Podcast Summary: The Moth – "Rudy Rush: Harlem Cowboy"
Episode Information
- Title: Rudy Rush: Harlem Cowboy
- Host/Author: The Moth
- Release Date: September 1, 2008
Introduction
In this heartfelt and humorous episode of The Moth, comedian Rudy Rush shares his unexpected journey from performing comedy in New York City to embracing a cowboy lifestyle in Pendleton, Oregon. Recorded live in New York City, Rudy captivates the audience with his authentic storytelling, blending personal anecdotes with poignant reflections.
Becoming an Unexpected Tour Guide
[02:34] Rudy begins by recounting a memorable night at Caroline's Comedy Club during the Fourth of July weekend, where he opened for Tracy Morgan from Saturday Night Live. Following a successful performance, Rudy is approached by two mothers, fans of "Leave It to Beaver," seeking his guidance in navigating the city.
Rudy Rush: "I was like, you know, thank you very much... they're going to be in the newspaper tomorrow morning."
Despite his initial hesitation and awareness of the potential media attention, Rudy decides to take the ladies under his wing, becoming their reluctant tour guide for the weekend.
Invitation to the Rodeo
As Rudy navigates providing a pleasant experience for his guests from Portland, Oregon, he unexpectedly receives an invitation that would change his life. One of the ladies urges him to attend the annual rodeo in Pendleton, Oregon.
Rudy Rush: "I'm a brother from the hood. We don't do rodeos. But then I thought... another adventure that I can say, at least I tried it."
Embracing the opportunity, Rudy accepts the invitation, setting the stage for his transformation into the "Harlem Cowboy."
Arriving in Pendleton: Embracing the Cowboy Lifestyle
Upon arriving in Pendleton, Rudy faces the challenge of fitting into the rodeo culture. With only his New York City attire—cap, sweatshirt, and jeans—he realizes a wardrobe change is essential. At a local store, he is outfitted with traditional cowboy gear, complete with Wrangler jeans and a black Stetson hat.
Rudy Rush: "I'm looking like, you know, Will Rogers dipped in chocolate, right?"
His new attire marks the beginning of his integration into the rodeo community, allowing him to connect with locals and embrace the cowboy spirit.
Experiencing the Rodeo and Forming Bonds
Rudy details his adventures at the rodeo, including unexpected interactions and thrilling experiences. He shares a memorable moment when a wild horse charges toward him, prompting him to use his basketball agility to dodge and escape unharmed, much to the crowd's delight.
Rudy Rush: "Everybody was cheering. I never heard this applause at a comedy show."
Through these experiences, Rudy forms deep friendships with the rodeo crew, describing them as his "best friends" and expressing a desire to return for many years to come.
The Impact of 9/11: A Personal Connection
A pivotal moment in Rudy's story occurs during the 9/11 attacks. While in Pendleton, he watches the tragic events unfold on television, unable to contact his family initially. The rodeo community, recognizing his distress as the sole New Yorker present, takes proactive steps to ensure his family's safety.
Rudy Rush: "They knew I was from New York. So the cowboys are coming from the pits and everything like that just to make sure that I got in contact with my family."
This act of solidarity profoundly impacts Rudy, reinforcing his bond with the rodeo community and highlighting the universal sense of support during a national tragedy.
Tributes and Continued Connections
In subsequent years, Rudy continues to attend the Pendleton rodeo, witnessing tributes to 9/11 and further cementing his place within the community. He reminisces about moments shared with fellow attendees, including a touching tribute involving a firefighter and a police officer from New York.
Rudy Rush: "It was a touching experience. He starts crying, and I'm quite sure he was thinking of his wife... I'm thinking of my friends that I lost in the towers."
These interactions deepen Rudy's appreciation for the connections he's made, blending humor with heartfelt emotion.
Reflections and Lasting Friendships
Rudy concludes his story by reflecting on the meaningful relationships he's built through the rodeo experience. He shares a particularly moving interaction with Lucas, an older gentleman battling arthritis and coping with the loss of his wife. Their shared moments, especially during the national anthem, underscore the profound human connections that transcend cultural and geographical boundaries.
Rudy Rush: "He puts his two fingers on my shoulder, and I put my hand on his shoulder. And I love those people, and those are my friends."
Conclusion
Rudy Rush's story is a testament to the unexpected paths life can take and the enduring power of community and friendship. Through humor and vulnerability, he illustrates how stepping out of one's comfort zone can lead to transformative experiences and lasting bonds.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Rudy Rush [02:34]: "I'm going to take these two ladies out and show them a nice time."
- Rudy Rush [04:15]: "I'm looking like, you know, Will Rogers dipped in chocolate, right?"
- Rudy Rush [07:50]: "Everybody was cheering. I never heard this applause at a comedy show."
- Rudy Rush [09:30]: "I'm a brother from the hood. We don't do rodeos."
- Rudy Rush [10:15]: "This wild horse is coming at me with two guys trying to corral the horse to get into the pit."
- Rudy Rush [10:52]: "He puts his two fingers on my shoulder, and I put my hand on his shoulder. And I love those people, and those are my friends."
About Rudy Rush
Rudy Rush is a renowned comedian with appearances on platforms such as Laughapalooza, Def Comedy Jam, and Chappelle’s Show. His storytelling prowess shines in this episode, offering listeners a blend of humor, resilience, and heartfelt connections.
For More Information
To explore more stories from The Moth and learn about their ongoing storytelling series, visit themoth.org. You can also find The Moth stories on CD, learn about corporate events and training programs, and become a member to support the art of storytelling.