Don't Tell Me
42nd Gathering Featured Artists
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3m 1s
R.W. croons a Mike Beck tune. R.W. Hampton performs "Don't Tell Me" during "The Western Rewind" show at the 41st National Cowboy Poetry Gathering.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
R.W. Hampton
Amarillo, TX / Miami, NM
R.W. Hampton was born to be a cowboy. Growing up in Texas, he worked on ranches across the American West. From New Mexico to Nevada, Oregon, Wyoming, and Texas, he started colts, shod horses, and drove cows all while writing songs inspired by the life he was living. What started as bunkhouse entertainment grew into a full-time music and film career, performing at places like the Grand Ole Opry and starring in films such as Wild Horses and The Tracker. He and his wife Lisa split their time between their Texas and New Mexico ranches when they are not on tour.
"Don't Tell Me" words + music by Mike Beck.
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Filmed in front of a live audience at the Elko Convention Center’s Laurena Moren Theater on Jan. 30, 2026.
Made possible by Baymont by Home2 Suites by Hilton Elko and 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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