Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame Inducts The Ringling 5
The Wilsall band joins the state institution following a four-decade career of music and comedy.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Rodeo
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The Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame has inducted The Ringling 5, marking the first time a musical group has received the honor. The Wilsall-based band, which retired in 2023, is celebrated for its comedic approach and signature song 'Pantyhose'.
Why it matters
The induction honors a band that became a regional cultural staple through nearly 40 years of performances. Members retired in 2023 due to the physical demands of traveling and maintaining their equipment.
The group released approximately 70 original songs and sold over 50,000 copies on CDs and cassettes throughout their career. At their peak, they performed between 75 and 90 times annually.
The players
The Ringling 5
This musical group from Wilsall, Montana, blended comedy and music for nearly four decades.
Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame
This institution preserves the history and culture of the American West by honoring significant figures from Montana.
Don Seifert
He is a musician who began his public performance career in 1968 and was a key member of The Ringling 5.
The details
Originating as a joke named after the town of Ringling and the Jackson 5, the band recorded at studios in Bozeman and Helena. The group maintained a consistent presence in the region through bi-weekly radio appearances in Livingston and regular shows in Whitefish and Big Sky.
Timeline
1968: Don Seifert first performed publicly at a 4-H camp.
1988: The band released its first cassette featuring the song 'Pantyhose'.
1993: The group recorded the track 'PT Barnum was Right'.
2023: The band performed its final show before retiring.
October 22, 2026: Remaining band members reunited at the Bank Bar.
Season Trajectory
This induction elevates the legacy of the group to a permanent status within the state's cultural record. It highlights a shift in how the institution recognizes the broader scope of Western heritage beyond just rodeo and ranching.
The group's history of performances once commanded $4,500 for a one-hour show during their peak years. Their induction signifies a formal acknowledgment of their contribution to the state's performance art history.
The takeaway
The career of The Ringling 5 demonstrates how local jokes and regional identity can create a lasting cultural legacy. Musicians and creators can learn that sustained consistency and connection to a home audience are key drivers of long-term community recognition.
Further reading
For more on regional Western traditions, visit the rodeo section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KULR-8 Local News.
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