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Listen to the songs from "Cowboy Howie."
HOMEBOY ON THE RANGE. - Howie's theme song
BRONK BUSTIN' MAN. Memphis Slim, Howie’s friend and mentor, an old cowpoke who works at the Bronx Zoo.
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10 GALLON HAT. Howie shows off his prized cowboy hat during Show ’N Tell at school.
THE BAD BOYZ. A neighborhood gang that picks on Howie, crushing his hat and his dreams.
A MOTHER'S LOVE. Howie’s mother comforts him after the Bad Boyz pick on him.
THE PRIZE. Howie's dad tells him to never give up or give in.
SHANIYA. A love song Howie sings to his classmate and girl of his dreams.
FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS. Howie's song of hope, persistence and victory.
ABOUT "COWBOY HOWIE."
The American cowboy is, of course, a cultural icon and part of our national mythology. What many people don’t know is that 40% of America’s cowboys and cowgirls were African-American, Hispanic and Native Americans. I think it’s important that this knowledge becomes part of a widespread historical appreciation and understanding — something Americans of every race, gender and ethnicity should know. It’s particularly important for inner city kids to know that the people who settled the West weren’t all “Marlboro men” …that indeed the pioneers of this country are part of their heritage. As a musician and storyteller I’ve presented a show on this subject at inner-city elementary schools and gotten a response which is astonishing. Hundreds of African-American kids, K-4, have sat totally rapt and quiet. Because the story involves bullying and the choice of whether to join a gang or not, it is, furthermore, a story with great pertinence to their daily lives. This is something I’m passionate about and would love to present to area schools and organizations. This is, importantly, a piece of our history every American should know.
The American cowboy is, of course, a cultural icon and part of our national mythology. What many people don’t know is that 40% of America’s cowboys and cowgirls were African-American, Hispanic and Native Americans. I think it’s important that this knowledge becomes part of a widespread historical appreciation and understanding — something Americans of every race, gender and ethnicity should know. It’s particularly important for inner city kids to know that the people who settled the West weren’t all “Marlboro men” …that indeed the pioneers of this country are part of their heritage. As a musician and storyteller I’ve presented a show on this subject at inner-city elementary schools and gotten a response which is astonishing. Hundreds of African-American kids, K-4, have sat totally rapt and quiet. Because the story involves bullying and the choice of whether to join a gang or not, it is, furthermore, a story with great pertinence to their daily lives. This is something I’m passionate about and would love to present to area schools and organizations. This is, importantly, a piece of our history every American should know.
