 While the term
“country & western” seems to have
disappeared from the modern day conversations
about country music, there is one
singer/songwriter who continues to keep the
“western” in his traditional style of
country music - that is Ben Stillwater. Growing
up surrounded by the open range and mountains of
Big Sky Country, it was only natural that this
Montana native would connect with heroes like Roy
Rogers, Tex Ritter and Gene Autry. During those
early years, Ben often competed in weekend rodeo
competitions while during the week he would be
deep in the mountains cutting timber, eventually
working in timber management and running his own
trucking business. Although these experiences may
seem far from music, it is this heritage and way
of life that have helped him find his musical
roots.
Now living in Wisconsin, Ben launched his
impressive new cowboy stage show, “Giddy
Up” at the historic Independence Opera
House, a venue which originally opened in 1904 in
Independence, Wisconsin. The production, which
has the flavor of an old western town like on
“Gunsmoke,” features seven cowboys and
cowgirls, a traditional cowboy background with
hay bales, saddles and tack plus plenty of
original music by Ben and his duet partner,
Cyndee Jean. Also included are several Western
skits written by Ben - in which he takes on the
role of “Sheriff Stillwater.”
 The premiere
of “Giddy Up” was also filmed as the
first episode of Ben’s television series.
The program now airs on Wisconsin’s
Trempealeau County Community TV. With the
popularity of the show, Ben looks to expand to
other outlets as well as marketing the series on
DVD.
In addition to the regular TV tapings scheduled,
Ben and Cyndee continue their live performances
of “Giddy Up” with recent stops in
Colorado and South Dakota and audiences love it!
It’s not a typical country music
presentation, it’s a modern day throw-back
to the “magic” of the Old West - a
family show that adults can enjoy with their
children.
It was only by chance that Ben and Cyndee Jean
met. They were booked on the same show and
immediately made a musical connection and began
singing together. It was an absolute match since
Cyndee also has a traditional background with
influences like Patsy Cline, Tammy Wynette and
Loretta Lynn. The combination fit together
perfectly for “Giddy Up.”
In addition to his live performances, Ben is
also an accomplished recording artist and
songwriter, having released three CDs, Giddy Up
Truck, Montana In The Spring and Front Door Of
Home. Ben learned a lot about production and
songwriting during the two and a half years he
spent in Nashville, Tennessee. Now working in his
own studio, Ben continues to write songs about
what he’s lived. With very personal songs
like “Your Memory” (written after the
loss of his aunt) and “Symphony of
Love” (written about his love for his wife),
it’s no wonder his music resonates with
audiences around the world. He simply comments,
“It comes naturally.”
The new album, Front Door Of Home features some
of his most requested material as well as three
new songs. Not stopping there, Ben and Cyndee
will be working on a duet project this winter
while continuing to do their live stage
performances of “Giddy Up” with
bookings already coming in for next year. Ben
Stillwater’s brand of music pays homage to
tradition yet has a modern “country &
western” feel - a style he simply describes
as “the sound of country rhythm.”
“Country & Western” music is back -
thanks to Ben Stillwater! “Giddy Up!”
www.BenStillwater.com
 
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