50 years of Living Western Brought to you by Cavender’s: 1974

 

• Don Gay of Mesquite, Texas wins the first of his 8 consecutive PRCA bull riding world titles
• Little House on the Prairie starring Michael Landon & Melissa Gilbert debuts on NBC
• Blazing Saddles, a satirical Western comedy film directed by Mel Brooks and starring Cleavon Little and Gene Wilder was nominated for three Academy Awards
• In response to the energy crisis, daylight saving time commences nearly four months early in the United States
• Dolly Parton leaves Porter Wagoner’s band to embark on solo career and has four #1 hits including Jolene
• Miller Lite was introduced with popular slogan “tastes great, less filling”
• Hesston sponsors National Finals Rodeo telecast; they create belt buckle to commemorate the event

Don Gay NFR Bull Riding; Credit – ProRodeo Hall of Fame