Album Notes

Marvin O’Dell grew up listening to the music of the silver screen cowboys (Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, Tex Ritter, Rex Allen, etc.) and became a huge fan of western artists like Marty Robbins and Billy Walker. Marvin’s father was a fan of western music and would sing many of the classic cowboy songs to him. In time, he began to discover the music of more contemporary western singers like Ian Tyson, Don Edwards, and Michael Martin Murphey. While working as a disc jockey for KCSN FM-radio in Northridge, CA, Marvin suggested that the station begin a cowboy/western music program. Station management finally agreed, and Marvin began searching for music from artists who are recording western music today. It wasn’t long before his program, “Around the Campfire”, included the music of current artists such as the Sons of the San Joaquin, Belinda Gail & Curly Musgrave, Patty Clayton, Kip Calahan, Tom Hiatt, Dave Stamey, Brenn Hill, and a score of others.

In 2004, Marvin joined the staff of the internet radio station Heartland Public Radio (heartlandpublicradio.org). After a few months, he decided to attempt something he had wanted to do for years – write his own western music. Since the fall of 2004, Marvin has written over 100 cowboy/western songs. This CD is an introduction to his writing and warm tenor singing. With established western artist Kip Calahan joining him to record “With a .44 Gun in My Hand”, Marvin has released a set of original western tunes that are sure to become classics. Each cut on this album tells an exciting story or paints a vivid picture of life in the west.

After hearing Marvin’s new CD, noted Nashville songwriter Donnie Blanz wrote with this comment: “I absolutely loved Letter to Molly.” Paula Strong of the western group Trails and Rails, says, “I'm always anxious to hear your new stuff. It's like opening a treasure box. You continue to amaze us with the versatility of your songwriting!”

Marvin is still hosting “Around the Campfire” each weekend on Heartland Public Radio (HPR). The stream HPR2 plays only cowboy/western music 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Marvin can be contacted at: meoteo@aol.com.