
The old "yaller" shirt
In the dusty heat of a Colorado tent a towering bronco‑buster named Thad Sowers rides the line between show‑stopping bravery and quiet stubbornness. He’s the picture of a classic cowboy—high‑heeled boots, a massive Stetson, and an old, dandelion‑colored silk shirt that has become his quiet talisman. When the owner of the John O’Day Traveling Rodeo, a sharp‑tongued impresario, demands a flashier uniform, Thad’s loyalty to the faded garment sparks a tense stand‑off that threatens his place in the troupe.
The clash isn’t just about fabric; it touches the heart of the circus’s inner circle, especially the impresario’s daughter June, whose teasing remarks fuel the dispute. As the stakes rise, Thaddles between respect for the boss, his own identity, and the unspoken expectations of a traveling rodeo family. Listeners are drawn into the gritty, colorful world of wild‑west performance, where a single shirt can become the symbol of pride, rebellion, and the precarious balance of a life lived on the edge.
Language
en
Duration
~22 minutes (21K characters)
Release date
Apr 10, 2026
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
A fast-moving storyteller of the pulp era, Ray Humphreys brought the American West to life with colorful characters, sharp humor, and plenty of action. His work appeared in popular magazines including Western Story and Blue Book.
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