In the recent issue of Texas Life Magazine, we introduced the exciting series, "Celebrating 100 Years of the American Cowboy." Through this series, our aim is to capture the essence of what it truly means to live the cowboy life while paying tribute to those who work tirelessly to preserve the cowboy legacy.
On the silver screen, early actors like Tom Mix, John Wayne, Jimmy Stewart, and Walter Brennan brought the cowboy to life, making them more than just characters but enduring symbols of bravery and adventure. Their portrayals, though sometimes exaggerated, ignited our childhood imaginations, inspiring us to don cowboy hats and embark on imaginary Wild West adventures.
The magic of these portrayals doesn't just lie in the actors but also in the writers, directors, and producers who crafted these stories. Their creative efforts not only entertained us but also deepened our appreciation for the cowboy spirit, reminding us of the values of courage and independence that the cowboy represents. As we continue this series, we invite our readers to join us in honoring these timeless heroes. Together, let's relish the simplicity of cowboy tales and celebrate the individuals who keep the cowboy legacy alive. The American cowboy, epitomized by legendary figures like Ralph Miller of Borden County, Texas, showcased in our first installment of this series, embodies the quintessential American spirit. Their unwavering dedication to hard work and the pursuit of a life that not only enriches their families but also countless others and entire communities, deserves unequivocal celebration. The cowboy's resilience, tenacity, and pioneering ethos have etched an indelible mark on our nation’s history.
The allure of the cowboy lifestyle, romanticized in cinema and literature, is a testament to their enduring legacy. Their bravery, self-reliance, and unwavering integrity have transformed them into iconic symbols of American mythology. These pioneers, with their adventurous spirit and unyielding determination, played a pivotal role in the nation's westward expansion. Imagine America without the cowboy—an absence that would reverberate through history, altering the very essence of the nation. Cowboys were not merely cattle herders; they were architects of a way of life that transcended personal boundaries, enriching families, and communities alike. Their stories remind us of the significance of perseverance, courage, and the pursuit of a brighter future. To celebrate the cowboy is to honor the bedrock upon which America was built. Their legacy serves as a timeless reminder of the values that continue to shape the nation—a legacy of hard work, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of a better tomorrow. In our second installment of the American Cowboy series, we're shining a spotlight on a true legend—a man who, just like many of us, spent his childhood days playing cowboy and dreaming of being in movies. This remarkable individual is none other than Mr. Barry Corbin, a celebrated actor who admired the heroes of the Wild West and made his own mark in the world of western films.
The early years, according to his website, Leonard Barrie Corbin was born October 16, 1940, in the ranching and cotton town of Lamesa, sixty miles south of Lubbock. His paternal grandfather had moved to Lamesa from Lampasas in the twenties because he wanted to raise cotton and the land there looked good. “It was beautiful green country,” Barry says, “like the Garden of Eden.”
Barry’s parents, Kilmer and Alma Corbin, were schoolteachers who married young. Kilmer had been stricken by polio as a child, which limited the use of his right hand and left him unable to do farmwork. He developed into a bookish kid. Alma (who had been born in a covered wagon on the trip to Lamesa) named their first son after J. M. Barrie, the author of Peter Pan. When Barrie reached school age, he became “Barry” to differentiate himself from a female classmate who had the same name. Though his parents weren’t horse people, Barry spent summers at his grandfather’s, who put him in the saddle every day. He loved the feeling. “A horse wants to do whatever you want him to do,” Barry says. “If you want to compare it to being one entity, you’re the brain, and the horse is the body. So, you’ve got to be in sync with the horse. Got to make him think whatever you’re going to do is coordinated. And make him think it’s his idea. Then you get along.” Barry learned to love Westerns by spending Saturday afternoons in Lamesa’s Majestic Theater. He adored the heroes-Gary Cooper, John Wayne-but was intrigued by horsemen like Ben Johnson and bit players like George “Gabby” Hayes and the comic actor Al St. John, who performed in westerns under the name Fuzzy Q. Jones. “I could do that,” Barry thought. When he and his friends got home, they would divvy up parts from the movie and act it out all over again. He decided to be an actor when he grew up, but not a leading man. He wanted to be a character.
We feel incredibly honored and fortunate that Barry chose to join us in this venture. His willingness to be a part of our series is a testament to his genuine passion for the cowboy spirit. We were privileged to meet him at the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, inside the confines of the New Isis Theater, where we engaged in a private conversation about his life journey and his unwavering dedication to the characters he portrays, especially the iconic cowboy roles he's become known for.
Over the years and across numerous roles, his passion has consistently gravitated toward westerns. Among his standout performances in this genre are Roscoe Brown in the epic Lonesome Dove, Uncle Ellis in No Country for Old Men, Uncle Bob in Urban Cowboy, Sheriff Fenton Washburn in Dallas, and Ross the wise cowboy on the 6666 Ranch on the series Yellowstone, among others. Barry has always emphasized the significance of upholding the cowboy ethos in the characters he takes on. He stated, “Western movies represent our mythology. As John Wayne once wisely remarked, courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway. That is what westerns should portray.”
During our interview, Barry shared his recent experience at the 6666 Ranch in Guthrie, TX, one of the first topics he brought up. He vividly recounted a moment while working cattle when he found himself sandwiched between two legendary figures: cowboy Boots O’Neal on his left and 6666 Ranch manager Joe Leathers on his right. "Not bad company," he remarked with a grin.
He then went on to tell us about one of the cowboys he was blessed to meet, Tom Blasingame of the JA Ranch. Barry told the story in only a way Barry Corbin can tell a story, of how Tom’s life as a cowboy for over 90 years came to an end. He said “Tom was a cowboy his entire life. He lived on the ranch for over 73 years, lived in the bunkhouse even after he got married and would ride to Clarendon once or twice a month to visit his wife. He was the definition of a true cowboy. I met him toward the end of his life at the Cowboy Symposium in Lubbock. Tom came in with some of the other cowboys from the JA and we visited for the better part of 30 minutes about ranching and how it has evolved over the years. The last thing I said to him was I sure hope to see you at this thing next year Tom and he replied, “if I’m still alive I’ll be here”. Well between Christmas and New Years later that year Tom was living in a line shack on the ranch and would ride fence every day making sure everything was ok. Later that day Tom’s horse came back to the headquarters without Tom. The horse was saddled, and the reins were tied up on the saddle horn. Immediately the cowboys knew something was wrong, so they saddled up and went looking for Tom. When they found Tom, he was lying down, his hat off and his hands folded across his chest. Something must have happened, and Tom knew his time was up. He must have gotten off the horse, made sure to tie up the reins, walked away from him and laid down and peacefully died. We all must go, but I can’t think of any better way to do it. It’s poetic”.
In 2018 Barry was honored by the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum with his induction into the Hall of Great Western Performers. According to their website, this award honors the recipients through their outstanding individual works in film, television and stage works, inductees into the Hall of Great Western Performers have kept the American West in the public’s collective eye, thus perpetuating its legacy and enduring mythology. Some of the past recipients include Tom Mix, Gene Autry, Jimmy Stewart, John Wayne, Ben Johnson, Audie Murphy, Clint Eastwood, Robert Duvall, Tommy Lee Jones, and Sam Elliott. Barry said this award means more to him than any other award he could have been given. When asked if he felt a commitment to keeping the legend of the cowboy alive in film, he then recalled what someone has said to him at Ben Johnsons funeral. Ben and Barry were great friends throughout the years and as the funeral concluded an aging cowboy approached Barry and asked him who was going to look after the cowboys now, Ben was gone. Barry responded that he wasn’t sure, but it is going to take somebody with some pretty big boots, the old cowboy slowly looked at Barry and said “well, I guess you’ll have to do it”. Barry responded, “I’ll do the best I can”. I’d say he has done one hell of a job.
It was a genuine privilege to share this remarkable experience with Barry Corbin in the exquisite ambiance that the New Isis Theater offers. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to Barry and his wife, Jo, as well as Jeff at The New Isis, for graciously welcoming us and offering us an intimate glimpse into the rich history of Fort Worth Stockyards. I am deeply appreciative of Becky Justice at the Legendary Coyote Store in historic Gail, TX, whose dedication turned this series into a vibrant reality. I am also profoundly moved by the unwavering dedication and sacrifices of all the cowboys, who tirelessly commit themselves to their art. As I mentioned earlier, contemplating America without the iconic cowboy is indeed a thought-provoking notion.
If you would like to hear more stories from this legend, be sure and book your seat for one of the upcoming events titled "An Evening with Barry Corbin" – a relaxed gathering where legendary stories meet genuine interaction. Barry will share captivating tales accompanied by visuals from his life. What makes it special? Barry engages with the audience, answering questions and creating a friendly atmosphere. Plus, stick around after the show for photos and autographs. Don't miss this unique chance for an enjoyable, down-to-earth evening with Barry Corbin! You can find more information about upcoming dates at www.barrycorbin.com.
