Disney-Pixar's much anticipated attraction "Midway Mania" opened last week at Disney World in Orlando and California Adventure in Anaheim, capturing the imaginations of thousands of Toy Story fans. The ride, a retro-virtual arcade shooting gallery, features music produced by Riders' In The Sky's Joey The Cowpolka King and songs written to order by Joey, Too Slim, and Ranger Doug.
"The premise of the ride is that it exists in a box under Andy's bed. Visitors are invited in to shoot targets, break plates, toss rings, all kinds of clever takes on those county fair arcade themes," said Joey, in an exclusive interview at the luxurious Musicwagon Studio. "The folks at Disney's Imagineering came up with Mr. Potatohead as an animatronic barker character to entertain the people in line. They asked us to create music for him. Slim, the Ranger and I wrote six songs and I got to produce Don Rickles, the voice of Mr. Potatohead."
"My songs have been recorded by Tammy Wynette, William Shatner and now Don Rickles," said Too Slim. "I believe I'm the only person that can say that."What was it like to work in the studio with Rickles? "Don Rickles is known for being sarcastic but in reality he's a warm person, and as hardworking and professional as anyone we've worked with," said Joey. "We'd start the day with a fine brunch and he'd tell these classically great stories about working with Johnny Carson, Sinatra, Pavarotti. What a thrill to work with a legend."
"They wanted a Dixieland feel for the music," continued the white-hatted Squeezemeister, "so that's what we did. It's not cowboy music but I'm glad they think of us for projects outside of the Western world. The first time I walked into Imagineering I got goosebumps. For kids who grew up watching Mickey Mouse Club and all the Disney shows like we did, to be associated with those creative people is a dream come true."
"You don't have to go to Florida or California to check it out," said web savvy Too Slim. "Go on YouTube and search for "Midway Mania" or "Mr. Potatohead" and you can find a number of postings of the 'Sultan of Spud' warbling our tunes. It's 'insania.'"
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Disney-Pixar's 'Midway Mania' New Ride Features 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.)