EDWARD L. CRAIN
Edward L. Crain was a Texas cowboy, singer and guitarist who performed professionally as "The Texas Cowboy" and under several recording aliases, including Cowboy Ed Crain. Having worked on ranches and cattle drives before entering show business, he brought an authentic cowboy repertoire to the recording studio. Although his commercial recording career lasted only a few months in 1931, his performances of traditional Western songs and outlaw ballads remain among the finest examples of early cowboy music recorded with voice and guitar alone.
BANDIt COLE YOUNGER
Recorded August 17, 1931 – New York, New York
Matrix 151731-2 - Co 15710-D
"Bandit Cole Younger" is a traditional outlaw ballad told from the perspective of the famous Missouri bandit Cole Younger, recounting his life of crime and eventual capture. Crain learned the song from fellow ranch hands before recording it in 1931, and his restrained vocal delivery and guitar accompaniment preserve the direct, narrative style of the cowboy tradition. Crain recorded the song twice in 1931. The earlier version, issued on Conqueror 8010 and Broadway 4055, was later selected by Harry Smith for his influential Anthology of American Folk Music. A second recording, matrix W151731-2, appeared on Columbia 15710-D.
COWBOY'S HOME SWEET HOME
Recorded August 17, 1931 — New York, New York
Matrix: 151733-2 - Columbia 15710-D
"Cowboy's Home Sweet Home" is a nostalgic western waltz that celebrates the peace and freedom of life on the range. Edward L. Crain supports the melody with a steady alternating-bass accompaniment, smooth chord transitions, and understated bass movement that perfectly complement the song's reflective mood. The performance is a fine example of his clean, song-centered guitar style, where simplicity serves the storytelling.
