A legend will grace the halls of the Cortez Elks Club, a legend that has recorded more than 35 albums and is a member of the Western Music Hall of Fame.
Michael Martin Murphey will perform a concert Saturday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. benefiting Hospice of Montezuma.
Murphey is best known for his song "Wildfire", a chart-topping song from the mid '70s about the ghosts of a woman and her horse.
The song eventually surpassed $2 million in U.S. sales.
At the age of 69, Murphey hasn't slowed down much. He still performs sold-out concerts, recently released an album titled "Red River Drifter" and is busy with his ranch in Beulah, Colo.
When the Journal caught up with Murphey via cellphone this week, he was on his way to a ranch to consider the purchase of a flatbed pickup to haul hay.
"Typical ranch stuff," Murphey said.
This is the second performance Murphey has done to benefit Hospice of Montezuma.
"Hospice is something we don't like to think about, but it's such a needed thing," he said.
Hospice of Montezuma is a local, nonprofit organization providing care for people facing an incurable illness or injury. Most receive services in their homes, but care is also provided in assisted living facilities, nursing homes and hospitals. While the majority of their patients are on Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance, no patient is ever denied services due to an inability to pay. It is their policy to never discriminate. Any person who meets the Hospice admission criteria will be served.
"Generous contributions from the community, grants and fundraisers such as this concert allow us to provide services to people in need," said Queenie Barz, with Hospice of Montezuma.
Murphey said he is happy to help out the organization.
When asked what songs he'll play, Murphey said, "It's a secret."
But he is sure to play "Wildfire."
"It's everyone's all-time favorite, so that makes it my all-time favorite too," he said.
He will also play songs from his new album. His favorite: "Secret Smile."
Barz said she is always pleased with Murphey's concerts. This is his second concert benefiting Hospice of Montezuma, and he has performed at the Opera House in Mancos a few times.
Murphey is a No. 1 best-selling singer/songwriter of American cowboy music, and is a respected singer/songwriter in the pop and country-western fields. He's a member of the Western Music Hall of Fame and has won numerous awards and honors from the National Cowboy Hall of Fame, Academy of Country Music and The Grammy Awards.
