Ben "Son" Johnson: The Real Cowboy (Jerry Skinner Documentary)

[@dandavis7565]

While working with him on a movie in 1983, we had a production break because of weather. During the sudden storm we both sought refuge under the same cover. We were having a good conversation. On set we often have rope handy to tie things down that might blow away or get knocked over. I was an electric and not a grip but had a hank of rope handy with me. Son asked to see it and proceeded to entertain me with rope tricks; one of which was to whip a knot into the trailing end using only wrist action of the hand holding it. Then he showed me how to knot a lariat for roping and taught me how to properly throw the loop. It was one of those special moments in the business you never forget. I knew him only as an actor and former wrangler. I didn't know then I was being mentored as a cowboy by a world champion steer roper. There were no smart phones at the time so I have no photos but I wish I did, but then I was never the type to impose and ask either. I miss him, his type, and I miss the business.

[@benwhittington2164]

Ben Johnson was a cowboys' cowboy, an honorable man, and keeper of the Cowboy Code. He's still highly praised and sorely missed.

[@tjschoenlein5189]

As a boy I grew up at the movies watching Ben Johnson and the “ Man” John Wayne...it didn’t get any better than that...👍

[@SemperFido9915]

Ben was a friend of my wife's family, and what a great guy. His warmth, humor and infectious laugh made him a welcome diversion any time he graced the household. His presence is missed.

[@ruthsmith2447]

lucky you!

[@johnmurray4918]

Of all the actors playing cowboys, this man didn't have to act he was the real deal. He was refreshingly moral, led his life in the true "cowboy way" and even sounded like a cowboy when he spoke. I always liked him. Thank you for your video.

[@rixx46]

I really enjoyed this. I worked on 2 movies with Ben Johnson (in '74 and '80) and I appreciate the detail, and the respect you showed him. He was a true gentleman and a good soul. During our downtime at the small motel, all of the cast and crew were staying in, Oscar-winner Ben would fire up a barbeque by the pool and cook burgers and steaks for everyone. He told me that, in the scene where Alan Ladd punches him through the saloon doors in SHANE, Ben knocked himself cold throwing himself backward through the doors. He was a kind soul who had time for everyone and countless stories of his years in Hollywood. Thanks for the doc.

[@JerrySkinner1943]

Thank you so very much Rick, from someone who worked with Ben. Jerry

[@BDCasey1]

Need more Ben "Son" Johnson's in this world. Tough and principled.

[@michaelkingsbury4305]

My Grandad had Sunset Lake Ranch in Osage County. They knew each other and lived by the code.

[@edmccaffrey1]

The best description of Ben Johnson was when he said he was more proud of his World Championship Roping over his academy award! Only a real cowboy could say something that profound.

[@JRobbySh]

Will Rogers was also an outstanding roper.

[@troymooney4220]

My dad liked Mr Johnson so I had to like him also.A true gentleman and role model.

[@judydingmon3608]

My husband often reflects on the first time he saw Ben Johnson. It was in the movie "Mighty Jo Young." Man, they goes back a lot of years. He's always been the "cowboy's cowboy."

[@dukeman7595]

He was one of the all time best cowboy actors there ever was, and a true Man that lived with a set of morals throughout his entire life. R.I.P. and God bless.

[@robertgonzales5515]

Ben Johnson, A man of true Integrity. May he rest in peace.

[@roygunter3244]

Ben Johnson's character showed through on the small and big screen. He came across, at least to me, as a true gentleman and real cowboy and a real man. He is the man most of us wish we could always be. Your piece on him is a real tribute to him, thank you.

[@christinegolding3785]

I have enjoyed watching numerous western movies with Ben Johnson in them, just watched Shadow Riders (DVD) with Tom Selleck, Sam Elliot, Katherine Ross, and Ben Johnson. My late mother, Anne E. Golding had a secret crush on Ben Johnson. R.I.P. Mom and Ben.

[@OdinX316]

I saw it too, I suspect many did!! He even played a good bad man in Shane!!

[@Fishbabies]

A truly beautiful biography!! My mom meet Ben at a rodeo one time & what I remember her saying is he was a tall, wonderful gentleman. They don’t make men like Ben anymore!! Thank you, Mr Skinner!! ❤❤❤

[@geraldmaddock]

As the many others that have commented on here, Ben Johnson was a favorite western actor of mine. I moved to Mesa, AZ in 1984 and became aware that he lived in Mesa and eventually learned that he frequented a little downtown Mesa bar on Country Club Dr. only a few blocks from where I worked. I regret that I never made the effort to try to catch him there, and then learned of his passing, and the opportunity was gone forever. My loss, would have loved to shock his hand and expressed my gratitude to him. Rest In Peace, Ben "Son" Johnson, you were one of a kind and missed by all of us cowboy (wannabees) western fans. God Bless You...….

[@brucevidito4923]

The last movie I remember seeing Ben Johnson in was Red Dawn. Definitely a class act. Humble, kind and a man of principles and morals that were non negotiable. Definitely one of my all-time favorite actors.

[@stevischermi6409]

I'm 82 and never met anyone like him. What a lovely man. Rest in peace, Ben.💕

[@Hillbillygreasemonkey]

He also had a part in Angels In The Outfield, and even then, he couldn't escape from his true cowboy nature.

[@andymckane7271]

Exceptional biography, Mr. Skinner. Ben Johnson has long been one of my favorite character actors (together with Harry Carey, Jr., and only 2 or 3 others). Ben Johnson was and shall always be one of my role models on the kind of human being and friend I wish to be to those close to me. You did a wonderful job with this biography. Thank you very much, Mr. Skinner!

[@swampwhiteoak1]

He seemed so straight forward and honest that when I saw your documentary, I hoped to learn that he was a good man. He was a good man first, and then after that a good husband, cowboy, and actor. His comment that he was best at playing Ben Johnson was perfect - transparent honesty. Thank you for this documentary about a very admirable man.

[@harleyblue999]

Loved this man hooked on westerns all my life,and thats 70 years,if anyone stood for morality this man did. Thanks Jerry from Alan UK.

[@timstrickland8774]

Don't make em like Ben anymore. .

[@neilwilliams2409]

Alan ditto. Loved his movies.

[@michaelthornburg242]

Kay Mitchell your wrong he raised quarter horses and lived in ft worth Texas my mentor trained grey lark for him and I won his memorial roping one year so troll somewhere else you sad pathetic excuse of a woman have some respect

[@smiff4748]

God broke the mould when Ben was born. His like will never be seen again. It was because of Ben that I became totally hooked on westerns. I'm also 70 years old.

[@oliveraltizer5395]

@Kay Mitchell mom

[@elizabethcantarell5094]

Thank you Jerry for another wonderful Bio. I don't see any movies made today because of the language, sex and violence. Son Johnson what a gentleman of integrity. Great actor and husband. Rip.

[@juan1946er1]

Jerry, you have, without a doubt, the best video biographies on the Internet or anywhere else. The info you choose to include is always informative and sometimes even poignant. Well done, Sir, very well done. Again!!

[@Jimmy5string]

Pity we don't have more men such as Ben 'Son' Johnson in 2019. A great man.

[@sumrica]

Thanks for telling this story of Ben Johnson's life. I've always loved the sound of his voice and twinkle in his eyes.

[@ke5udy]

One of the most genuine and down to earth men that I ever met. I was walking through the western store at Sam’s Town in Las Vegas in 1994 or 95, while I was stationed at Nellis AFB. I’m walking along looking for shirts and Ben was sitting at a table, no crowds around, he struck up a conversation with me. We sat and just shot the breeze for about 30 minutes. So glad I got to meet him.

[@boppy4]

One Eyed Jacks has been one of my favorite westerns since I first saw it at the Ilex theater in Quitman, GA in 1961. Ben Johnson, Brando, Karl Malden, Katy Jurado and Slim Pickens. I still watch it from time to time. Johnson had the some of the best lines in the movie: "Maybe so, but I wouldn't want to lose me a handful of brains tryin' to find out."

[@markmarsh27]

Nobody EVER had more charisma on screen. .... I have loved Ben Johnson like a missing Grandpa since I was a little wee kid. ... very nice to learn about his life. ... You're a Priceless Treasure Jerry Skinnner. .... Your Bios are valuable Historical Documents.

[@wadenixon5937]

Truly a American Icon, much Respect .

[@joehellno9097]

This is the fourth Skinner Bio Vid I’ve seen, all in the past few days. I’ll keep it simple and straightforward, like Mr. Skinner does: I like him. He tells it like many of his subjects would, to the point, uncomplicated by unnecessary distractions or too flowery description. I love the simplicity and purity of western straight talk, and Skinner is obviously a proponent as well. Very fine! Ben Johnson would have approved. I surely do, for what it’s worth. Now I’m gonna find me some more of these videos talkin’ about other fine western gentlemen in both their on and off-screen lives!

[@discernment8963]

He was an actual cowboy stumbled into Hollywood.I know The Duke had nothing but respect for him.

[@jimklinkhardt5495]

Love westerns and your bios of Ben Johnson and Slim Pickens were emotional and fantastic. Thanks for doing them.

[@jamesavery9581]

Being raised on Westerns,I had much respect for Ben Johnson.....who was one of the last of a dying breed.A real cowboy and a man with principles.R.I.P. Ben....gone but definitely not forgotten.

[@jamestheman1962]

Yup a real cowboy a real man

[@gerrycoleman7290]

@@jamestheman1962 People today could learn a lot from how he lived his life.

[@jamestheman1962]

@@gerrycoleman7290 they surely could Gerry,a real gentleman with no pretense at life,just lived as it was meant to be,I loved the Western genre and the movies,I am a Scot,live in Scotland but my old man was a big Duke fan and Ford movies,a WWII veteran and seem's no matter what side the pond you was on they had a code that old lads did,and it seems like it is no longer there any more,but Ben was one of my favorite western star's,I lived quite a long spell in Texas and round about Oklahoma,down Texhoma Pottsborro loved it,lot of friends there,going back to see them soon I hope.

[@gerrycoleman7290]

@@jamestheman1962 Hello Mr. McAllister: A pleasure to read your message from clear across the pond. I hope you get to see your friends stateside soon.

[@denvercaldwell9559]

👍

[@normanwillsie5145]

One of the true greats of westerns! The movies with Wayne and him as his sidekick were the best and most of the time Ben stole the scenes. He was a class act!

[@frankfrazierjr.3216]

He was a wonderful man. And American. We need more like him. And more cowboys.

[@jimh.5286]

"Everybody in town is a better actor than I am. But no one can play Ben Johnson as well as I do." He didn't need to act, he was the real deal.

[@JRobbySh]

Wish he had made more films as the character “Pardee”.

[@dorothycoker8830]

Married to the same woman for over fifty years, made numerous movies and not one swear word! Now, there's a real man

[@spookgriffith2892]

@Kay Mitchell Because he was a MAN with character, that is why!

[@joelfetner3170]

He used a ' damn ' occasionally in his movies. " The Wild Bunch" for sure & a couple of others come to mind. But he was an estimable man of character. And one of the greatest athletes & horsemen ever

[@tonym994]

@Kay Mitchell INSP still edits out all "hells" and "damns".

[@Farrah300]

I'm kind of sad that Ben and Carol had no children, but I'm very happy that they had a happy life together.

[@rogerhoward7104]

Just a Great account of the history of the Great Westerns. This video brought back many pleasant memories. Thank you Jerry very much for your work in this video.

[@rdwrevitup]

Ben "Son" Johnson was always one of my favorite western stars. He was the best of a few who didn't have to 'act' like a cowboy. He 'was' one. One of my favorite, but most poignant of his roles was the 'old timer' in "Bite the Bullet" with Gene Hackman, James Coburn, Candace Bergen, and Jan Michael Vincent, among others. The comment in response to Jan Michael Vincent's snarky, "I'd rather be in Hell than Oklahoma" was typical of his sardonic sense of humor. He said, "Every man to his own country" nuff said punk, go to bed.....

[@jamesd2128]

I'm glad you mentioned his role in "Bite The Bullet", when I think of that movie, he always comes to mind, quietly memorable as usual.

[@jackburton5483]

Thank you Mr Skinner for this video of one of my heroes and fellow Oklahomans , there are still some very good cowboys roaming the tall grass prairies but none like Mr Johnson . What a treasure .

[@TheGodParticle]

They don't get tougher than this people, a true legend.

[@arleentrompeter1566]

Ben Johnson is a great actor, cowboy and a real man and American. I miss him!

[@Ken-dv9uf]

Thanks for making my day Jerry. I agree... Ben Johnson was a "True Gentleman Cowboy". They don't have actors like him today.

[@dianafriedrichs455]

They don't even make westerns anymore and that is so darn sad, kids don't have the great ones like we did..

[@conniemcalister9909]

Amen to that. So true. He was a Great Man. And Never messed around on his wife. And had a good Life. And Great Friends. / John Wayne. He's another Heroe!!!. I loved them both. I watch Chisum every night. Because I love watching John Wayne and Ben Johnson together. They are Both So very Missed & Loved. C. MAC.

[@cynthia7445]

I did not watch many westerns, but Ben Johnson stood out as one of my favorite actors, especially in "The Wild Bunch." Thank you for your work on this great story.

[@dannyirvine4262]

Ben Johnson was one of my all time favorite actors. Love every movie he ever played in... I never did get to meet him but plan on visiting his grave soon to pay my respects...

[@jamestaulman9053]

Great memorial, thanks. He's always been one of my favorite western actors, because of his authenticity.

[@whocares2227]

I always liked the westerns that had Ben Johnson or John Wayne in them then to have both of them in the same movie was a real bonus. Ben was a good man as most real cowboys are, my dad is a real cowboy and at 91 is still a good man. I always looked up to the good ones and knowing Ben's story explains why. Thanks for putting this story out Jerry Skinner.

[@sixwingsram]

Ben Johnson is my favorite cowboy actor and one of the best people I've ever had the pleasure of watching on film. He was so genuine and a brilliant actor. Thank you for posting this documentary. It was such a great surprise to watch.🌟🐎🐴🐎🌟

[@arturdent5168]

Ben Johnson was awesome

[@bikerbisht110]

I'm glad you did this one Jerry, Ben always added a sense of realism to any western film in which he appeared ... a nice tribute

[@sandra.wonderfulduetbull6469]

Thank you Jerry for this, l always liked Ben Johnson, you could tell that he was a special individual. 🕊🥀🎚🙏

[@kennethdegruchy5503]

I love it Jerry when you get to do a profile on a really decent human being. Your style of delivery so fits a really good man. Thank you.

[@BunsAndGunsCalendars]

I met Mr. Johnson in Omaha at the Cafe Dicopia. I was the bartender, the restaurant was full so he and his companion sat the the counter and ate dinner. They were waiting for a ring from Warren Buffett's jewrey store (Borsheims) so they ate dinner. It was a real honor to meet him. He was indeed a nice man. RIP.

[@joelok48]

Truly fantastic film about one of my all time favorite actors. " You ain't drinking that in here sodbuster." SHANE!!!

[@jimmychanbers2424]

Soba pop.

[@alandouthwaite6980]

Loved this actor when I first saw him in Shane at the cinema. Didn’t know his name but saw something outstanding in him. I was still at school then ( I’m 84 now) but have always admired his acting and have always believed that he deserved much more public recognition than he ever got but then again, Ben Johnson was a real mans man, not a celluloid one !!!

[@OdinX316]

@@alandouthwaite6980 His true Good nature shone through in Shane, the Respect he showed even to one he had disagreed with was so easy for him to act as it was him!

[@forex922]

"A heart is not measured by how much you love, but by how much others love you" Wizard to the tin man. Seems appropriate here.

[@davidames8183]

No cure eszzdfhuolm me he g ffx cbj is hhv ffx f do bj ok I'll Kl poo ok ok k

[@sandhollowhomestead6972]

I felt he was a friend when I first seen him. Most respected man and cowboy I know.

[@tonymickens8803]

The GREATEST Real Life Horseman in Hollywood History PERIOD!

[@molly56clark]

Thank you for this wonderful testimony and documentary to Ben Johnson’s life and career. I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting Mr. Johnson and having him sign my Wild Bunch poster. He was guest of honor in Oologah OK for the commemoration of the Will Rogers statue in the city square back in August 1995. I met him through my X mother in law who was President of the Oologah historical society. He visited with us and I remember him telling me he liked his Melvin Purvis character in Dillinger more than Tector Gorch his character in The Wild Bunch. He felt it was too violent. So glad I had the honor of spending some time with him. He was a gentle giant and a great cowboy and actor.

[@TheWatanna]

I always liked Ben Johnson, now I know why because of what you said in this video. To me his eyes always shone with a genuine caring nature. Thank you for posting. Very nice.

[@SuperTalleyho]

Cant get enough of this channel. A diamond in the rough. Thanks Mr. Skinner.

[@coiledsteel8344]

Ben Johson was also multi-talent in OTHER roles, and brought a VERY gritty realism to the original RED DAWN!

[@chrishartwig5230]

Worked on his cousin's ranch in Texas. Heard a few stories about him. Was always a gentleman and a heck of a top hand.

[@HonoredGeneral]

May God Bless You, Jerry! So many thanks for the story of Ben Johnson. One of my favorite Cowboys, May God Bless You!

[@Whimsey6]

Thank you for another outstanding video, Mr. Skinner. Ben Johnson has always been one of my favorite celebrities. Hopefully, a new generation will see your tribute to him and see what a "REAL" man is.

[@donc9751]

Real man is right! Sadly, It seems there are fewer with each successive generation.

[@rkkotilley358]

Ben Johnsons morals and fine character are still alive and well throughout Oklahoma

[@victorjeffers1993]

I always liked watching Ben Johnson & John Wayne in the westerns ! Many memories growing up watching them together ! Thanks to them & Clint Eastwood for those westerns ! 👍👍

[@dashercronin]

He was a stalwart of the better Westerns. Great performance in George Stevens' Shane with Alan Ladd, Jean Arthur , Van Heflin, Jack Palance, Brandon De Wilde, Emile Meyer, Elisha Cook Jnr. Edgar Buchanan. Arguably the best Western ever made.

[@carriehunt9741]

One of my all-time favorite actors! I would always look for him in any western I watched. Thank you so much!

[@heatherwhittaker6169]

I always liked this actor. Always was happy to see him in a film cast. Thank you.

[@owenffrench7284]

Hey Jerry, thank you for this beautiful testament to a great actor and humanitarian. I always enjoyed watching Ben Johnson in his movies; he never failed to shine in his role! :-)

[@B1llg57]

Another terrific documentary Jerry! I’ve been a huge fan of all the actors John Ford used and brought to us. What a wonderful man Ben ‘Son’ Johnson obviously was.

[@njgl2010]

Mr Skinner I sure appreciate all the hard work you've done so we could watch these documentaries. They are great! Just wish my dad was alive to watch em too.

[@pingpong5000]

Another great documentary Mr Skinner. In my opinion Any good film is made greater by having Ben Johnson in it. It has been discussed for many years who was the best cowboy star ,John Wayne or Clint Eastwood and for me it was always The Duke, But it was Ben Johnson who for me was the Realest cowboy. Ben, the Duke and Harry Carry Jr was the trifecta for a great western.

[@larryrobertson170]

Ben was my Hero. A True Real American Cowboy. You can buy yourself a big hat but if the true cowboy code is not embedded in your heart then your nothing but a hat rack. He is missed to this day. Thank you Jerry. I have really enjoyed your work on all of your Documentaries. Fantastic Job. Keep up the good work. You deserve an Oscar my friend

[@JerrySkinner1943]

Thank you Larry. Jerry

[@dwightcurrie8316]

"Will Penny" was a far under appreciated Western Movie. It was excellent, but never got the credit it deserved. One of my all time favorites.

[@John-ob7dh]

Well you are the one that's down .Classic LOL

[@loadeddog8015]

Will penny was the movie that hot me hooked on westerns

[@shanew.williams]

I remember seeing Ben Johnson on an episode of Gunsmoke. He was the most convincing "bad guy" i've ever seen played ,before or since. Not just the steely eyed look but his voice & the whole way he could carry himself just like a real thug. Glad to know he was really a very decent man.

[@mickwells9431]

Very well done Mr Skinner . Ben Johnson was a favorite actor of mine. A true gentleman and a dang good cowboy. Your story telling is done in fine fashion sir. Thank you for the effort you put into making this and all the other stories you produce. You too are a fine gentleman.

[@ThomasWLalor]

This is one of the actors I loved and admired most. Didn't know why until viewing this vid. His personality carried away from the screen into the audience, and was heartfelt in all of us.

[@jazzfusionary]

Thanks so much Jerry for the excellent documentary. I've always loved Ben "Son" Johnson. Good to hear him and John Wayne were so close. And I respect him even more for telling John Ford to go to hell.

[@craigjones4755]

That is an awesome tribute to a wonderful man. Thank you!

[@warick1959]

I have loved watching Ben Johnson all these years from a boy to a sixty year old. a fine man and actor as usual your brilliant account is stunning thanks Jerry. Regards. From an Englishman

[@JerrySkinner1943]

Thank you Warick. Jerry

[@oliversmith877]

Justby

[@buckwylde7965]

Love your videos! Met Ben once while my brother was filling up his pickup truck in West Sacramento Ca. around 1973 or 1974. Seemed like a very nice guy.

[@user-itschad1954]

Jerry Skinner, you have a way to describe these people that quite simply no one could possibly do. Thank you for all your video's. I've watched many and thoroughly enjoyed them. BJ was a great fellow that was instantly recognized. Thank You Jerry.

[@davidangelamelcher9591]

I always liked Ben Johnson as an actor and was shocked when he was standing in line behind me at the Home Depot in Mesa Arizona near his home. I guess I acted like a total goof and he laughed and asked me, "Watcha building?" That led to a conversation about the garage shelves I was building.

[@maryg3435]

I love your videos! This one is very special .. a wonderful glimpse of an America seemingly gone by...Ben ‘Son’ Johnson. Such class.

[@WolfQuantum]

If I saw a movie had Ben Johnson in it I figured it was worth watching. Can't recall ever being disappointed. His characters always had that combination of humor, sage advice, backbone, and a twinkle of mischief in his eye. For someone who was most always a support character I think he was a big part of anything he was in and made the movie.

[@beast1624]

Thank you, Jerry. Ben was one of my role models growing up. A true Gentleman INDEED.

[@chiefjoe8655]

What an excellent tribute to a fine gentleman. I saw most of the pictures you mentioned. I could sense that he was a true gentleman and cowboy! I'm glad he received the recognition he deserved.

[@williamc.1198]

I have watched Ben Johnson in many, many movies over the years. He was a fine actor, cowboy and man. RIP Ben.

[@joeriley3721]

Ben's always been my idol. He was the real thing!! Always like the movies he was in.🤠

[@reconranger1370]

Nice job Jerry, I am a BIG fan of Ben Johnson. Thumbs up as usual!! thanks for the history lesson!

[@margaretlocke7938]

Decent wonderful man that is still missed

[@denniswhite166]

Well done Mr. Skinner. If not for you I fear much history would be lost forever.

[@denniswhite166]

Thank You!

[@JerrySkinner1943]

Thank you Dennis for watching. Jerry

[@michaelcreek2566]

My parents lived on the reservation in Pawhuska and knew Ben Johnson. The rodeo arena is named after Ben Johnson.

[@blackkittens.]

Yay a story from Jerry Skinner !! Made my day :)

[@t4texastom587]

When a western is coming on and the name Ben Johnson is in the credits....... you're fixing to watch a damn good authentic western.🐴

[@paulsimmons5726]

Jerry, Ben Johnson was one of my mother's favorite actors, she really liked his calm manner. If Johnson had been a musician instead of an actor, he'd have been a famous "studio player" as he played a million second parts behind the likes of John Wayne and others! I've seen Johnson in so many roles over the years, a great man for sure! I wish Hollywood made movies like some of these classic Westerns! Thanks for the video, great as always!

[@mazkact]

Ben Johnson is just about my favorite actor and I really enjoyed this video, Thanks.

[@glockensig]

Guys at work had RED DAWN on...and I pointed to Ben Johnson and said, He was in a lot of cowboy movies. They were unawares. Sad. I hope this younger generation discovers older movies.....

[@gerrycoleman7290]

I know. It is very sad. Another piece of America is lost.

[@dancassidy6038]

was he in red dawn??

[@paddlesupriver2875]

dan cassidy at the beginning, as recall, he was the grandfather and gave them food-ammunition. Also their granddaughter to take care of.

[@cate384]

It is a shame when I see people around my age and younger who don't love the old Westerns I grew up with or even know about the supremely talented actors in them. I was born the year Ben Johnson passed away, but I grew up watching Westerns and always was a huge fan of The Duke. I'm just now really starting to discover more of Ben Johnson's work even though I saw him in some of Wayne's films years ago. Personally, I've always been the type to prefer marrying a man who is a city slicker like me, even though I do love Westerns, but after learning more about Ben Johnson, he is the exception to the rule. If only there were men like him today. An authentic cowboy and wonderful human being.

[@charleswittmer2477]

@@cate384 The US cost of living has past real cowboys over. I'm sure there must be some on the big spreads still around though as they still gotta herd cattle someway. At least the covid isn't a problem for them. I went to school at a teachers college and my freshman year my roommate was a cowboy on partial schlorship. He was gone most of the time to rodeos but still made pretty good grades. He seemed to be a hard worker also. Cowboys now mostly drive 350 dualys pulling their horse trailers all over. My neighbor was a cowgirl completely. She competed in the barrel racing competions around central tx. It was hard work as she also raised horses and trained them. She cleaned her own stalls and all. I think she probably weighed about 115, 5'2 maybe but pretty strong from the hard work. All three boys are educated with their own lives away from horses. The dad is a golpher in his spare time. Cowboys love horses. I like old westerns and watching the gun handling of the old actors.

[@Firebrand55]

Impeccable presentation Jerry, easily the best on You Tube, along with all your presentations. I followed 'Son' as a boy, charging around the town on imaginary horses.At school, Son was the man!.....we knew then he was the best horseman around....and........his voice epitomized the Old West like no other........except yours of course! Proper job, as we say in Cornwall.

[@laduke9876]

Thank you Jerry for sharing this wonderful memory of Ben Johnson who was a man with integrity. I knew he was the man I always thought him to be was true. Profanity and nudity has no talent, it's hard to find these days.

[@christinemiller7577]

We need more men like Ben Johnson