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| Muddy Boots singer Roger Olcott, right, hams it up
with guitar player Roy Holcomb while performing at Duck Creek Village
recently. |
CEDAR CITY -- You might say that Roger Olcott has become a folk hero,
of sorts, here. A Farmers Insurance agent by day and the lead singer
for Muddy Boots Band in his second career, Olcott is a combination
businessman and entertainer who has found success in both fields.
The 44-year-old Olcott claims to have more enthusiasm than talent when
it comes to his musical exploits, although many of his fans might
question the belief of a very humble man. When the Muddy Boots CD is
playing, most in these parts of the country know that it’s Olcott & Co.
coming out of the speakers.
He is the happiest singer and song writer this side of the
Mississippi knowing that he has been rated among the state’s top agents
with Farmers Insurance (Olcott attributes that to a prize-winning
staff); while entertaining crowds in several states with Muddy Boots.
He has no interest in following the music path to Nashville choosing
instead to being a dad and husband.
“This is my therapy,” said Olcott during a break while performing
recently in Duck Creek Village, which is situated about 30 miles east
of Cedar City. “I love performing for people no matter where we are at.”
Olcott certainly has a following whether it’s singing or working in
the insurance industry. His entertainment schedule is booked so solid
that his dates are required far in advance and his insurance business
has grown dramatically over the past 16 years.
When he is on stage, Olcott incorporates the involvement of the crowd. His gamut of music includes everything from Credence Clearwater Revival’s Green River and Proud Mary to Country Western songs made popular by stars Garth Brooks and Brooks and Dunn.
There’s dancing to Sweet Home Alabama and just to show that Olcott and Muddy Boots are about having fun, the dance floor is packed every time the band plays the Hokey Pokey.
From young kids to senior citizens, his group has ‘em rocking whether it’s a small dance floor in Duck Creek or the Cattleman’s Dinner in Ely, Nev., along with Butch Cassidy Days in Beaver.
Other members of the band include Roy Holcomb, bass player; Richard Holcomb, drums; Chris Williams, guitar; and Kevin Anderson, guitar.“This band just kind of evolved,” explained Olcott. “We used to be called “Out On Bail.”
“I eventually started up Muddy Boots. Over the years, I have played with some amazing musicians and developed some incredible friendships. This has all evolved to become what it is today.”
Olcott even ties his family into performances.
“My boy, Branden, sometimes plays the drums and my daughters Lindsey and Bailey get up and sing with me,” Olcott said. “Bailey’s favorite is “Tell Momma” and Lindsey sings along with us. My older son, Dallen, plays the guitar, but doesn’t play with us. He would rather play with a band called “Taking Back Sunday” or “Boys Like Girls. He’s not a Country Western fan.”
The band performed 56 times in 2007. His wife, Arlene, sings with her husband on occasion with the group, which just released its first CD entitled Rock Bottom and is part of the Southern Utah Song Writers Association compilation CD.
“Arlene has a beautiful voice,” Olcott said, “She was a vocal major at SUU, so it’s kind of intimidating singing in front of her sometimes knowing that she has the expertise to know when I’m not hitting a note correctly. Arlene is one of my toughest critics and biggest assets when it comes to my writing.
“We’re attempting to cut back on our performances to about 30 a year,” Olcott added. “We also have one performance in Arizona. We have eliminated some of our bar gigs and concentrated more on family-friendly venues.”
Olcott is a native of Utah. He was born in Sevier County about 90 minutes northeast of Cedar City and moved to Cedar City to attend Southern Utah State College in 1982.
“I just fell in love with Cedar City as soon as I got here,” Olcott said. “I had moved several times in high school and when I got here, it really felt like a good place to call home. The people are so friendly and it’s very close to ski resorts and water.”
Muddy Boots will be featured in the meadow behind Duck Creek Village during Duck Creek Days July 18-19. The gathering draws thousands each year with a wide variety of entertainment, a chili cook-off along with vendors’ booths. It becomes a true county fair.
“We were recommended by some of the people at Duck Creek,” explained Olcott. “Duck Creek Days is an incredible gathering.”
Cindy Allen, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Majestic Mountain Realty in Duck Creek, utilized Olcott’s music at her annual Duck Creek Summer Kickoff in the parking lot of her Cedar Mountain Home Furnishings store.
“Roger provides great entertainment,” said Allen. “He enjoys people and communicates well with them. He brings the crowd into the show so that everyone has a good time.”Muddy Boots is termed a contemporary country/classic rock band “founded upon the principle that it is possible for everyone, regardless of age or musical preference, whether they are drinking or sober, to have a good time. Otherwise, we’re not doing our job.” Further information regarding Olcott and the Muddy Boots band may be found at www.muddybootband.com.
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