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Chester A. Reynolds Award
Awarded in 2008
Clem McSpadden
Clem Rogers McSpadden was one of the most influential figures to bridge the worlds of Western culture and American politics. Born on November 9, 1925, on a ranch near Bushyhead, Oklahoma, McSpadden was the grandnephew of legendary humorist and actor Will Rogers. He grew up on the Rogers family ranch in Oologah, where he learned the values of hard work, humility, and community—qualities that would define his career both inside the arena and in public office.
After serving in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1946, McSpadden pursued higher education at the University of Redlands, North Texas Agricultural College, and the University of Texas before earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State University) in 1948.
McSpadden entered politics early. In 1954, he was elected to the Oklahoma Senate, where he served for 18 years and rose to the position of President pro tempore for two legislative sessions. In 1972, he won election to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Oklahoma’s 2nd Congressional District and serving on the powerful House Rules Committee. Rather than seek a second term, he ran for governor in 1974, choosing to return to Oklahoma life and Western culture after the campaign.
Alongside his political achievements, McSpadden built a legendary career in rodeo. Known as one of the greatest rodeo announcers in North America, he called events at the National Finals Rodeo, Calgary Stampede, and Canadian Finals Rodeo. In 1974, he famously hired an unknown young singer, Reba McEntire, to perform the National Anthem at the NFR. He also penned the beloved “A Cowboy’s Prayer,” recited for decades across the Western world.
McSpadden’s legacy endures in Oklahoma and across rodeo country. Highway 66 between Claremore and Bushyhead bears his name, and the Chelsea post office is officially the Clem Rogers McSpadden Post Office Building. A statesman, storyteller, broadcaster, and cowboy philosopher, McSpadden spent his life celebrating the spirit of the American West.
Clem Rogers McSpadden was one of the most influential figures to bridge the worlds of Western culture and American politics. Born on November 9, 1925, on a ranch near Bushyhead, Oklahoma, McSpadden was the grandnephew of legendary humorist and actor Will Rogers. He grew up on the Rogers family ranch in Oologah, where he learned the values of hard work, humility, and community—qualities that would define his career both inside the arena and in public office.
After serving in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1946, McSpadden pursued higher education at the University of Redlands, North Texas Agricultural College, and the University of Texas before earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State University) in 1948.
McSpadden entered politics early. In 1954, he was elected to the Oklahoma Senate, where he served for 18 years and rose to the position of President pro tempore for two legislative sessions. In 1972, he won election to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Oklahoma’s 2nd Congressional District and serving on the powerful House Rules Committee. Rather than seek a second term, he ran for governor in 1974, choosing to return to Oklahoma life and Western culture after the campaign.
Alongside his political achievements, McSpadden built a legendary career in rodeo. Known as one of the greatest rodeo announcers in North America, he called events at the National Finals Rodeo, Calgary Stampede, and Canadian Finals Rodeo. In 1974, he famously hired an unknown young singer, Reba McEntire, to perform the National Anthem at the NFR. He also penned the beloved “A Cowboy’s Prayer,” recited for decades across the Western world.
McSpadden’s legacy endures in Oklahoma and across rodeo country. Highway 66 between Claremore and Bushyhead bears his name, and the Chelsea post office is officially the Clem Rogers McSpadden Post Office Building. A statesman, storyteller, broadcaster, and cowboy philosopher, McSpadden spent his life celebrating the spirit of the American West.
