Wyoming native Chancey Williams, whose journey from professional rodeo cowboy to country music star has captivated fans nationwide, is set to return to his roots at the Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD).
Williams, who initially made a name for himself in the rodeo arena, has seamlessly transitioned into a successful country music career. His performances at iconic events such as the Cheyenne Frontier Days and the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) have cemented his status as a beloved figure in the country music scene. The Frontier Days holds particular significance for Williams, as it is where he once competed as a bronc rider and now performs as a musician, creating a poignant full-circle moment. He is one of only two individuals to both ride in the rodeo and perform on stage at CFD, following in the footsteps of the legendary Chris LeDoux. This year, Williams was even seen on horseback, assisting in the arena, blending seamlessly with the rodeo crowd who were unaware of the country music star among them.
Williams and his band are regular performers at the Outlaw Saloon during CFD, and they have also graced the main stage at Frontier Park. Notably, in 2022, they played ahead of country artist Dierks Bentley, and in 2015, they shared the stage with Toby Keith. During that performance, Keith invited Williams to join him for a rendition of “Should’ve Been a Cowboy.” This year, Williams was honored with induction into the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame, class of 2024.
In an interview with the Wyoming Tribune Eagle, Williams reflected on his rodeo past, stating, “I was on the road all the time because I grew up rodeoing … so when I switched over to music and was also on the road all the time, it wasn’t too different from what I was used to. I still miss rodeoing and getting on horses, but I sure love music, so I think it was the right decision … and you can only rodeo for so long.”
Chancey Williams is also the only singer-songwriter endorsed by the western clothing company Cinch. He has made his mark on major stages, opening for prominent artists like Toby Keith, Cody Johnson, and Parker McCollum.
