Bang Records: Ride 'Em Cowboy

Day two of our look at Bang Records takes us back to 1974 when singer-songwriter Paul Davis had his first Top 40 hit. “Ride ‘Em Cowboy” was one of two Davis’ singles that charted on the pop, adult contemporary, and country charts. While it peaked at #23 on the Hot 100, its biggest success came on the A/C side where it charted at #4. While the song had a country flavor, it was not ready for prime time in that particular genre as “Ride ‘Em Cowboy” only made it to #47 as a country 45.

Although signed to Bang in 1970, it took Davis four years to have his first bonafide hit record. It would be three more years before Davis would have is first Top 10 hit with “I Go Crazy.” Davis has the distinction of being the last artist to record for Bang with his self-titled LP and the singles “Do Right” and “Cry Just a Little.” Yesterday was the sixth anniversary of his death from a heart attack.

“Ride ‘Em Cowboy” was also the name of Davis’ third album which was unique in a number of ways. First of all, it was manufactured in the shape of a denim jacket. Secondly, while the single failed to make a large dent on the country singles chart, it was Davis’ only album to chart on the country album chart where it peaked at #19.