As a song is composed, the songwriter has in mind a general idea of the song’s purpose, but there are times when it can take on its own journey depending on its message, how the audience receives it and sometimes when a different audience all together becomes a key partner in the tune’s existence. Just ask The Texas Tenors. Finalists during America’s Got Talent‘s fourth season (2009), the trio creates an exciting blend of genres that is beautiful and catchy thanks to the talents of country singer JC Fisher, pop singer Marcus Collins and opera singer John Hagen. With three Emmys, 1400+ live concerts and a #1 album to their name, who would have ever thought that their songs would become … digital children’s’ books?
Three of their biggest fan-favorite songs have been transformed into digital storybooks for young generations of cowgirls and cowboys. Thanks to Vooks, the world’s first and only streaming storybook targeted to pre-school and elementary-aged readers, families can now enjoy the Texas Tenor’s exquisite harmonies on “Ruckus On The Ranch,” “Moon’s On Fire!” and “The Cowboy Lullaby” as animated colorful illustrations by Brian Fitzgerald visually bring the songs to life. These three timeless musical storybooks are premiering today with The Country Note.
“When we first wrote these songs, we had no idea just how much they would resonate with folks—transforming from fan-favorite tunes into the wonderful storybooks you see today,” says Texas Tenor Marcus Collins. “We are so excited for the opportunity to share ‘Ruckus On The Ranch’, ‘Moon’s On Fire!’, and ‘The Cowboy Lullaby’ with even more kids and families through the Vooks platform, and we hope they have as much fun reading and singing along with these songs as we do performing them.”
“Ruckus On the Ranch” – co-written by the Texas Tenors and Harriet Ziefert – tells the story a cowgirl and cowboy chasing after two horses, Wyatt and Ruby, who have broke free and are running about while picking up a few friends along the way. Much like well loved nursery rhymes, children will love singing along and imitating the farm animals in the song. Originally published in 2015, this favorite by fans of all ages has helped raise money for Shriners Hospitals For Children, with portions of merchandise sold during Texas Tenors concerts going to the organization.
Watch “Ruckus on the Ranch” via Vooks:
When it’s time for bed, the calming melody and soothing vocals of “The Cowboy Lullaby” will send the little ones off to la-la land. After a day of chasing Ruby, Wyatt and company all around the ranch, bedtime calls as the cowboy and cowgirl tuck in the longhorns, chickens, horses, and other critters to bed so they can be rested for another exciting day.
Watch “The Cowboy Lullaby” via Vooks:
But hold on there! Just when you think you can count sheep to sleep, something happens! Clem the Dog cries out “Moon’s On Fire!” – waking up the cowboy and cowgirl, Wyatt and Ruby, the chickens, longhorns, pigs, horses, and other critters. But while Clem’s dire call to arms is not necessary as there is no fire, rather it’s just the Harvest Moon. However the arrival of the big orange moon means that harvest season is here and the real work has begun.
Watch “Moon’s On Fire” via Vooks:
“Vooks is constantly striving to forge new and exciting partnerships with creators and publishers from across the literary and entertainment spectrums, and we are so proud to be able to join forces with The Texas Tenors for these dynamic musical storybooks,” said Shannon Bex, Vooks Chief Communications Officer and Co-Founder. “Packed with catchy lyrics and fun illustrations that bring the songs and stories to life in bold detail, ‘Ruckus On The Ranch’, ‘The Cowboy Lullaby’, and ‘Moon’s On Fire!’ are the perfect additions to the Vooks library—providing a unique experience that will have young readers singing along throughout the day.”
Whether you are a parent, aunt, uncle, caregiver, teacher or someone with an extra special child in their life, Vooks’ trilogy of wonderful digital storybooks inspired by The Texas Tenors is the perfect gift of music, story and art that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike.
SONG CREDITS:
“Ruckus on the Ranch” lyrics by Harriet Ziefert and Marcus Collins, music by Marcus Collins, JC Fisher and John Hagen, published by The Texas Tenors
“The Cowboy Lullaby” music and lyrics by John Hagen and Larry Hanson, published by Little Blue Cattle Dog Music, Pig Works Music
“Moon’s on Fire” lyrics by Harriet Ziefert and John Hagen, music by John Hagen and Larry Hanson, published by Little Blue Cattle Dog Music, Pig Works Music
“Ruckus On The Ranch” was originally published by Blue Apple Books. “The Cowboy Lullaby” and “Moon’s On Fire!” are published by Blue Cat Books.
Vooks – rhymes with books – can be viewed on all popular devices worldwide including Apple’s iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch and Apple TV, Android platforms and devices, Roku, and Amazon TV Fire Stick. Readers can enjoy unlimited access to the platform’s diverse content library for $4.99 per month or $49.99 a year. Not sure if you want to commit to a monthly or yearly plan? Vooks offers a seven-day credit-card free trial. A popular platform among parents, caregivers, and teachers, Vooks is the fastest growing company in its class with readers in nearly 200,000 elementary schools in 175 countries, boasting the quickest adoption rate from teachers around the world. For more information, visit www.vooks.com.
For more information about The Texas Tenors, visit their official website here.