Weatherford cowboy, Bob Tallman; the voice of professional rodeos

By LYNN MONTGOMERY | East Texas Edition

Bob Tallman Rodeo announcer

April 15, 2004 -- In the Pro Rodeo world, the voice stands alone. It is the voice people recognize and trust. The voice belongs to Bob Tallman, who in 2003 was selected to announce the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (WNFR) for the 17th time and the eighth time in a row. A feat that has not been accomplished by anyone else in the 45-year history of the WNFR

Tallman is also a six-time recipient of the Pro Rodeo Cowboy's Association (PRCA) "Announcer of the Year Award" and will be inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame on Aug. 14 as one of the 2004 Class of 10.

But this humble man simply said, "I am the most overawarded, blessed person in the world. I don't need the awards; just give them to Jesus."

The 56-year Winnemucca, Nev., native, who now lives in Weatherford, "firmly believes that the more I do for Jesus Christ, and the less I do for me, the better off I and my family and friends will be."

And doing is Tallman's middle name. He is a man who wears many hats.

Not only is he one of the top PRCA announcers, 10 years ago, Tallman, who breeds bucking bulls, joined forces several years ago with other notable bull breeders and created Buckers, Incorporated.

Each year Buckers holds two events which offer breeders the opportunity to introduce World Champion bloodlines such as Bodacious, Gunslinger, Little Yellow Jacket, and Skat Kat -- just to name a few -- into their bucking bull breeding programs.

One of Tallman's newest projects, along with partner Paige Mudd of Houston, is Bob Tallman's Ranch Fixins' which are seasonings that "if you eat it, you can put it (these seasonings) on it."

"I love to cook at several events (Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for one) and there are usually anywhere from five to 200 people," Tallman explained while taking a break during the Sixth Annual Buckers Event in Stephenville April 1-3.

The spices, which took about eight months to develop, have the lowest sodium content of all spices, rare sea salt out of the Black Sea, and no additives and preservatives, according to Tallman.

There are four seasonings: Steak Dust, All Around, Ranch Rub, and Panhandle Pepper. Details about the spices, and ordering information, are online (bobtallman.com), or at Academys and other speciality stores.

A portion of the "fixin" sales proceeds go to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, which "lends a helping hand to professional rodeo athletes and their families in the event of catastrophic injuries."

This is only one of two charities that Tallman supports. The other is the Pediatric Programs at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

As Tallman talked to person after person during the three-day Buckers event in Stephenville, one could understand why he believes the key to success with all animals and people is "patience." But, he also said he would like to go back and have patience with some of the people that he initially didn't.

Some tidbits about this announcer, who said he is tired of listening to himself on the microphone but isn't ready to retire, are:

His favorite time of the day -- morning; favorite sound -- quiet; favorite cow -- fat; favorite horse -- gentle; favorite dog -- is a dog; favorite doctors -- veterinarians and pediatricians because their patients can't answer them but they are able to fix them.

Tallman has not always been behind the mike in the field of rodeo; at one time he was a tie-down roper and a team roper.

As far as regrets, Tallman wishes he could spend more time with his parents. His rodeo career keeps him on the road between 260 and 280 days a year.

And, what's the one thing Tallman says he wants to do before his time on Earth is gone? "I want to wear bib overalls and be a farmer."