Joe also wrote many songs including the classic, I WASHED MY HANDS IN MUDDY WATER, which was a NO. 1 hit by STONEWALL JACKSON. The
song was also recorded by ELVIS PRESLEY, JOHNNY RIVERS, CHARLIE RICH, and many others. At last count the song had sold more than 4
million records.
In 1968 Cowboy Joe joined the HEE HAW nationally syndicated television show and was an original cast member for 25
years doing vocal backing with the NASHVILLE EDITION, singing the lead vocal with the award winning HEE HAW GOSPEL QUARTET, and also
doing the lead vocals with the HEE HAW COWBOY QUARTET, a group created by Cowboy Joe as a salute to the cowboy heroes he listened
to while growing up in the hills of Nebraska where he was born.
Joe also did a character part on the HEE HAW HONEYS television series
with KATHIE LEE GIFFORD where he played the part of the SURVEY MAN.
But now back to THE BABCOCKS. Joe married a beautiful Nashville
girl named Carol and as their five children grew up on their ranch south of Nashville, they, being a musical family started singing
together. Lorrie, a stunning blonde, started singing with her dad on fair dates and church concerts when she was just fifteen, but
it was when Carol added her mellow alto to the trio that they realized they had that magic blend often attained within a family group.
Carol also has acting credits of her own, having appeared in COAL MINERS DAUGHTER, THE HEE HAW HONEYS series with KATHY LEE GIFFORD,
and the HEE HAW SHOW itself with Cowboy Joe and Lorrie. Carol was practically raised at the GRAND OLE OPRY where her mother was a
country music fan and friend of some of the performers. Carols early love for country and gospel music is evident in her singing and
her commitment to the Lord.
Lorrie, now the wife of Todd Hendrickson, is a songwriter in her own right and solos on many of the BABCOCKS
songs. Lorrie also appeared on the HEE HAW SHOW with Carol and Cowboy Joe. All the young people seem to flock to Lorrie for autographs
and pictures after the show and after you;ve seen her you'll understand why. However, Lorries unassuming attitude is a credit to her
Christian commitment. Unaffected by the attention, she believes that the honor and glory belongs to the Lord.
THE BABCOCKS have now
won twenty four industry awards in the country and gospel fields including three time winner of the CGMG TRIO OF THE YEAR,CGMG SONGWRITER
OF THE YEAR, CCMA TRIO OF THE YEAR, CCMA PIONEER AWARD, and three time winner of the ICGMA GROUP OF THE YEAR. THE BABCOCKS have charted
six songs in the national top ten charts plus the NO.1 HIT, BRAND OF THE CROSS.