Famed ‘Voice of Rodeo’ Bob Tallman serves as Nevada Day Parade Marshal

A living icon in the world of rodeo, Bob Tallman is known across the globe as “the voice of professional rodeo.”
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Bob Tallman, the gravel-voiced Nevada native celebrated as “the voice of professional rodeo,” serves as Grand Marshal of this year’s Nevada Day Parade in Carson City. The “Wild Wild West” themed parade steps off today, Saturday, Nov. 1, beginning at 10 a.m.

Tallman brings a five-decade resume to Nevada’s largest celebration of statehood. He has called more than 23,000 rodeo performances across the United States and abroad, and holds the record for announcing the National Finals Rodeo 17 times. He is a 12-time PRCA Announcer of the Year and a member of multiple halls of fame, including ProRodeo’s. 

“Bob Tallman, whom many refer to as ‘the voice’ of rodeo, is truly a legend in the sport,” said Julie Bryant, principal of Latigo Associates. “But (he) is also a fierce advocate for his nation and for the rodeo and agriculture industries.”

Born in rural northern Nevada, Tallman grew up on his family’s ranch before launching a career that took him to Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Mexico, in addition to arenas across the U.S. 

“Named the PRCA Announcer of the Year a record dozen times, Bob has been named to 11 Halls of Fame, including the ProRodeo Hall of Fame, Reno Rodeo Hall of Fame and Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame,” Bryant said. 

Tallman has announced virtually every major rodeo in North America and is known for pairing play-by-play cadence with Western storytelling. 

“He’s been the announcer of virtually every major rodeo in the world,” Bryant said, and in addition to announcing the National Finals Rodeo, he has traveled to Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Mexico in the performance of his craft.

Away from the microphone, Tallman is an Angus beef rancher in Texas. He and his wife Kristin have operated 3T Ranch in Pooleville for more than 30  years along with his daughter Nicole Pennel, son-in-law Daniel and twin grandchildren Canyon and Cashly. The ranch is also his home base for the distribution of Bob Tallman’s Authentic Cowboy Jerky.  

Nevada Day marks the Silver State’s admission to the Union in 1864. The parade and events draw tens of thousands to downtown Carson City each fall. This year’s parade is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 1, beginning at 10 a.m. Go here for the parade lineup.

Organizers say featuring Tallman — a Nevada-born figure who rose to global prominence in Western sports — underscores the event’s roots and reach. 

Featuring Tallman brings credibility with ranch families and mainstream appeal with fans who have heard his voice on broadcasts and in-person at some of the sport’s biggest venues. For Nevada Day, which pairs small-town pageantry with statewide pride, he hits the right notes.

Parade planners are urging spectators to lean into the “Wild Wild West” theme. Between Friday and Sunday, be sure to check out the variety of events ranging from the hot-air balloon launch to museum programs, with the parade as the headline on Saturday morning. Downtown businesses typically open early and fill quickly, while side streets turn into tailgate rows lined with lawn chairs and thermoses.

For Tallman, the honor threads together his origin story and his professional legacy — a Nevada kid whose voice carried from county arenas to the sport’s championship stage, and now back to the capital’s signature day.

“Bob is truly a legend,” Bryant said, “and a fitting Grand Marshal for Nevada’s biggest day.”

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