The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum held their 48th Annual Western Heritage Awards Saturday, April 18th, 2009. The black-tie gala was held in the special events center in the museum. The Western Heritage Awards were established to honor and recognize individuals whose contributions in film, television, music, or literature has encouraged and honored the legacy of the American West. A handcrafted bronze sculpture, known as the “Wrangler” is awarded to each honoree. This year’s recipients join prestigious alumni including Clint Eastwood, Steven Speilberg, John Wayne, Bill Kurtis, Carroll Ballard, Kevin Costner, and Ed Harris among others.
The evening was a spectacular one with many old friends catching up, and new ones being made. Stars and scholars from many fields gathered together to celebrate and support the 2008 recipients of the Wrangler Award.
The night was lead by Master of Ceremonies, funnyman and star of CSI Miami, Rex Linn who kept the crowd laughing all evening long. The audience enjoyed his poking fun with the effervescent Lynn Anderson, exclaiming they would be getting married by shows end, much to the amusement of his date.
Highlights of the gala were performances by Juni Fisher, singing “Whippoorwill” from her Wrangler Award winning album “Gone to Colorado”, a tribute to her grandfather. Red Steagall and Gary S. Pratt gave noteworthy performances as well with songs from their award winning collections.
The ever humble and delightful producer, Rich O’Brien, won his twelfth Wrangler Award thus far. “I am truly just as tickled as the very first one,” he said. “It truly is a wonderful experience to have only dreamt of this as a child, and now to make a living at it, well, I feel so lucky.”
Judith Keeling, Editor-in-Chief of Texas Tech University Press, was on hand to accept a Wrangler Award along side of Melodie Cuatel, who was honored and awarded a Wrangler for her Outstanding Juvenile Book, Journey to Gonzalez. “I am so happy to be teaching children the history of our western heritage through my books, and looking forward to bringing forth more,” Mrs. Cuate said.
With a standing ovation and not a dry eye in the room, David Wittkower along side of Clyde and Elsie Frost accepted the Wrangler Award for his Outstanding Documentary the "The Challenge of Champions: The Story of Lane Frost and Red Rock." This 80-minute film covers the great duel between Frost and Red Rock and their special seven-match series in 1988 that captured the attention of die-hard rodeo fans and those totally new to the sport. Tragically, Frost, who was an iconic rodeo athlete and personality, was killed in the arena following a bull ride at Cheyenne Frontier Days in 1989. He was just 25. Mrs. Frost told the audience how she felt so blessed to have the story told of her son Lane Frost and Red Rock by award winning filmmaker David Wittkower. “David captured it, he really did,” said Lane’s mother Elsie.
Baseball great, Nolan Ryan was honored with the Chester A. Reynolds Memorial Award for his contribution as a cattle rancher in Texas. Ryan gave a moving speech, telling of how fortunate he was to have had, besides his wonderful family; two true loves of his life; baseball and cattle ranching. “I am so happy to have instilled in my children, my love for the western heritage and to see it in my grandchildren is truly rewarding,” said Ryan.
The night was a special gathering with one common bond, the deep love of our western heritage.
The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum has wholeheartedly captured the American West with changing exhibits, a Native American gallery and many educational programs. The museum is deserving of a journey in itself just for the many artifacts on hand throughout this amazing tribute to our rich history. The museum is open everyday from 9 to 5 and closed just 3 days a year, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
For more information log onto www.nationalcowboymuseum.org.
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