Rodeo announcer Hadley Barrett passed away Thursday, March 2. Rodeo fans young and old remember a true legend who was the iconic voice of the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo for 28 years.
Barrett, 87, was scheduled to announce the Austin Rodeo, set for March 11-25.
Details of his passing are still forthcoming.
“Hadley had the unique ability to explain idiosyncrasies of rodeo to those less familiar with the sport. He intimately knew the resume of the contestants, would explain the scoring system and even knew the demeanor and habits of the bucking stock,” the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo said in a statement. “With kindness and humor, Hadley was an amazing professional. He had the capacity to maintain the same high level energy and engagement for 21 consecutive performances.”
Over the years, Barrett was named the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Announcer of the Year four separate times and was inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1999.
“Hadley and our community had a mutual love for one another. Many patrons particularly loved the warm, fun-loving interviews with the Mutton Bustin’ winners, and his soulful tribute to our service men and women and the freedoms they provide us,” the rodeo said in a statement. “He will perhaps be most remembered for his faithful, heartfelt opening invocation at every rodeo.”