In 1982 Omega Productions (dba as Omega Audio and Productions) received a call to provide audio recording support for a CBS television special to be shot at the iconic YO and Indian Creek Ranches near Kerrville, TX. The network special was to feature country artist Johnny Cash, with whom the company had previously worked in the early 70s, as well as various others.
The multi-day shoot was slated to feature Cash, his wife June Carter Cash, The Oak Ridge Boys, Jon Anderson, Glen Campbell, Marty Stuart, and a slate of other country artists in staged location shots around the YO Ranch, the Alamo, as well as a final one night thank you concert to local fans at the Kerrville Municipal Auditorium
All photos courtesy of Watt Casey, www.wattcasey.com
Omega’s 24-track mobile unit provided multitrack dialogue recording of staged action and music performances by various artists in and around the YO and Indian Creek ranches, as well as the Alamo. In addition, the company recorded the final concert for inclusion in the network release.
On April 29, 2018, Cash and the other artists were honored by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum with a Special Collections screening of the television special. Here is an excerpt from that screening.
Film Screening: Johnny Cash’s Cowboy Heroes (1982)
CBS originally aired this tribute to cowboy music on May 6, 1982. The Oak Ridge Boys join host Johnny Cash to perform a medley of cowboy classics on horseback; Glen Campbell and Cash discuss the roots of western music; and John Anderson, June Carter Cash, and Marty Stuart perform “San Antonio Rose” around a campfire. Cash closes the program by reciting “A Cowboy’s Prayer.”
Producing for CBS was Cates Films, New York, with Producers Joseph Cates and Chet Hagin. Stan Harris Directed. Omega’s Paul Christensen engineered the recordings, Ken Paul assisted with wiring talent and served as assistant engineer. Clearwater Teleproductions, Dallas, provided remote television facilities, camera cranes, and crew. Clearwater crew included President, Giles McCrary, Unit Manager, Fritz Kuehn, EIC, Keith Blachly, and Tape Op, Randy Feingersh. Clearwater’s Chris Brock and Stacy Smith served as Camera Ops, with Dale Rogers providing Utility.
Here is a VHS copy of the final show as it was aired by CBS on May 6, 1982. (The only known copy)
