R.W. with his Western Heritage Award for Shortgrass, 2011’s Outstanding Original Western Composition. The Award is affectionately know as the “Wrangler.” Photo Credit: www.ownebeyphotography.com

R.W. and friends celebrate his award winning evening. From left, John Cunningham, Eli Barsi, R.W. and Gary Bright. Photo Credit: www.ownebeyphotography.com

Congratulations, R.W.! Mr. Hampton with actor Ed Harris, host of the 2011 Western Heritage Awards gala. Photo Credit: www.ownebeyphotography.com

R.W. performs Shortgrass at the 2011 Western Heritage Awards gala, National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, April 16, 2011. Photo Credit: www.ownebeyphotography.com

Canadian cowboy entertainer, Eli Barsi, and her husband, JohnCunningham, accompany R.W. Photo Credit: www.ownebeyphotography.com

R.W. accepts his Wrangler award while Gary Bright, the co-producer of Shortgrass looks on. Photo Credit: www.ownebeyphotography.com

Shortgrass’ producer, Gary Bright, thanks the audience for their support of the song and R.W. for choosing to work with him. Photo Credit: www.ownebeyphotography.com