Cowboy Libretto launches in celebration of Western Swing as a hallmark of American music culture.

February 24, 2025

[El Prado, New Mexico] — Cowboy Libretto, curated by Ron Thompson, is dedicated to the preservation, study, and presentation of Western Swing. Through research, performance, exhibition, and education, we explore its legacy as a hallmark of American music culture.

Western Swing blends jazz, blues, folk, and country influences, shaping American music for nearly a century. With roots in the dance halls of Texas and Oklahoma, its improvisational energy and cross-genre appeal have shaped generations of musicians. Cowboy Libretto deepens public engagement with Western Swing’s legacy through curated performances, archival research, multimedia exhibitions, and educational outreach programs.

“Western Swing is a defining thread in the fabric of American music,” said Ron Thompson, founder and curator of Cowboy Libretto. “Cowboy Libretto is an invitation for people to explore the genre’s cultural impact—not just as a historical movement, but as a living, breathing art form shaped by music and storytelling. This initiative is about more than preservation—it’s about an invitation for people to explore Western Swing’s cultural impact through its music and stories.”

As part of its debut, Cowboy Libretto presents a series of live events, digital publications, and educational collaborations, bringing together artists, historians, and enthusiasts to delve into the genre’s past, present, and future. The project provides resources for musicians, historians, and enthusiasts exploring the art form’s rich history and contemporary impact.

The Cowboy Libretto website, www.westernswingmusic.com, offers access to research, artist profiles, event updates, and opportunities for public engagement. Visitors can explore an expanding archive of historical materials, interviews, and discussions that trace Western Swing’s evolution and its impact on American music culture. Visitors have access to an expanding archive of materials, interviews, and thought-provoking discussions about Western Swing’s evolution and its influence on modern music.