Despite Billy the Kid’s death in July 1881, history professor Paul Hutton remains hot on his trail. In his recent article appearing in the May 2007 issue of “True West,” Hutton provides insight into both the myth and reality of Billy the Kid. Additionally, Hutton is curating an exhibit, “Dreamscape Desperado: Billy the Kid and the Outlaw in America,” at the Albuquerque Museum. The exhibit runs May 13 – July 22.
Hutton describes Pulp Fiction Billy in books for children, comic book adaptations of Kid films and of course pulp novels. Dancing Billy? Sure, and Aaron Copland composed the music for the Billy the Kid ballet which opened in Chicago’s Civic Opera House in October 1938.
By 2007, Hutton wrote, “60 films about Billy have been made—making him the most filmed historic figure in America.”
The film industry isn’t alone in taking on the Kid. Musicians including Bob Dylan, Bon Jovi and Billy Joel have told the Kid’s tale.
The cover of the current issue of “New Mexico Magazine” invites readers in for more about the exhibit.
Media Contact: Carolyn Gonzales, (505) 277-5920; e-mail: cgonzal@unm.edu