[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Page 9894]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO LOUIS ARMENTARO

 Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, going to the rodeo is a longtime 
Montana tradition. Montanans sport their best boots and Stetson hats 
and shine up their belt buckles to connect with the rugged and 
untamable spirit that is the American cowboy. Livingston, MT is home to 
one of the longest standing rodeos in the State and home to the world 
record holding rodeo announcer, Louis Armentaro.
  Over the Fourth of July weekend, I will have the privilege to honor 
Louis and watch him announce his 68th Livingston Roundup Rodeo. Louis 
started this tradition back in 1949, when he returned to Montana after 
serving in WWII. During his time in the Special Services in Japan, 
Louis delighted in running audio for his fellow soldiers at the GI 
theatre, ball games and parades. His passion for western swing and its 
ability to transport people inspired him to start Sound Over the West 
audio and announcing when he returned home.
  As a child, Louis grew up with a passion for authentic country music. 
Not only is he one of the greatest curators of this style in Montana, 
he is also one of the most revered pedal steel guitar players in the 
country music community. In the early 1950s Louis, his brother Frank 
Armentaro and their friend Oscar Bergsing started the Rhythm Ramblers, 
one of the longest living bands in Montana. For decades they created a 
soundtrack for countless swing dancers across the State. While 
performances from the group are extremely rare today, Louis continues 
to play his steel guitar every morning. At 91 years old, he is one of 
the most experienced steel guitar players alive.
  Louis, with the support of his devoted wife Donna, has become a 
pillar in the Livingston community. Not only have the couple raised and 
fostered an estimated 30 children, they are an indispensable part of 
the Livingston Roundup Rodeo. For many cowboys and cowgirls, this event 
is known as Cowboy Christmas; Louis Armentaro is their Santa Claus. He 
is the dependable voice and orchestrator and is the most recognizable 
attraction in the rodeo parade. During the parade and the rodeo, Louis 
blares his curated collection of western swing music. For the last six 
decades, he has introduced people of all ages to sounds of American 
country and the history these songs can teach.
  I am proud to honor this unique man for his service to his community 
and our country.

                          ____________________