National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum's Hall of Great Westerners induct Red Steagall Continued:    This honor represents the heart and spirit of America's Western heritage. Explorers, Native American leaders, writers, poets, statesmen and others who have revered the land, cherished freedom of individuality, inspired their fellow man and found the strength of character to overcome tremendous adversity, find a home within this national memorial.    "The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is the most prestigious institution of its kind anywhere in the world, and to be included in the Hall of Great Westerners with such folks as Burk Burnett, Anne Burnett Tandy, Les and Linda Davis, Charles Goodnight, Stephen F. Austin, John Justin, Bob Kleberg and Teddy Roosevelt is the most humbling and flattering feeling I could possibly imagine," Steagall said. "I will spend the rest of my life trying to live up to the vote of confidence bestowed upon my cowboy lifestyle by the Board of Directors."    Steagall's recognition by this prestigious institution is well deserved. A native Texan, he has come to be recognized as not only a great songwriter, singer and poet, but as a man who loves his western heritage and all it stands for.    Praises flooded in from Steagall's peers. "Red has been a big influence for me! From the first time I met him he encouraged me to pursue 'Western Music.' He has supported my song writing, and taken time to answer questions I may have about the music business. I'm thrilled that he is receiving this honor!" said Joni Harms. "Red Steagall is to western entertainment what John Wayne is to western movies," asserts cowboy singer and songwriter Dan Roberts. "Red is one of the men in this business who truly deserved this award," said Bobby Newton, executive director of the Academy of Western Artists.    Steagall began syndication of his syndicated radio show, Cowboy Corner, in April, 1994, and has welcomed a variety of guests including Reba McEntire, Ben Johnson, Rex Allen, the late Roy Rogers, Dale Robertson, old time cowboys, ranchers and western historians.    For the past 12 years the Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering in Fort Worth, Texas has been one of the most popular events of its kind. Steagall's participation and hands-on involvement is key to the success of this tribute to the cowboy, which is enjoyed by western enthusiasts from all over this country and many foreign countries.    Steagall's also received a Wrangler Award as a 2002 category winner for his Traditional Western Album, Wagon Tracks, his first release with Western Jubilee Recording Company, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Accompanied by his band, The Boys in the Bunkhouse, Steagall has won five Wrangler Awards for original and traditional western albums.