On his posthumously-released album Eastern Montana, George Winston covers Michael Hedges’ original unreleased song “I Wish I Was A Cowboy.”
Michael Hedges wrote the song “for Oklahoma,” where he grew up. Many of his compositions and vocals were inspired by the Midwestern landscape and his upbringing. He performed “I Wish I Was a Cowboy” in his early years gigging, but never released it on his albums. George Winston, a good friend and label-mate of Michael’s, had always enjoyed the song and been working on covering it, and other Hedges compositions, for years before he passed away.
George Winston and Michael Hedges were good friends and collaborators, and shared many tours and experiences together. George’s was the first early interview filmed (in 2018) for the upcoming documentary Oracle: the Life & Music of Michael Hedges – a project which George was incredibly supportive of.
In August, 2024, George’s publishing company Dancing Cat Records released the full album Eastern Montana, which contains a recording of him covering “I Wish I Was a Cowboy“ on piano. Listen to a preview below:
Here’s an early performance of Michael Hedges performing the song with guitar, vocals and harmonica, captured by Randy Lutge at the New Varsity Theater.
ABOUT THE ALBUM – from GeorgeWinston.com
“Dancing Cat Records is excited to announce the first in a series of posthumous albums composed by acclaimed pianist George Winston. The latest George Winston studio album, entitled Eastern Montana, features 10 new compositions as available now on all streaming platforms and available for physical purchase. As we celebrate George with his first posthumous album, Eastern Montana, may his music continue to be a part of the heartfelt memories and traditions created over these last 40+ years.
To stream Eastern Montana or purchase a physical copy, please go to http://lnk.to/eastern-montana“
George Winston (1949-2023). Rest in peace.
