 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||
 |
 |
 |
||||||||
|
Headline: John Wain Recreates "The Duke" An Incredible 'Reunion' Dennis Hunt Editor's Note: I first met John Wain on a three-day trailride in the mountains outside of Las Vegas. He was hired to be part of the entertainment in the evening after the first day's ride. He rode up on horseback, dressed like "Rooster Cogburn', John Wayne's character from 'True Grit- and 'became' John Wayne for the next 20 minutes. Believe me, he has it all; the hands on the hips, the saunter-swagger-like walk, the size, and most all the voice. We've met again many times since then and I've never gotten over my wonder at how 'really good' and impersonator he is, and how faithful to the legend he is. When he came to my office with this story, because of my own life-long relationship with horses, I knew that this was something special. I introduced John to Dennis Hunt, a feature writer for us, and this is the story that unfolded. - Paula Sullivan. John Wain was first introduced to Las Vegas as one of the 'Legends' at the Imperial Palace. Since then he has gone around the country, for the last seven months, with the IRCA Rodeo re-creating 'The Duke'. His impersonation of John Wayne is hands-down the best anywhere. Until you sit and talk to John, as I did for this article, you can't really appreciate his devotion to the late John Wayne. This story is about John's latest adventure and probably his closest touch with 'The Duke's' life, yet. While on the rodeo circuit, Wain learned that Wayne's horse 'Dollor', the horse that he used in his last seven films, was still alive and owned a couple in Dallas. He contacted them and they arranged for him to go see ol' Dollor. The owner's name will remain anonymous at their request. After driving some distance to get to their ranch, Wain and his charming wife Myrle, were invited to spend the night and meet Dollor the next morning. When the day dawned, John put on his 'Rooster Cogburn' outfit and then, along with his wife and the owner, went out to the barn. The horse was eating and only casually looked up when the three went into the stall. Wain was about twelve feet away when he began to talk to Dollor in the voice and attitude of 'The Duke'. "Well, ol' Dollor," he said, "you sure look good ol' fella'. These people here appear to be taking good care of you." At this point the horse's ears became riveted on Wain and he began to move away from his hay. "You and I have been away too long," and the horse nudged him right off balance. Dollor then began to rub his nose all up and down Wain's torso. "You and I have a lot to talk about." Ol' Dollor gave Wain what could only described as kiss. The reaction of the horse to Wain was so strong that this time, the owner's wife and Wain's wife were both in tears. They have owned him for three years and they have never seen him respond for anyone like this. Wain was so taken the unmistakable response of the horse, and so struck the strong 'personality' of this horse, that he just wanted to hug him. John admits the affinity was intense, it was beyond anything he could have imagined. To capture that moment was something Wain will be talking about for years. For 18 years John had been doing 'The Duke' and the incident with Dollor not only touched Wain, but all those who hear the story. I was asked personally the Vegas Visitor to write this story because they know of my love for country music and anyone connected with the American cowboy. Meeting John Wain could only have been surpassed meeting John Wayne. Wain's career has been filled with many wonderful times, but his metting with Wayne's horse is far one of his most dramatic moments. Good luck to you John Wain, The Duke would be proud of your devotion to him, and pleased with your exact and detailed portrayal of him. Ol' Dollor knows. |
|
| Duke's Corner | John's Scrapbook | Dear John Letters | Homepage |