“You don’t have the voice to be a rodeo or horseshow announcer.”
It wasn’t exactly those words but close semblance about a decade ago in a straightforward passing conversation.
That may be correct, likely is actually. So no response was made to the remark not said to be rude, honest evaluation from a professional broadcaster.
The opinion was given in response about intentions to announce an upcoming ranch rodeo advertised on the radio.
Regardless of abilities to do such, that rodeo was announced without any negative feedback. It was “just another one” as there were a lot before and a number since that performance.
While announcing a recent ranch rodeo, reflection was when such duties began in the fall of 1969. It was a hometown high school rodeo helping over the weekend during college because the only one who would.
There’ve been a lot of rodeo and horseshow announcing duties since that meager beginning when still a teenager.
Far from being true professional like Clem McSpadden, Roger Mooney, Kyle Elwood and several others visited with through the eons.
Certainly not even close to topnotch amateur rodeo announcers Jerry Taylor or Max Stowell back in the day. Amazing inspiring how they could remember certain rides, contestants, and livestock from long before.
Yet for 50 years the microphone has been in hand from the “crow’s nest” calling Western action. Oh yes they’ve all been pretty much local yokel affairs. That’s said tongue in cheek definitely not wanting to offend committeemen who give their all for successful arena action.
Not like all that many total either never more than a handful annually. Always junior rodeos, ranch rodeos and horseshows generally free gratis so really didn’t have to work.
Have had a few outside groups seek the service through time accepting an appreciated kickback sometimes covering mileage and dinner.
“He’s pretty dry” might be another’s consensus of ability. No argument about that either, having tried to add “color” sometimes pretty much unsuccessfully. With modernization of sound systems have music playing when nothing’s being said keeping action somewhat alive.
Most important to announce who the contestant is and their score; repeat it once or more often. Not that tough to bluff the rest of the way through.
Reminded of Isaiah 41:22: “Declare the former happenings and announce what is coming.”
+++ALLELUIA+++
XIII–29–7-14-19