Sterling sings a song written in honor of the Irish immigrants who moved to western Montana. Sterling Drake performs "The Coyote" during the "For Story's Sake" show at the 41st National Cowboy Poetry Gathering.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Sterling Drake
Philipsburg, MT
Songwriter Sterling Drake’s journey has taken him from the Big Cypress of south Florida to the mountains of western Montana and everywhere in between. With a penchant for honest storytelling, and a family history of ranching and roping gators, Sterling weaves his own perspective into the American songbook, often highlighting a strong sense of place. Rolling Stone has praised his “rough-hewn aesthetics” and his honky tonk roots have expanded to a lush, adventurous sonic palette in his full debut album “The Shape I’m In.” Sterling is joined by bandmates Thorleifur Gaukur Davidsson (harmonica, guitar, album producer), Norbert McGetiggan III (bass), and Julian Paneli (fiddle).

"The Coyote"

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Filmed in front of a live audience with help from the E. L. Wieg Foundation at the Western Folklife Center’s G Three Bar Theater in Elko, NV, on Jan. 30, 2026.

Made possible by the multitude of staff, artists, volunteers, and community members working behind the scenes to make this show happen.

Brought to you by the Western Folklife Center, using story and cultural expression to connect the American West to the world.
www.westernfolklife.org

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