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National Rodeo Hall of Fame
Inducted in 1966
Bill Linderman

Bill Linderman

1920-1965

Montana

All Around Champion: 1945, 1950, 1953

EVENTS
All-Around Champion Cowboy, 1950, 1953
Bareback Bronc Rider, Champion, 1943
Saddle Bronc Rider, Champion, 1945, 1950
Steer Wrestler, Champion, 1950

One of the best all-around cowboys ever in rodeo, Bill Linderman was born at Bridger, Montana, in 1920. He entered his first big-time rodeo at Denver in 1942 and soon was known for his fierce determination, strength and competitiveness.

Called “The King” by his fellow contenders, Bill Linderman did much to further professionalism in the sport. During his tenure as president of the Rodeo Cowboys Association from 1951 to 1957, purse awards, spectator and media attention, and full-time participation among competitors greatly increased. From 1962 until his untimely death in 1965, Linderman served the profession again as RCA secretary-treasurer.

Always a top contender, Bill Linderman regularly competed in saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, steer wrestling, and calf roping. Over a nine-year period, “The King” captured seven championship titles. More important, he instilled his personal professionalism in the sport.

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