PIONEERS

he may use the occasion to tell the audience some stories about growing up in the household of two legends.

“They’re some of the funniest, most interesting stories you’ll ever hear.”

But above all, Yumans will get to hear the songs that have made the Sons so popular, such as “Cool Water,” “Tumbling Tumbleweeds” and “Ghost Riders in the Sky.”

“We basically have a song list we try to follow, but we don’t always stick to it,” said Nallie.

While songs may vary, what is consistent, he says, are the sounds and harmony of the group. “We’re excited to be there, and we’re going to bring that world-famous harmony there.”

Last year’s Sons of the Pioneers performance in Yuma sold out. The group had also come to Yuma on prior occasions.

The Branson, Mo.-based group loves to perform in Yuma and, indeed, around Arizona and the West, Nallie said.

“It’s just that they’re our kind of people. We play all around the West. We play a lot in Canada — the people their have an appreciation for us. We don’t separate the countries. It’s all together.”

The Son’s following in Canada, says Nallie, is fitting, given that one of the founders of the group more than 80 years ago was a Canadian.

Nallie is the veteran among the current Sons, having been a member since the early 1980s. Besides serving as curator who ensures the group stays faithful to its musical roots, he’s also the archivist, having in his possession almost every recording the Sons of the Pioneers has made in its history.

“It’s very rewarding, it’s something everyone in the group is very proud to be a part of. We never get tired of it, I guess. People say, ‘Do you ever get tired of singing “Tumbling Tumbleweeds?”’ and no I don’t, because every time we do, I see smiles on people’s faces.”