Dallas, Texas - This December marks the 30th anniversary of the first world title won by legendary roper Roy Cooper, whose storied life is captured on film in a new DVD recently released at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nev.
Footage in "Roping My Dreams" follows Cooper - the first cowboy ever to earn $2 million - along the glory days of professional rodeo, during which he forged a fast friendship with country music giant George Strait.
Cooper began his career as the 1976 Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Rookie of the Year. He won his first world title that same year and was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame just three years later. Throughout three decades, Cooper broke more than his share of roping records, claiming eight world titles in calf roping, steer roping and all-around categories, and joining an elite group of athletes who've won the 10-head average championship at the NFR in two different events.
In addition to Strait, rodeo celebrities recalling Cooper anecdotes during the film include world champions Trevor Brazile, Joe Beaver and Cody Ohl; former Dallas Cowboy fullback Walt Garrison; six-time world all-around champion Larry Mahan; and Cooper's parents and three sons.
The film contains several historic Cooper rodeo runs, and a special one-on-one chat between Cooper and renowned rodeo announcer Bob Tallman. The film is narrated by Clem McSpadden, who has followed Cooper's career for more than 30 years. Music is by Strait and fellow Texas singer/songwriter Sonny Burgess, who recently released his latest album, "Stronger." The documentary also includes a special Burgess tribute to Cooper's life and roping legacy called "Cowboy Cool."
A DVD release party was held Dec. 5 at the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, and the Texas premiere of the film will be celebrated with a New Year's Even party, open to the public, at the historic Fort Worth Stockyards. "Ropin in the New Year," produced by the Texas Rodeo Hall of Fame and sponsored by radio stations KTFW and KFWR, will feature live music, a full showing of the film and a silent auction to benefit the Roy Cooper Rodeo Research Foundation.
The DVD is available for purchase on www.roycoopersuperlooper.com:
For more information, visit www.roycoopersuperlooper.com or www.sonnyburgess.com
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