Remembering Unc Ford Chaney; Singer-Guitar Slinger-Horse Whispering Black Cowboy.  

Us kids were first introduced to Guitar Playing & Country Western Music by Unc.  He had a great singing voice and could Yodel with the best of them...at the time we thought it was 'corny' but learned it was indeed a Talent.  

Unc had a rapport with all Animals but Horses adored him: he could teach a horse to do almost anything.  

A horse named Hacksaw was brought to him to train as the owners and Trainers could do nothing with him that horse was a true 'outlaw' with mean fire-red eyes.  

In no time Unc had that monster tamed and trained.  That Horse would do anything for Unc.  The owner was so impressed he 'gave' the horse to Unc.  Hacksaw lived out his life with Unc.

Unc's singing style was similar to Charlie Pride but more 'soulful' I would call his music Country-Soul.  He was courted by Mercury Records but I suppose he felt his destiny was else where.

Man would he be Happy to see all the young Cowboz and Cowgurls coming up...he'd think that is just dandy.

Epilogue: I was researching back in the 80's and spoke with one of the founders of Arhoolie Records Oakland Cali who spoke quite fondly of Unc Ford.  He also told me Ford Chaney could have been Big.