Rockin’ Robbie Hodges

What do you do growing up in north Georgia when you are too small to play high school football and not interested in being a farmer? A cowboy-turned clown from Cave Spring, Georgia, Hodges is regarded as one of the most exciting new clowns in the rodeo world today. Rockin’ Robbie Hodges became a professional rodeo clown and barrelman who likes to sing Elvis Presley songs. He is known for his funny personality, his quick wit, off-the-cuff banter, and carefully thought-out acts that attract fans throughout rodeo. Rockin’ Robbie always promotes positive clean family humor and has an uncanny ability to instantly bond with children of all ages. He enjoys being a rodeo clown because he likes to talk and entertain people, especially children. Hodges attempts to personalize each show by taking the time to talk to and get to know as many families as possible.

Hodges has been acclaimed by announcers, stock contractors and cowboys. He was chosen the IPRA Clown of the Year, 2005 PRCA Southeastern Circuit Finals barrelman and 2006 Sandhills Stockshow and Rodeo Odessa, Texas barrelman. He was on the 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2003 United States Cowboy Tour Finals Rodeo, 2001 International Finals Rodeo Barrelman, 2003 International Finals Rodeo Barrelman and 2004 American Finals Rodeo Barrelman. Besides working rodeos, Rockin’ Robbie loves NASCAR races. He was an 18-wheeler driver/hauler for NASCAR driver Mike Wallace.

Hodges loves making people laugh at his clown antics and occasionally keeping some rider from being an angry bull’s rag doll. “I’ve got a steel barrel protecting me most of the time, but it’s not for everybody,” Hodges says of his dangerous life as a clown distracting bulls from fallen riders. “You’ve got to have a sense of humor and three eyes: two to watch the crowd and a third to watch the bull.” He got into being a rodeo clown after competing in bareback bronc riding starting in high school. “I broke my shoulder twice and broke my sternum,” he said. “I probably broke about seven to ten bones in all, but that’s not too awfully bad.” Hodges changes his routines frequently to keep them fresh. “I’m not a traditional rodeo clown doing the same routines over and over,” he said. “I change mine about every night. I keep busy and can’t stand to do just nothing even when I’m home.” “I love entertaining and can have a good time picking up sticks in the yard. When I’m dead and gone, they’re going to say, ‘Well, he’s gone for good, but he sure did have fun when he was here.’”