Rogers Memorial Commission - Will Rogers Cowboy Philosopher Award, Cowboy Hall of Fame - Western Heritage Award (5 time winner), State of New Mexico - Rounder Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Western Way of Life, New Mexico Governor’s Award - Best Selling Cowboy Singer in the World, Bureau of Land Management - Recognition of Outstanding Service, National Forest Service - Recognition of Outstanding Service. Michael Martin Murphey is truly a great cowboy singer/songwriter, and a remarkable man.

Click on photo for more Information and to listen to sound samples.	Cowboy Christmas "For our money, this album is as good as any album we've ever heard, whether it has to do with cowboys, Christmas, or anything else." -Cowboy Magazine
Click on photo for more Information and to listen to sound samples.	Cowboy Songs Guest singers on this CD include the Sons of the San Joaquin, Red Steagall, Don Edwards, Tammy Wynette, Suzy Boggus, and many others.
Click on photo for more Information and to listen to sound samples.	Cowboy Christmas III Cowboy Christmas music and poetry by Michael Martin Murphy and cowgirl poet, Sarah Rische.
Click on photo for more Information and to listen to sound samples.	Cowboy Songs III There are some great classic cowboy songs and ballads on this album, including the duet with the legendary Marty Robbins on "Big Iron."
Click on photo for more Information and to listen to sound samples.	Cowboy Songs Four This is a fine collection of traditional and contemporary cowboy songs, performed in the typical MMM style.

Western Music categories - listen to music samples!

Cowboy Guitars

Western Swing Guitar

Western Swing Fiddle

Twin Fiddling

Hog Heaven Music

Beginning Mandolin Solos