Toby the Big Mule
Pro's Corral
button"Swimmin' in the Son" Rob McNurlin

"I just can't get enough of this song. It never gets stale. Each and every listen brings new waves of comforting awareness. Like rubbing red velvet on my soul." -Walt Sample

button"Sideman's Dream" Verlon Thompson

"Walt, I wrote this about two old road dogs. You might know them." -Verlon Thompson

button"Cowboy Boot Heel" Rob McNurlin
Rob McNurlin
“I met Walt at the Fur Peace Ranch and became instant friends, he's a great guy, great talent and Big Mule Music is a wonderful place to explore and hear real songs by real people.”

-Rob McNurlin, world traveling troubadour keeping the true spirit of down home music alive. Rob hosted his own TV show, Rob McNurlin Ranch Party, which featured many Nashville and Rock & Roll stars. Six critically acclaimed albums, movie and TV soundtracks and appearances. "My Brother on the hillbilly highway" -Marty Stewart. "He holds his heart to pure music" - John Carter Cash."Personifies the troubadour spirit of Woody Guthrie" - Larry Groce, Mountain Stage. "A cowboy prophet" -Vanessa Kaukonen, Fur Peace Ranch.
Verlon Thompson

"Walt Sample is passionate about the craft of songwriting. With Big Mule Music, Walt has created a show place....not just for his own songs, but for his fellow songwriters and their songs. I plan on stopping by the Songwriters Stalls and Barnagie Hall often because....at Big Mule Music....the barn door is always open."

-Verlon Thompson, 35 years as a professional songwriter, traveling troubadour and as the trusted sidekick of Texas Americana songwriting icon Guy Clark.

QUOTES
Chris Hillman"My best wishes to Walt Sample and his Big Mule Music Web Barn. This is a wonderful place to find and listen to great new songs written with honesty straight from the heart."

-Chris Hillman, founding member of the Byrds, The Flying Burrito Brothers and Desert Rose Band and Member of Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame.

Bill Kirchen

“Walt’s Big Mule Music Web Barn has a whole bunch of blue ribbon songs, song writers and friendly chat, freely given to all us music lovers and tune wranglers. There’s a lot of spirit in here.”

-Bill Kirchen founding member of Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airman, The Moonlighters and The Bill Kirchen Band. Grammy nomination for his instrumental “Poultry in Motion.” Named “A Titan of the Telecaster” by Guitar Player Magazine.

Jim Lauderdale

“I am really impressed with Walter's writing. I wish I was as full of ideas as he is. And his stall mates who share his smile and love of home grown music. Big Mule Music is one cool barn to visit.”

-Jim Lauderdale, two time Grammy winning singer and master songwriter is both a "songwriters's songwriter" who's written/co-written many modern classics for iconic artists, as well as, an intuitive sideman who has enhanced the music of a bevy of esteemed musicians. As a solo artist he has released 29 albums of imaginative roots music encompassing country, bluegrass, soul, R&B and rock.

Big Barn
Welcome to the barn! Come on in and stay awhile; there is lots to do. You can listen to some tunes and maybe read a few stories or perhaps look thru some mule photos!
Big Mule Music is a diverse family of friends that share the love of songwriting. Come in and listen to some original music from a variety of songwriters. Big Mule Toby serves as Stall Master and puts his favorite songs in Barnagie Hall for you to hear - not a road apple in the bunch!

Barnegie Hall

Barnagie Hall


Listen to some tunes! Big Mule Music’s songwriters have worked hard to bring your ears enjoyable melodies and lyrics. Turn up the volume and click on a song. Listen all you want. New songs are added all the time.


songwriter stalls

Songwriters Stalls


Profiles of our songwriters. They talk about their influences, idols, favorite songs growing up, why they became songwriters, favorite guitars, colors, where they call home and much more.

Walt's Journal

Walt's Journal


A blooming collection of fragmented lyrics, song ideas, short stories, cool metaphors, similes, and random thoughts that belong in a cyber-barn full of songwriters. Plus intriguing and entertaining snap shots of mules and other groovy stuff.