HOUSTON — The final day of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo christened the beginning of the RodeoHouston Hall of Fame and three people filled the inaugural spots.
For 92 years, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has left its mark on Houston and countless people along the way have helped secure its spot at the top.
But for the first time, three are being inducted into the Rodeo's Hall of Fame.
"Putting those three together, they hit three different buckets. They’ve all earned it and we’re so happy to recognize them," said RodeoHouston President, Chris Boleman.
First up is Mike Cervi. He's been working behind the scenes for 50 years producing the rodeo bringing in top stock.
"When you consider this the biggest rodeo in the world which we're involved in. My boys looked up to it. It gives us something to work on for the next 50 years," Cervi said.
Next up is the voice fans have come to know, Bob Tallman. For 45 years, he's welcomed rodeo fans with his famous line: "Hello Houston."
He has no plans of putting down the mic anytime soon, adding he's just a voice among hordes of volunteers who keep it all going.
"We’re gonna talk about $600 million. We’re gonna talk about agriculture we’re gonna talk about all the champions in the old Astrodome and the new NRG. It becomes a part of your bloodstream, and I bleed Houston," said Tallman.
And finally, there's Charmayne James, one of the top barrel racers around these parts. She got her start in the rodeo back in 1984. Her skill has won her a few champions and some big bucks.
"This all started with a love for my horse and that’s where it ends today is loving horses and just trying to help people and encourage them and it’s not always easy, but when things are down, that’s when you learn the most," James said.
These three proudly kick off another piece of the tradition tied to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
