Riders In The Sky: The Book

**Riders In The Sky** (better known as **Riders In The Sky: The Book**) is a 112-page book released by Gibbs-Smith Publishing in 1992. Written by Ranger Doug, Too Slim, Woody Paul, and Texas Bix Bender, the book acts as something of an introduction to the group for a wider-public audience, specifically for those who were first exposed to them through the 1991 CBS television series (though it more closely follows their personas seen in *Tumbleweed Theater* and heard on *Riders Radio Theater*).

## Chapters

* ***Where Do We Come In?*** by Ranger Doug (pages 6-9): A short history of Riders In The Sky covering the first fifteen years of their career.
* ***The Cowboy Way*** by Ranger Doug (page 10)
* ***Western Music: What It Is*** by Ranger Doug (pages 11-15): An abridged history of singing cowboys, where they come from, their rise in popularity in the 1930s, and decline in the mid-1950s.
* ***Deadwood Darline's*** advertisement (based on sketches written by Too Slim) (page 16): A showcase of the many products available from long-time *Riders Radio Theater* sponsor Deadwood Darline.
* ***Famous Characters***/Photo Gallery 1 (pages 17-33): Photographs and brief introductions of the many characters that surround Riders In The Sky both on and off stage (Too Jaws, Drywall Paul, Sgt. Dudley, Freddie La, Doctor B. Baxter Bazzle & Mama, Hammerhead Stillson, Slocum & Charlie, Sidemeat, Mister Literal, Trader Doug And The Birds of Paradise, L. Philo "Larry" Mammoth, Joey The Cow-Polka King, Big Zeno Clinker, The Fair Roberta, and Texas Bix Bender)
* ***Rope Tricks*** by Woody Paul (pages 34-35): "The King of The Clothesline" demonstrates his rope routine in a series of photographs.
* ***Mammoth Vocational Geezer Correspondence Collage*** advertisement (based on a sketch written by Too Slim) (pages 36-37): L. Philo "Larry" Mammoth puts out a call for new "geezer" actors for Hollywood.
* ***A Side of Cooking***/***Meat Family Tree*** by Sidemeat (pages 38-39): Cooking recipes from the Riders' trusty sidekick, and a detailed look at his linage.
* Photo Gallery 2 (pages 40-49): Photographs from live shows and television appearances.
* ***Riders Radio Theater*** (pages 50-52): The origins of the NPR series, mentioning it's nightclub origins, recording the album, and the move to Cincinnati.
* ***Riders Radio Theater: The Home Version*** (based on a serial written by Too Slim and Texas Bix Bender) (pages 53-70): A selection from the climax of the *Mystery of The Lost Ozone* serial encourages readers to recreate the feeling of a real Riders Radio Theater episode with a transcript and instructions on how to make your own sound effects.
* ***Cow-Dependent No More*** advertisement (based on a sketch written by Too Slim) (page 71)
* Photo Gallery 3 (pages 72-76)
* ***Sam & Ella's Catering*** advertisement (based on a sketch written by Too Slim) (page 77)
* ***Strange Changes On The Range*** by Ranger Doug (page 78-97) A collection of sheet music for several classic cowboy songs and Riders originals, including: *Down The Trail To San Antone*, *Prairie Lullabye*, *Lonely Yukon Stars*, *The Line Rider*, *Soon As The Roundup's Through*, *How Does He Yodel?*, *Cowboy Jubilee*, *That's How The Yodel Was Born*, *Nevada*, *Ride With Me Gringo*, *Face: The Music*, and *Salting of The Slug*.
* ***Longhornland*** advertisement (based on a sketch written by Too Slim) (pages 98-99): Promoting the only amusement park for beef on the hoof!
* ***Palindrome*** by Too Slim, Texas Bix Bender, and David Fisher (pages 100-103): A comic-strip adaptation of *The Ballad of Palindrome*.
* ***Too Slim's EZ Guide To Varmint Dancing*** by Too Slim (page 104): A step-by-step outline on how to Varmint Dance from it's creator.
* Photo Gallery 4 (pages 105-109)
* ***Mammoth Miracle Hot Springs Cow Wash*** advertisement (based on a sketch written by Too Slim) (page 110)
* Photo Gallery 5 (pages 111-112)

## Notes

* BACK COVER DESCRIPTION: *Yes, Ranger Doug, "Idol of American Youth," Woody Paul, "King of The Cowboy Fiddlers," and "Licensed Driver" Too Slim are here, making the world safe for Truth, Justice, and The Cowboy Way! "Who ARE these guys?" you ask. Well, the answer's not in this book. What IS in this book are pictures worth a thousand words, classic Riders humor written in plain English, songs you can sing with your family-and much more! But don't believe me, Believe the millions who watch RIDERS IN THE SKY on television, who listen to their award-winning public radio show and their yodeling, fiddling, and harmonious album, and who have clamored for this book! Light the campfire, put on the coffee, hum a tune by Gene or Roy or the Sons of The Pioneers, and keep this book in your saddlebag. **Why? 'Cause IT'S THE COWBOY WAY!!***