Born and raised in North Platte, Nebraska, Hadley began his rodeo career in the early 1950s as a contestant, competing as a bull rider and bareback rider. He was asked by a fellow competitor and announcer to step up to the microphone so that he could compete, and Hadley the announcer was born. As country western musician with the band called the Westerners, Hadley had a natural talent behind the microphone and was soon asked to announce a full rodeo in Arnold, Nebraska. His voice and easy style led to a career announcing at rodeos around the country. Hadley Barrett began announcing rodeos at Cheyenne Frontier Days™ mid-rodeo in 1989 when Chuck Parkison died unexpectedly. Hadley announced the rodeo the next day, filling in admirably with little preparation time. His duty, in addition to announcing the rodeo action, was to play straight man to rodeo clown Quail Dobbs. His style was easy, entertaining, and very professional. Always open to new ideas, Hadley had respect for Cheyenne traditions and was an asset to Cheyenne Frontier Days™. He announced the afternoon rodeos from 1989 through 2000 and through it all, has actively promoted Cheyenne Frontier Days™. Hadley is a four-time PRCA announcer of the year and in 1999 became one of only five announcers to be inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. In 2008, he was inducted into the Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City. Hadley has been known to say, “I believe that the rookie is as important as the champion- the animal is as important as the contestant- the clowns and specialty acts are as important as the announcer- but none of these would mean anything without the fan.” Hadley Barrett, courtesy of NEBRASKAland DAYS.