Cowboy Buddha

• Genres: Rock
• Representative Albums: "Guns Ammo Bait Film Gifts Snacks Maps," "Cement Pond"

Biography

Cowboy Buddha bridge the gap between garage punk and country-rock, drawing inspiration from both the Minutemen and Johnny Cash. Formed in 1995 by Fletcher Harrington after he moved from Mississippi to California, the band resided around the Orange County area and began with coffeehouse performances. Since the band emphasized original material rather than covers, it struggled commercially and in turn underwent numerous lineup changes. Harrington, a singer/songwriter, remained the group's steady leader over the years. Cowboy Buddah released two tapes -- Bone Crushing Cowboy Love and Truckstop Zen -- and two short CDs -- Six Strand Raw-Hide Rope and Rootless, Godless & Free -- before compiling most of the songs from these EPs onto Guns Ammo Bait Film Gifts Snacks Maps in 1999. The band released Cement Pond a year later, by which time it held a steady lineup comprised of Harrington, Gary Hollon, Robb Forby, and Jim Schmerbauch. In late 2001 Harrington released his debut solo album, Eyes on Fire & Knuckles Sore. ~ Jason Birchmeier, All Music Guide