Show notes
Cowboy Bill Cummins grew up in post-depression era Ohio with his father and four brothers. His mother died when he was 15. He nearly lost his fingers and thumbs when he was nine. Bill dreamed of one day becoming a singing cowboy in the same vein as Gene Autry and the wit and wisdom of Will Rogers.
Bill worked with his family's horses on their farm and a local stable owner noticed he had a special knack working with the horses. Although he was only 15, the stable owner hired Bill to manage his stable and run his tourist trail riding business during the summers of Bill's high school years. One year a traveling horse stage show came to town. Bill befriended the two main riders and trainers, Montana Joe and California Sam. Meanwhile, the stable owner had a palomino stallion he thought would back a good stage performer.
The scene was set when the two trainers worked with the young horseman and his palomino and the result was Smilin' Cowboy Bill Cummins and his horse King. For five years the duo performed for audiences doing tricks and singing songs. While Bill got to live his dream of being a singing cowboy, he got to perform for people all over the midwest.
Bill later went on to pursue a career as a civil engineer. Then, later in life, in went into publishing and write several books. At age 86, Cowboy Bill Cummins is an inspiration.
LinksCAI Publishing - King and the Cowboy