Edward L. Crain

about

Edward Leroy Crain (December 27, 1903 – March 15, 1975), also known by his stage name, "The Texas Cowboy" or his recording alias, "Cowboy Ed Crain", was an American country blues musician who played guitar, fiddle, and mandolin. He recorded in the 1930s and is perhaps best known for his rendition of the song, "Bandit Cole Younger". As a youth, Crain was taught to play instruments from his fellow ranch hands working on a ranch as a tailor and taking part in cattle drives, in Longview, Texas. Crain credits Jimmie Rodgers with persuading himself to perform professionally when complications from asthma caused difficulties in his occupation. As a part of his stage act, Crain was advertised as "The Texas Cowboy", with a repertoire consisting of songs about cowboys, and was one of the few performers who, in reality, was involved in the profession. Aside from touring in music halls throughout Texas, Crain also played on several radio station programs in Fort Worth, and promoted a cleaning business he managed in the 1930s by performing on an afternoon show. On July 16, 1931, Crain recorded for the first time, entering the studio for Columbia Records, performing a tune called "The Old Grey Hare", under the alias, Cowboy Ed Crane. Although Crain was a multi-instrumentalist, his recording only feature his vocals, which were noticeably nasal as a consequence of his asthma, along with guitar accompaniment. Arguably Crain's most recognizable song was his rendition of "Bandit Cole Younger"

top songs

albums

Anthology of American Folk Music

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American Murder Ballads

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Anthology of American Folk Music, Volume 1: Ballads

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Anthology of American Folk Music, Vol. 1-3 Disc 2

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Anthology of American Folk Music, Vol. 1-3 (2 of 6)

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Anthology of AmericanFolk Music Volume 1 Disc 2 Ballads

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American Folk Music CD 1B - Ballads

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When I Was A Cowboy - Volume 1

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Anthology of American Folk Music (Harry Smith ed.), Volume 1: Ballads (disc B)

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Anthology of American Folk Music (disc 1b)

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Anthology of American Folk Mus

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Anthology of American Folk Music Volume 1 Disc 2 Ballads

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