John Payne, the One Arm Bandit, is a legend in the Western community, having won the prestigious title of PRCA “Specialty Act of the Year” an unprecedented 15 times. Now, his remarkable story is being shared with audiences through the documentary, John Payne: The Notorious One Arm Bandit. Premiering in Vacaville, CA, on April 5th, 2025, the documentary will take you behind the scenes of his legendary journey – from the highs to the lows and everything in between.
Credit: The One Arm Bandit & Company
John Payne: The Notorious One Arm Bandit Premiere
April 5th, 2025
308 Main Street Vacaville, CA
5:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Credit: The One Arm Bandit & Company
Background
Born in 1953 on a ranch in Shidler, Oklahoma, John Payne was destined for a life in the rodeo world. But in 1973, fate struck when a devastating electrical accident took his right arm and left him with severe burns. Instead of letting this new challenge defeat him, he faced it head-on and simply pivoted to a different path.
Resilience
Upon his return home, Payne reinvented himself to become “The One Arm Bandit,” becoming a symbol of resilience, creativity, and unshakable spirit. Using trained mules, buffalo, mustangs, longhorn steers, and even a zebra, Payne’s show is unlike any other around, as he leads the herd through a variety of thrilling acts with the animals featured high atop his custom-made trailer.
”I’m the only one-arm guy in pro rodeo. As for the One Arm Bandit, there’s only one of those; so you don’t forget it, especially if you ever see my show. I’ve got eight buffalo, four of which are pretty well-trained. Then, I’ve got about 40 horses, 10 big Longhorn steers, about 100 head of cows on the ranch, and about 40 dogs.”
-John Payne
Inspiration
It’s one thing to be able to break a horse, but to train a variety of different animals takes a special touch – and dedication. Payne’s commitment to the western lifestyle is inspiring to anyone in and out of the arena, and his act is a must-see event for any rodeo spectator!
Making Rodeo History
For Payne, it’s an act that comes with plenty of excitement, and even more risk. After 15 PRCA Specialty Act of the Year awards, there’s no doubt he has carved a name for himself in rodeo history.
“I had a year to get ready for my first rodeo show, & it still wasn’t perfect. But it has evolved and grown a lot over the years. After 59 years, l finally figured out what I am and what I wanted to be – I’m a hardcore, Okie, redneck cowboy.”
-John Payne
A Testament
The Notorious One Arm Bandit is more than just a tale of a cowboy – it’s a testament to the power of grit, reinvention, and the unwavering will to never give up.
Credit: The One Arm Bandit & Company
Last Updated on 04/02/2025 by Carly Billington
About the Author:
CLN Community & Event Sponsor
