Bill Bailey, Long Time Houston Rodeo Announcer, Passes Away

HOUSTON, TX — Longtime Houston Rodeo announcer Bill Bailey has died, according to a press release from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR). He was 78. Bailey spent 54 years with the rodeo before retiring in 2015. The cause of death has not yet been released.

HLSR president Joel Cawley released a statement Thursday upon Bailey's passing.

"The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo today lost one of its biggest ambassadors with the passing of "The Constable," Bill Bailey. Bill was more than a Show Lifetime Vice President or one of our past RodeoHouston announcers — he was a true friend to so many of us. He represented the Texas-sized heart of the Show, and our volunteers, staff, and the many young Texans he helped through the years will miss him tremendously."

The idea for the Rodeo's world-famous barbecue cook was Bailey's idea in the 1970's. He was a board member and lifetime vice-president for HLSR. He was Harris County Precinct 8 Constable for nearly 30 years before retiring in 2011. He was a former radio DJ who eventually got involved in the Rodeo with his oh so familiar voice.

In 2009 he was inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame, and in 2010 he was inducted into the Country Radio Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

"For more than four decades, Bill's unforgettable voice has been a staple of our Rodeo performances, and could be heard announcing the grand entry, calf scramble and mutton bustin’ events, as well as special events on the Show grounds," Rodeo Houston President and CEO Joel Cowley said when Bailey retired. "His identifiable sound and colorful additions to these presentations will surely be missed."

Photo via YouTube/CW 39