The history and the music of the Old West have influenced the cowboy duo Pards, featuring Roger Banks and Hayden Whittington. In helping to keep that old west spirit alive, they sing authentic trail songs from the late 1800's to the harmony of the Western movies. They even recite humorous poetry rustled from some best cowboy poets around today!

Roger, after attending a WestFest event in Red River, New Mexico realized he was not alone in appreciating the music of the west he had learned as a boy on the plains of Kansas. Picked up a guitar, memorized some classic cowboy poems and has been singing cowboy music ever since. His bass voice is a perfect accompaniment to the tunes and lyrics of the old west. He has had the privilege of sharing the stage with such artists as Michael Martin Murphy, Waddie Mitchell, Don Edwards, R.W. Hampton and Jean Prescott. Hayden joined him in 1999 and Dave "Bunkhouse" Casey was added in 2002 to add a third dimension and they have been "Pards" ever since.

Roger and Hayden serve on the board for the San Angelo Cowboy Symposium and have produced numerous "Cowboy Concerts" at Fort Concho and the San Angelo State Park. The concerts featured various cowboy singers and poets from the region.

San Angelo's Favorite Cowboy Balladeer Duo

Roger Banks
Has been singing and performing since he was "knee high to a short horse" and recorded two albums with a gospel quartet. In addition, he has released a traditional solo cowboy CD. Many types of music including gospel, country, western and even the harmony of barbershop quartets have influenced his music.

Hayden Whittington
Plays lead guitar, 6-string banjo, yodels and sings harmony for the duo. He has been playing since he was 16 years old growing up in Texas. His first performances were with a band in Ruidoso, New Mexico. His childhood love of westerns coupled with his love of the southwest lead to a natural progression to playing songs of the old west and western life style.