More thrills are in store for theme-park goers as a new ride gears up to roll out at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts next summer. Joey has teamed up with Walt Disney Imagineering, the creative and R&D arm of Walt Disney Resorts, to create and produce music for an all new ride to premier in the U.S. in Summer 2008.
Joey’s successful collaboration with Disney affiliates is no surprise to those who’ve enjoyed the music and magic that Joey and Riders In The Sky brought to Disney’s Toy Story 2 (movie and companion album) and Monster’s Inc (companion album)—both albums landed Riders In The Sky prestigious Grammy Awards (2001 and 2003, Best Musical Album for Children).
The excitement of new ride, opening in California and Florida Disney resort locations, will be boosted by original music written by Joey and his Riders partners, Ranger Doug and Too Slim. Stay tuned for more details!
News
New Disney Ride to Feature Joey’s Music
WMA Names Riders "Entertainers of the Year"
The Western Music Association, the cowboy music industry's premier support and trade group, awarded Riders In The Sky its highest award Friday, November 16, naming America's Favorite Cowboys "Entertainers of the Year."
The presentation climaxed the WMA's annual awards banquet, held this year in Salon E through J at Albuquerque's Marriott Hotel.
"This means so much to us," said an emotional Too Slim, clutching his substantial lead crystal trophy. "That's what we try to do every night, go out there and entertain and ...." Slim's voice trailed off as he became visibly verklempt.
"We'd like to thank our many, many families for standing behind us for varying amounts of time," added Ranger Doug.
"Thanks," said Woody, waving his trophy to and fro.
"This is great. Thanks to the WMA and everybody who voted for us," said Joey as the group left the stage to pose for pictures and high five all around.
The ceremony featured performances by many of western music's leading lights, including cowgirl Lynn Anderson, a heartfelt duet of Juni Fisher and Joe Hannah rendering Juni's Song of the Year, and the induction of Rex Allen, Jr. into the WMA Hall of Fame. Rex essayed his classic "Ride Cowboy Ride" and seemed surprised and delighted when the Riders leaped impromptu onto the stage and joined him for two choruses.
"That," said presenter Johnny Western, "is as good as it gets."
"These awards are fun," reflected Too Slim later that night, rolling down Highway 491 towards Salt Lake City, "because they energize everybody and jack'em up. This trophy's gonna look nice on the piano, right between the Grammies."
"Hey Mr. Entertainer of the Year," said Joey. "Your shift, pal."
The presentation climaxed the WMA's annual awards banquet, held this year in Salon E through J at Albuquerque's Marriott Hotel.
"This means so much to us," said an emotional Too Slim, clutching his substantial lead crystal trophy. "That's what we try to do every night, go out there and entertain and ...." Slim's voice trailed off as he became visibly verklempt.
"We'd like to thank our many, many families for standing behind us for varying amounts of time," added Ranger Doug.
"Thanks," said Woody, waving his trophy to and fro.
"This is great. Thanks to the WMA and everybody who voted for us," said Joey as the group left the stage to pose for pictures and high five all around.
The ceremony featured performances by many of western music's leading lights, including cowgirl Lynn Anderson, a heartfelt duet of Juni Fisher and Joe Hannah rendering Juni's Song of the Year, and the induction of Rex Allen, Jr. into the WMA Hall of Fame. Rex essayed his classic "Ride Cowboy Ride" and seemed surprised and delighted when the Riders leaped impromptu onto the stage and joined him for two choruses.
"That," said presenter Johnny Western, "is as good as it gets."
"These awards are fun," reflected Too Slim later that night, rolling down Highway 491 towards Salt Lake City, "because they energize everybody and jack'em up. This trophy's gonna look nice on the piano, right between the Grammies."
"Hey Mr. Entertainer of the Year," said Joey. "Your shift, pal."
From Polka to Pixar... Interview with the CowPolka King
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Get a rare, behind the scenes look at crafting Grammy Award winning music with Riders In The Sky's producer / accordionist Joey Miskulin (aka Joey the Cowpolka King) in Yamaha All Access magazine's Winter 2006 interview! (Link opens new window.)
Joey the CowPolka King Composes Music for Disney's Cars
Put the pedal to the metal folks! The Walt Disney / Pixar animated motion picture, Cars, is coming to theaters on June 9th. Best of all, this sure-to-be summer blockbuster includes music written and produced by Riders In The Sky's Joey the CowPolka King!
Joey's song, "Rust-eze Polka" will be featured among the film's all-star voice talent including Paul Newman, Owen Wilson, and Bonnie Hunt, among many others. For further information visit the Cars official web site.
Riders appear on Parelli Natural Horsemanship
Riders In The Sky were special guests on Parelli Natural Horsemanship, an evocative horse training show on RFD-TV (DishNetwork channel 9409, DIRECTV channel 379) on Wednesday, December 14th at 3:00 pm (CT) and 9:00 pm (CT). The Riders mastered the skills of Natural Horsemanship as they learned from Master Horseman Pat Parelli and leading educator Linda Parelli!
Country Reaches Out: An Opry Benefit for the American Red Cross
On September 27, 2005, Joey and the Riders joined a special benefit concert at the Grand Ole Opry. All artist and musician fees were included in a donation to the American Red Cross to help the unfortunate victims of Hurricane Katrina. Thanks to friends, fellow musicians, and fans who attended to contribute to the cause.
The Outdoor Channel features Riders In The Sky
Riders In The Sky are featured guest on The Outdoor Channel television show, COWBOYS. Host Richard "Tequila" Young takes viewers through every facet of the American cowboy from stories of the old west to modern stories including cowboy action shooting, wild mustang roundups, today's cowboys who still live on the range, rodeo heroes, and even the story of the Hawaiian Paniolo cowboys. This week you can sing and laugh along with the Riders as they prepare for a concert in New Mexico at the Single Action Shooting Society's END of TRAIL festival. Air times are Thursday, July 28 at 6:30 PM ET and Sunday, July 31 at 12:30 PM ET. Further information can be found on COWBOYS web site at www.cowboystv.com (Link opens new window.)
America's Favorite Cowboys on The Bob Edwards Show
On a recent trip through our nation's capitol, Riders In The Sky rode their ponies into XM Satellite Radio's studio to cook up some fun on The Bob Edwards Show, the award-winning newsman who hosted National Public Radio's "Morning Edition" for 25 years. This in-depth conversation and performance aired Thursday, July 28, on XMPR channel #133. The Bob Edwards Show airs coast-to-coast every weekday morning at 8AM ET, and reairs daily at 9AM ET and 9PM ET. If you aren't an XM Satellite Radio subscriber, listen for free by signing up for a three day trial at XM Satellite Radio (Link opens new window.)
America's Favorite Cowboys in True West
Corinne Brown, contributing writer for True West Magazine, celebrates Riders In The Sky's 5,000th career appearance within the pages of their August 2005 issue! Be the first on your block to purchase a copy by visiting your local newsstand, or go directly to the source at twmag.com (Link opens new window.) If you visit True West Magazine online, be sure to turn up your computer speakers to hear a clip of Ranger Doug's "That's How The Yodel Was Born."
Laura Ingalls Wilder recording includes the Riders
Ranger Doug, along with Too Slim, Woody Paul, Joey (and Side Meat too!) have shared their musical talents on the recently released multi-artist recording, Happy Land. This CD makes effort to pay some small musical tribute to Laura Ingalls Wilder (author of the eight "Little House" books) for her efforts to illuminate, explain, and capture the place that music-making once occupied in the family life of ordinary Americans. For further information, or to purchase the CD, go to pasfiddle.com (Link opens new window.)