The term 'Sweetheart of the RODEO' is a phrase that was popularized by the 1968 album of the same name by the American rock band The Byrds. The album was a pioneering work in the development of country rock music, and featured a mix of traditional country and folk songs, as well as original compositions. The title track was written by Gram Parsons, who was a member of the band at the time. The phrase has since become a shorthand for the genre of country rock music.