MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark. (AP) — A recording artist riding on horseback across four states to raise awareness of traditional country music had a layover in Mountain Home on a recent Saturday night.

Country artist C.J. Garton and his 13-year-old son, Clinton, stayed overnight recently at the Saddle Club Arena. The "Riding for Real Country: The Ride Back Home" event has the father-and-son team riding from Nashville, Tennessee, to the family's ranch in Depew, Oklahoma, which is about 40 miles southwest of Tulsa.

"The heartbeat of America is in songs — storytelling songs — like those of Townes Van Zandt...