Tonight I would like to adjourn in memory of Don Edwards, a western folk singer and cowboy poet who graced the stage at our very own local Cowboy Festival multiple times.
Don was born in New Jersey, but moved out west as a teenager, embracing the western lifestyle and becoming a talented and revered singer/songwriter.
Learning how to play the guitar at just 10 years old, Don dedicated his life to performing and writing songs that embodied the Western American way of life.
Throughout his career Don recorded multiple albums and was nominated for two Grammy awards.
Two of his albums, “Guitars and Saddle Songs” and “Songs of the Cowboy” were added to the Folklore Archives in the Library of Congress.
In 2000, Don was inducted into our own Old Town Newhall Walk of Western Stars and in 2005, he was inducted into the International Western Music Association Hall of Fame.
That same year, local historian and president of SCVTV, Leon Warden sat down with Don to talk about his life and even sing a song.
Let’s take a moment to listen.
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We appreciate the legacy and joy Don left here in our City and throughout the nation.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.