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Gene Autry
Gene Autry
Gene Autry
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Orvon Grover "Gene" Autry[2] (September 29, 1907 – October 2, 1998),[3] nicknamed the Singing Cowboy, was an American actor, musician, singer, composer, rodeo performer, and baseball team owner, who largely gained fame by singing in a crooning style on radio, in films, and on television for more than three decades, beginning in the early 1930s. During that time, he personified the straight-shooting hero—honest, brave, and true.[4]

Key Information

Autry was the owner of a television station and several radio stations in Southern California. From 1961 to 1997, he was the founding owner of the California Angels[Note 1] franchise of Major League Baseball (MLB).

From 1934 to 1953, Autry appeared in 93 motion pictures. Between 1950 and 1956, he hosted The Gene Autry Show television series. In many of them, he appeared with Champion, his Morgan horse.

Autry was also one of the most important pioneering figures in the history of country music, considered the second major influential artist of the genre's development after Jimmie Rodgers.[4] His films were the first media vehicle to carry Western music to a nationwide audience.[4]

In addition to his signature song "Back in the Saddle Again", as well as his recording hit "At Mail Call Today", Autry is still remembered for his association with Christmas music, having debuted the seasonal standards "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer", "Frosty the Snowman", and "Here Comes Santa Claus".

Autry is a member of both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. He is the only person to be awarded stars in all five categories on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, for film, television, music, radio, and live performance.[5]

The town of Gene Autry, Oklahoma, was named in his honor, as was the Gene Autry precinct in Mesa, Arizona.[6]

Life and career

[edit]

Early years

[edit]

Autry was born September 29, 1907, near Tioga in Grayson County, Texas,[7] the grandson of a Methodist preacher. His parents, Delbert Autry and Elnora Ozment, moved in the 1920s to Ravia in Johnston County in southern Oklahoma. Gene Autry worked on his father's ranch while growing up and going to school. In 1925, Autry left the family ranch. With only his high school education, Autry became a telegrapher[8] for the St. Louis–San Francisco Railway. His talent at singing and playing guitar led to performing at local dances.

Singing career

[edit]
Gene Autry with Smiley Burnette, 1934

While working as a telegraph operator in Chelsea, Oklahoma, Autry would sing and accompany himself on the guitar to pass the lonely hours, especially when he had the midnight shift. This later got him fired. One night, he was encouraged to sing professionally by a customer, humorist Will Rogers, who had heard him singing.[9][10][11]

As soon as he could save money to travel, he went to New York. In the autumn of 1928, he auditioned for the Victor Talking Machine Company, shortly before purchase by David Sarnoff's Radio Corporation of America (RCA). According to Nathaniel Shilkret,[12] director of Light Music for Victor at the time, Autry asked to speak to Shilkret after finding that he had been turned down. Shilkret explained to Autry that he was turned down not because of his voice, but because Victor had just made contracts with two similar singers. Autry left with a letter of introduction from Shilkret and the advice to sing on radio to gain experience and to come back in a year or two. In 1928, Autry was singing on Tulsa radio station KVOO (now KOTV) as "Oklahoma's Yodeling Cowboy". The Victor archives[13] show an October 9, 1929, entry stating that the vocal duet of Jimmie Long and Gene Autry with two Hawaiian guitars, directed by L. L. Watson, recorded "My Dreaming of You" (Matrix 56761) and "My Alabama Home" (Matrix 56762).

Autry signed a recording deal with Columbia Records in 1929. He worked in Chicago on the WLS-AM radio show National Barn Dance for four years, and with his own show, where he met singer-songwriter Smiley Burnette. In his early recording career, Autry covered various genres, including a labor song, "The Death of Mother Jones", in 1931.

Autry also recorded many "hillbilly"-style records in 1930 and 1931 in New York City, which were certainly different in style and content from his later recordings. These were much closer in style to the Prairie Ramblers or Dick Justice, and included the "Do Right, Daddy Blues" and "Black Bottom Blues", both similar to "Deep Elem Blues". These late Prohibition-era songs deal with bootlegging, corrupt police, and women whose occupation was certainly vice. These recordings are generally not heard today, but are available on European import labels, such as JSP Records. His first hit was in 1932 with "That Silver-Haired Daddy of Mine", a duet with fellow railroad man Jimmy Long that Autry and Long co-wrote.

As Autry's movie career flourished, so did his record sales. His unofficial theme song became the Ray Whitley composition "Back in the Saddle Again".[14] Autry made 640 recordings, including more than 300 songs written or co-written by himself. His records sold more than 100 million copies and he has more than a dozen gold and platinum records, including the first record ever certified gold.

Today's listeners associate Gene Autry with Christmas songs, which are played perennially during each holiday season. These include "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town", his own composition "Here Comes Santa Claus", "Frosty the Snowman", "Up on the Housetop", and his biggest hit, "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer". He wrote "Here Comes Santa Claus" after being the Grand Marshal of the 1946 Santa Claus Lane Parade (now the Hollywood Christmas Parade). He heard all of the spectators watching the parade saying, "Here comes Santa Claus!" virtually handing him the title for his song. He recorded his version of the song in 1947 and it became an instant classic.[citation needed]

In the late 1950s, he began recording other artists, as the original owner of Challenge Records. The label's biggest hit was "Tequila" by The Champs in 1958, which started the rock and roll instrumental craze of the late 1950s and early 1960s. He sold the label soon after, but the maroon (later green) label has the "GA" in a shield above the label name.

Film career

[edit]
Gene Autry in Oh, Susanna!, 1936

Autry and Burnette were discovered by film producer Nat Levine in 1934. Together, Autry and Burnette made their film debut for Mascot Pictures Corp. in In Old Santa Fe as part of a singing cowboy quartet; he was then given the starring role by Levine in 1935 in the 12-part serial The Phantom Empire. Shortly thereafter, Mascot was absorbed by the newly formed Republic Pictures Corp. and Autry went along to make a further 44 films up to 1940. Most were low-budget Westerns in which he played under his own name, rode his horse Champion, had Smiley Burnette as his regular sidekick, and had many opportunities to sing in each film. His films were tremendously successful, so much so that almost every other studio tried to compete by showcasing their own singing cowboys. By 1940 Autry was Republic's biggest star, and his films became more costly and more elaborate. They played first-run in large cities, unlike the usual "B" westerns that played in neighborhood theaters.[15]

Gene Autry in The Gene Autry Show episode "The Black Rider", 1950

In the Motion Picture Herald Top Ten Money-Making Western Stars poll, Autry was listed every year from the first poll in 1936 to 1942 and 1946 to 1954 (he was serving in the AAF 1943–45), holding first place 1937 to 1942, and second place (after Roy Rogers) 1947 to 1954, when the poll ceased.[16] He appeared in the similar Boxoffice poll from 1936 to 1955, holding first place from 1936 to 1942 and second place (after Rogers) from 1943 to 1952.[17] While these two polls are really an indication only of the popularity of series stars, Autry also appeared in the Top Ten Money Making Stars Poll of all films from 1940 to 1942,[18] His Gene Autry Flying "A" Ranch Rodeo show debuted in 1940.[19]

Autry served in the U. S. Army Air Corps during World War II. Part of his military service included his broadcast of a radio show for one year; it involved music and true stories. Several decades ago on an early afternoon show featuring Republic westerns, one of Gene's sidekicks said that when Gene told Republic Pictures of his intentions to join the military during World War II, Republic threatened to promote Roy Rogers as "King of the Cowboys" in Gene's absence, which it did. Republic reissued old Autry westerns during the war years, to keep his name before the public.

Autry's contract had been suspended for the duration of his military service, and he had tried to have it declared void after his discharge. The courts found in Republic's favor, and Autry returned to Republic after the war. He finished out his contract with four more features, with Autry now publicized as "King of the Singing Cowboys".

In 1947, Autry left Republic for Columbia Pictures, which offered him his own production unit. He chose a new sidekick, Pat Buttram, recently returned from his World War II service. Buttram would co-star with Gene Autry in more than 40 films and in more than 100 episodes of Autry's television show. In 1951, Autry formed his own company (Flying A Productions) to make westerns under his own control, and Columbia continued to distribute them through 1953.

Melody Ranch

[edit]

Autry purchased the 110-acre Monogram Ranch in 1953, in Placerita Canyon near Newhall, California, in the northern San Gabriel Mountains foothills. He renamed it the Melody Ranch after his movie Melody Ranch.[20] Autry then sold 98 acres of the property, most of the original ranch. The Western town, adobes, and ranch cabin sets and open land for location shooting were retained as a movie ranch on 12 acres. Numerous "B" Westerns and TV shows were shot there during Autry's ownership, including the initial years of Gunsmoke with James Arness. A decade after he purchased Melody Ranch, a brushfire swept through in August 1962, destroying most of the original standing sets and dashing Autry's plans to turn it into a museum. However, the devastated landscape did prove useful for productions such as Combat!. A complete adobe ranch survived at the northeast section of the ranch.[21][22]

According to a published story by Autry, the fire caused him to turn his attention to Griffith Park, where he would build his Museum of Western Heritage (now known as the Autry Museum of the American West).

In 1990, after his favorite horse Champion Three, which lived in retirement there, died, Autry put the remaining 12-acre ranch up for sale. It was purchased by the Veluzat family in 1991 and rebuilt. It is now known as the Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio and Melody Ranch Studios on 22 acres.[23] The ranch has the Melody Ranch Museum open year-round; and one weekend a year, the entire ranch is open to the public during the Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival, another legacy of Autry's multiple talents.[24][25]

Radio and television career

[edit]
Gene Autry with the Pinafores, who sang on his weekly radio show, 1948

From 1940 to 1956, Autry had a huge hit with a weekly show on CBS Radio, Gene Autry's Melody Ranch. His horse, Champion, also had a Mutual radio series, The Adventures of Champion and a CBS-TV series of the same name. In response to his many young radio listeners aspiring to emulate him, Autry created the Cowboy Code, or Ten Cowboy Commandments. These tenets promoting an ethical, moral, and patriotic lifestyle that appealed to youth organizations such as the Boy Scouts, which developed similar doctrines. The Cowboy Code consisted of rules that were "a natural progression of Gene's philosophies going back to his first Melody Ranch programs—and early pictures."[26] According to the code:

  1. The Cowboy must never shoot first, hit a smaller man, or take unfair advantage.
  2. He must never go back on his word, or a trust confided in him.
  3. He must always tell the truth.
  4. He must be gentle with children, the elderly, and animals.
  5. He must not advocate or possess racially or religiously intolerant ideas.
  6. He must help people in distress.
  7. He must be a good worker.
  8. He must keep himself clean in thought, speech, action, and personal habits.
  9. He must respect women, parents, and his nation's laws.
  10. The Cowboy is a patriot.

Beginning in 1950, he produced and starred in his own television show on CBS through his Flying A Productions studio. In the late 1950s, Autry also made several appearances on ABC-TV's Jubilee USA.

Military career

[edit]

During World War II, Autry enlisted in the United States Army in 1942, and became a tech sergeant in the United States Army Air Corps. Holding a private pilot certificate, he was determined to become a military pilot and earned his Service Pilot rating in June 1944, serving as a C-109 transport pilot with the rank of flight officer. Assigned to a unit of the Air Transport Command, he flew as part of the dangerous airlift operation over the Himalayas between India and China, nicknamed the Hump.[27][28]

Rodeo

[edit]
Gene Autry and Gail Davis in Toronto, 1956[29]

In 1941, at the height of his screen popularity, Autry had a string of rodeo stock based north of Ardmore, Oklahoma. It was known as the Flying A Ranch and encompassed 1200 acres. It served as headquarters for his traveling rodeo. The nearby town of Berwyn, then honored Autry by naming the town after him. Thirty Five thousand people attended the ceremony on November 16, 1941. A year later, he became a partner in the World Championship Rodeo Company, which furnished livestock for many of the country's major rodeos. In 1954, he acquired Montana's top bucking string from the estate of Leo J. Cremer Sr., and put Canadian saddle bronc riding champion Harry Knight in charge of the operation. A merger with the World Championship Rodeo Company in 1956 made Autry the sole owner. He moved the entire company to a 24,000-acre (97 km2) ranch near Fowler, Colorado, with Knight as the working partner in the operation. For the next 12 years, they provided livestock for most of the major rodeos in Texas, Colorado, Montana, and Nebraska. When the company was sold in 1968, both men continued to be active in rodeo. For his work as a livestock contractor, Autry was inducted into the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association's ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1979.[30] Autry received several honors for his contributions to rodeo.

Honors

[edit]

Gene Autry comics

[edit]

Gene Autry was often portrayed in the comics, primarily during the heyday of Western-themed comics, the 1940s and 1950s.

The Register and Tribune Syndicate comic strip Gene Autry Rides by Till Goodan was the first entry, lasting from 1940 to 1941. From 1941 to 1943, Autry was the subject of a comic book initially published by Fawcett Comics and then picked up by Dell Comics that ran 12 issues. Dell then published 101 issues of Gene Autry Comics from 1946 to 1955. That title was changed to Gene Autry and Champion, and ran an additional 20 issues from 1955 to 1959, making it the longest-running (by number of issues) cowboy actor comic book.

Meanwhile, Autry was the subject of an "Air-Western-Adventure Strip" comic strip syndicated by General Features from 1952 to 1955. The strip was produced in association with Whitman Publishing.[35]

The Mexican publisher Editorial Novaro released 423 issues of Gene Autry comics from 1954 to 1984.

Toys

[edit]

In 1937, Kenton Hardware Company of Kenton, Ohio, began producing Gene Autry cast-iron cap guns as a part of its line of iron toys. The toy was commissioned by Kenton vice-president Willard Bixler, who had conceptualized an iron cap revolver modeled after the pearl-handled gun used by Gene Autry. Selling at 50 cents per gun, the cap pistols were extremely popular and by 1939, two million units of the toy had been sold in the United States and abroad. Autry received a portion of all sales revenues.[36][37]

Baseball

[edit]
Gene Autry's number 26 was retired by the California Angels in 1982.

In the 1950s, Autry had been a minority owner of the minor-league Hollywood Stars. In 1960, when Major League Baseball announced plans to add an expansion team in Los Angeles, Autry—who had once declined an opportunity to play in the minor leagues—expressed an interest in acquiring the radio broadcast rights to the team's games. Baseball executives were so impressed by his approach that he was persuaded to become the owner of the franchise rather than simply its broadcast partner. The team, initially called the Los Angeles Angels upon its 1961 debut, moved to suburban Anaheim in 1966, and was renamed the California Angels, then the Anaheim Angels from 1997 until 2005, when it became the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Autry served as vice president of the American League from 1983 until his death. In 1995, he sold a quarter share of the team to the Walt Disney Company and a controlling interest the following year, with the remaining share to be transferred after his death. Earlier, in 1982, he sold Los Angeles television station KTLA for $245 million.[38] He also sold several radio stations he owned, including KSFO in San Francisco, KMPC in Los Angeles, KOGO in San Diego, and other stations in the Golden West radio network.

The number 26 was retired by the Angels in Autry's honor. The chosen number reflected that baseball's rosters (at the time) had 25 men, so Autry's unflagging support for his team made him the "26th man" (see also the 12th man, a similar concept in football). When the Angels finally won their first (and to date, only) World Series championship in 2002, star outfielder Tim Salmon held Autry's cowboy hat aloft during the on-field celebration, and the public address system played his hit song, "Back in the Saddle Again".

Hotels

[edit]

He invested in property, owning by 1964 the Mark Hopkins Hotel in San Francisco; the Hotel Continental in Hollywood; the Sahara Inn, a $12-million motel near Chicago; plus property in Palm Springs.[39]

Retirement

[edit]

Autry retired from show business in 1964, having made almost 100 films up to 1955 and over 600 records. He was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1969 and to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame[8] in 1970. After retiring, he invested widely in real estate, radio, and television. He also invested in ownership of the KOOL-TV CBS-affiliate (now Fox affiliate KSAZ-TV) in Phoenix, Arizona, which created local shows such as the weekly bilingual children's show Niños Contentos.

Republic Pictures, its finances failing, had shut down production in 1957. By the late 1960s Republic was barely operational, managing only its film library. Gene Autry, correctly assessing the company's cash-poor situation, made a cash offer for the rights and negatives to his Republic films. The company accepted Autry's terms, and Autry now controlled the film materials for home-movie reprints and home-video tapes and discs.

Death

[edit]
Grave of Gene Autry at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills

Autry died on October 2, 1998, at his home in Studio City, California from lymphoma.[40][41][42][43] He was buried at the Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills Cemetery in Los Angeles. His epitaph read, "America's Favorite Cowboy ... American Hero, Philanthropist, Patriot and Veteran, Movie Star, Singer, Composer, Baseball Fan and Owner, 33rd Degree Mason, Media Entrepreneur, Loving Husband, Gentleman".[44]

Personal life

[edit]

In 1932, Autry married Ina Mae Spivey, the niece of Jimmy Long. During this marriage he had a sustained affair with Gail Davis, the actress who played Annie Oakley in the television series of the same name that Autry produced.[45] After Spivey died in 1980, he married Jacqueline Ellam, who had been his banker, in 1981.

While Autry was quiet about his political views during his life, his voting records listed him as a registered Republican, and he supported the Civil Rights Movement.[46]

Autry was raised into Freemasonry in 1927 at Catoosa Lodge No. 185, Catoosa Oklahoma. He later became a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason, as recorded on his headstone.[47]

Legacy

[edit]
Display of Gene Autry memorabilia at the Autry National Center, including his original Martin D-45 guitar, the first one made

On November 16, 1941, the town of Berwyn, Oklahoma, north of Ardmore, was renamed Gene Autry in his honor.[48] Though Autry was born in Tioga, Texas, his family moved to Oklahoma while he was an infant. He was raised in the southern Oklahoma towns of Achille and Ravia. Autry had also worked as a telegraph operator near Berwyn.[49] In 1939, he bought the 1,200-acre (4.9 km2) Flying A Ranch on the west edge of Berwyn, and the town decided to honor him by changing its name. Approximately 35,000 people attended the ceremonies broadcast live from the site on Autry's Melody Ranch radio show. Expectations that Autry would make his permanent home on the ranch were heightened when Autry's house in California burned down just 8 days before the name change ceremony, but dashed three weeks later with the attack on Pearl Harbor.[49] Autry joined the military in 1942 and sold the ranch after the war.[49]

In 1972, he was inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers at the National Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Autry was a life member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Burbank Lodge No. 1497. His 1976 autobiography, co-written by Mickey Herskowitz, was titled Back in the Saddle Again after his 1939 hit and signature tune. He is also featured year after year, on radio and "shopping mall music" at the holiday season, by his recording of "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer". "Rudolph" became the first No. 1 hit of the 1950s.[citation needed] In 2003, he was ranked No. 38 in CMT's list of the 40 Greatest Men of Country Music.

In 1977, Autry was awarded the American Patriots Medal by Freedoms Foundation of Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.[50]

Johnny Cash recorded a song in 1978 about Autry called "Who is Gene Autry?" Cash also got Autry to sign his famous black Martin D-35 guitar, which he plays in the video of "Hurt".[51]

In 1983, Autry received the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement.[52]

Autry was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 1991.[48]

When the Anaheim Angels won their first World Series in 2002, much of the championship was dedicated to him. The interchange of Interstate 5 and State Route 134, near the Autry National Center in Los Angeles, is signed as the "Gene Autry Memorial Interchange". There is also a street named after Autry in Anaheim, California, called Gene Autry Way, and there is a street in Palm Springs, California named Gene Autry Trail.

Autry was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2003. In 2004, Starz joined forces with the Autry estate to restore all of his films, which have been shown on Starz's Encore Westerns channel on premium television on a regular basis to date since.

In 2007, he became a charter member of the Gennett Records Walk of Fame in Richmond, Indiana.[53]

In May 2019, Warner Chappell Music acquired the Gene Autry Music Group, a music publisher comprising four smaller publishers, 1,500 compositions (including "Back in the Saddle Again", "Here Comes Santa Claus", "Just Walkin' in the Rain", and "You Belong To Me"), and several of Autry's master recordings.[54]

Statues

[edit]

California

[edit]

Hollywood Walk of Fame

[edit]
Autry's star for Live performance, noting that he has a star in five categories — Radio, Television, Motion Pictures, Recording Live Performance.
Autry's television star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Autry is the only person to have five stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, in each of five categories defined by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.[55] All of Autry's stars are located along Hollywood Boulevard: Recording at 6384, Radio at 6520, Motion pictures at 6644, Television at 6667, and Live theatre at 7000 Hollywood Boulevard. His first four stars were placed during the initial inductions of 1960 while the final one was placed in 1987, in the additional category named "Live theatre"—later renamed "Live performance"—introduced in 1984.[56][57]

Museum of the American West

[edit]

The Autry Museum of the American West in Los Angeles' Griffith Park was founded in 1988 as the Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum featuring much of Autry's personal collection of Western art and memorabilia as well as collections of his friends and other Western film stars. Since 2004, the museum is partnered with the Southwest Museum of the American Indian and is divided into two locations, eight miles apart from each other.

Discography

[edit]

+ 1,000,000 units sold

Albums

[edit]
Year Album US Country Label
1976 South of the Border, All American Cowboy 42 Republic
Cowboy Hall of Fame 44

Singles

[edit]

1930s

[edit]
Year Single Peak chart positions
US Country US Popular
1932 "That Silver-Haired Daddy of Mine" + (G. Autry and Jimmy Long)[58][59] — —
1933 "The Yellow Rose Of Texas" (G. Autry and Jimmy Long)[58] — —
"Cowboy's Heaven"[58] — —
"The Last Round-Up"[58] — —
1935 "Tumbling Tumbleweeds" (Gene Autry Trio)[60][59] — 7
"That Silver-Haired Daddy of Mine" + (G. Autry and Jimmy Long)[61][59] — 10
"Ole Faithful" (Gene Autry Trio)[60][59] — 10
1936 "Mexicali Rose"[62] — —
"You're the Only Star in My Blue Heaven"[62] — —
1937 "The One Rose (That's Left In My Heart)"[63] — —
"It's Round-Up Time In Reno"[63] — —
1938 "Take Me Back to My Boots and Saddle"[64] — —
"Dust"[64] — —
"There's A Gold Mine in the Sky"[65] — —
1939 "Paradise in the Moonlight"[66][67] 1 —
"South of the Border (Down Mexico Way)" + [68][69] 1 15
"Back in the Saddle Again" + [68][69] 1 —
"Little Sir Echo"[67] 1 —
"A Gold Mine In Your Heart"[68] 13 —
"Blue Montana Skies"[67] 16 —

1940s

[edit]
Year Single Peak chart positions
US Country US Popular
1940 "I'm Beginning To Care"[68][70] 1 —
"The Merry-Go-Roundup"[70][68] 2 —
"Goodbye Little Darlin' Goodbye"[68][71] 1 20
"Mary Dear"[72][73] 4 —
"Were You Sincere"[74][75] 1 —
"Broomstick Buckaroo"[74][76] 3 —
"Blueberry Hill"[74] 6 —
"When I'm Gone You'll Soon Forget"[68] 6 —
"El Rancho Grande"[72] 11 —
"Singing Hills"[72] 11 —
1941 "You Are My Sunshine"+ [69][77][78] 1 23
"Be Honest with Me"[77][74] 1 23
"You Waited Too Long"[74] 2 —
"It Makes No Difference Now"[78] 6 —
"Lonely River"[79] 9 —
1942 "Tweedle-O-Twill"[79] 1 —
"Deep in the Heart of Texas"[79] 1 —
1943 "It Makes No Difference Now"[78] 3 —
"I Hang My Head and Cry"[79] 4 —
"We've Come A Long Way Together"[79] 10 —
1944 "I'm Thinking Tonight of My Blue Eyes"[79] 3 —
1945 "At Mail Call Today"[79] 1 —
"I'll Be Back"[79] 7 —
"Gonna Build a Big Fence Around Texas"[79] 2 —
"Don't Fence Me In"[79] 4 —
"Don't Hang Around Me Anymore"[80] 4 —
"Don't Live a Lie"[81] 4 —
"I Want to Be Sure"[81] 4 —
1946 "Silver Spurs (On the Golden Stairs)"[81] 4 —
"I Wish I Had Never Met Sunshine"[81] 3 —
"You Only Want Me When You're Lonely"[81] 7 —
"Wave to Me, My Lady"[81] 4 —
"Have I Told You Lately that I Love You?"[82] 3 —
"Someday (You'll Want Me to Want You)"[82] 4 —
1947 "Home On The Range"/"Red River Valley"[80] — —
"You're Not My Darlin' Anymore"[82] 3 —
1948 "Here Comes Santa Claus (Down Santa Claus Lane)"+' [83][59] 5 8
"Buttons and Bows"[83] 6 17
"Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)"[80] 4 8
1949 "Ghost Riders in the Sky"[84] — —
"Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer"+ (w/ The Pinafores)[85][59] 1 1
"Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)"[80] 8 24
"—" denotes releases that did not chart

1950s

[edit]
Year Single Peak chart positions
US Country US Popular
1950 "Peter Cottontail"+ [85][69] 3 5
"Frosty the Snow Man"+ (w/ The Cass County Boys)[85][59] 4 7
"Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (w/ The Pinafores)[85] 5 3
1951 "Old Soldiers Never Die" 9 —
1952 "Up on the Housetop" — —
1957 "Nobody's Darlin' but Mine" — —
"Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (re-entry)[85] — 70
"—" denotes releases that did not chart

1990s

[edit]
Year Single Peak chart positions
US Country US AC
1998 "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (re-entry) 55 —
1999 "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (re-entry) 60 24
"—" denotes releases that did not chart

2010s

[edit]
Year Single Peak chart positions
US
2018 "Here Comes Santa Claus (Down Santa Claus Lane)" (re-entry) 28[86]
"Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (re-entry) 16[86]
2019 "Here Comes Santa Claus (Down Santa Claus Lane)" (re-entry) 32[87]
"Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (re-entry) 22[87]

2020s

[edit]
Year Single Peak chart positions
US
2020 "Here Comes Santa Claus (Down Santa Claus Lane)" (re-entry) 26[88]
"Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (re-entry) 16[88]
2021 "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (re-entry) 19[89]
2022 "Here Comes Santa Claus (Down Santa Claus Lane)" (re-entry) 25[90]
"Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (re-entry) 28[90]
2023 "Here Comes Santa Claus (Down Santa Claus Lane)" (re-entry) 21[91]
"Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (re-entry) 26[92]
2024 "Here Comes Santa Claus (Down Santa Claus Lane)" (re-entry) 23[93]
"Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (re-entry) 30[93]

Holiday 100 chart entries

[edit]

Since many radio stations in the US adopt a format change to Christmas music each December, many holiday hits have an annual spike in popularity during the last few weeks of the year and are retired once the season is over.[94] In December 2011, Billboard began a Holiday Songs chart with 50 positions that monitors the last five weeks of each year to "rank the top holiday hits of all eras using the same methodology as the Hot 100, blending streaming, airplay, and sales data",[95] and in 2013, the number of positions on the chart was doubled, resulting in the Holiday 100.[96] A few Autry recordings have made appearances on the Holiday 100 and are noted below according to the holiday season in which they charted there.

Title Holiday season peak chart positions
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
"Frosty the Snowman" — — — — 100[97] 90[98] — — — — — — 100[99] 100[100] 89[101]
"Here Comes Santa Claus (Down Santa Claus Lane)" 45[102] 34[103] 43[104] 48[105] 27[97] 37[98] 18[106] 10[107] 12[108] 12[109] 25[110] 19[111] 17[112] 20[113] 19[101]
"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" 14[114] 14[115] 11[116] 11[117] 8[118] 10[119] 10[120] 7[107] 10[121] 14[122] 13[123] 17[111] 14[124] 26[125] 26[101]
"Up on the Housetop (Ho! Ho! Ho!)" — — 80[126] — — 94[98] 80[127] 72[128] 94[108] 91[109] 74[110] 84[129] 94[124] 78[125] 84[101]

Filmography

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Main article: Gene Autry filmography

From 1934 to 1953, Autry appeared in 93 films.[130][Note 2] From 1950 to 1955, he also appeared in 91 episodes of The Gene Autry Show television series.[131][132] As of 2014, a large number of these films and television episodes remain available via the Gene Autry Foundation on the Western Channel (a cable television station), the latter having collaborated with the Foundation to restore the Republic titles, which had been cut to a uniform 54 minutes for television release in the 1950s, to full length and to provide clean negative-based source prints for all the titles in the 1990s.

See also

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Further reading

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Notes

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Gene Autry

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Orvon Grover "Gene" Autry (September 29, 1907 – October 2, 1998) was an American singer, actor, songwriter, musician, and media proprietor best known as the "," a pioneering figure in Western entertainment who blended music and film to popularize the genre during Hollywood's . Born in , and raised in Texas and , Autry began his career as a telegrapher and radio performer, gaining early fame in 1929 when humorist discovered him on Tulsa's KVOO station, billing him as "Oklahoma's Cowboy." Autry's music career took off after signing with in 1929, where he recorded over 640 songs and sold more than 100 million records, achieving hits like "That Silver-Haired Daddy of Mine" (1931), "Tumbling Tumbleweeds" (1934), and "" (1939), while later dominating holiday music with classics such as "" (1947) and "" (1949), the latter becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time. His spanned 93 Western features from 1934 to 1953, starting with In Old Santa Fe and including box-office successes that made him the top Western star by 1937 and the fourth-biggest overall attraction in 1940, often performing his own songs and stunts alongside his horse . On radio, he hosted the long-running Gene Autry's Melody Ranch on from 1940 to 1956, reaching millions weekly, and transitioned to television with The Gene Autry Show (1950–1955), which he produced through his Flying A Pictures company, alongside other series like . During , Autry interrupted his career to enlist in the U.S. Army Air Forces in 1942 as a and later serve as a , flying dangerous supply missions over in the China-India-Burma theater and contributing to wartime morale through films and recordings before resuming entertainment in 1946. Beyond performing, Autry built a diverse business empire, owning radio station , television station , and acquiring the expansion franchise for $2.1 million in 1960 (paying an additional $350,000 for the team name rights to ), which he renamed the California Angels in 1965 and relocated to Anaheim in 1966, supporting it with significant investments, though it did not win a championship until 2002 after his death. He also founded the Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum in 1988 (now the ), donating around $100 million to cultural and philanthropic causes. Autry's legacy includes being the only entertainer with five stars on the (for film, television, radio, recording, and live performance), induction into the Hall of Fame in 1969, and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum's in 1972, as well as the Hall of Fame. He died on October 2, 1998, in Studio City, California, at age 91, leaving an indelible mark on American popular culture through his embodiment of the ideal in music, film, and beyond.

Early Life

Birth and Childhood

Orvon Grover Autry, known professionally as Gene Autry, was born on September 29, 1907, in a farmhouse on a tenant farm near , to Delbert Autry and Elnora Ozment Autry. He was the second of five children in a family of French, Scottish, and Irish ancestry. Delbert Autry worked as a dealer and trader, which shaped the family's rural lifestyle. A few years after Autry's birth, the family relocated to , first settling in Achille and later homesteading near Ravia, where they managed a . On the , young Autry gained early exposure to the way of life, learning to ride horses amid the demands of rural and homesteads. His grandfather, a Baptist minister, influenced the family's religious environment, and by age five, Autry was singing as a in the church choir, performing at local events that sparked his interest in music. Autry's musical talents developed further during his pre-teen years; by age twelve, he had taught himself to play the guitar using a mail-order instrument from the Roebuck catalog, often with encouragement from his mother. This self-taught skill allowed him to accompany his singing with folk songs, ballads, and southern tunes heard around the ranch and in gatherings. As a teenager, Autry contributed to the family by taking on odd jobs; in exchange for lessons in from the local stationmaster, he worked as a baggage hauler at the St. Louis and San Francisco Railway depot. By 1925, at age seventeen, he had secured a position as a relief telegrapher for the railway in Chelsea, , a role that demanded precision and supported the family's finances after he left high school.

Family Background and Influences

Orvon Gene Autry was born the second of five children to Delbert Autry, a dealer and rancher whose work frequently took him away from home, and Elnora Ozment Autry, a devoted homemaker who nurtured the family's cultural interests through her musical talents. The family relocated from , shortly after his birth in the late 1900s, first to Achille and then to Ravia, , settling on a modest homestead where ranching formed the core of daily life. Delbert's role in trading horses and cattle provided for the family but also contributed to financial instability and frequent relocations, while Elnora managed the household and introduced her children to music by playing and guitar in a distinctive Latin style. Gene's siblings included older brother Roy Robert Autry (1906–1962), younger sister Veda Marie Autry Coppola (1911–2000), sister Wilma Geneva Autry (1913–1993), and brother Dudley Douglas Autry (1919–1962), with the homestead serving as a hub for familial responsibilities amid economic pressures. As the second oldest, Gene often shouldered chores alongside his siblings, helping to sustain the during times when Delbert's absences left Elnora, who suffered from poor , to oversee operations. These dynamics cultivated a deep sense of and diligence in Gene, shaped by the rigors of rural life during the , when dust storms and poverty tested homesteaders' resilience and instilled a profound work ethic. Elnora's encouragement of music profoundly influenced Gene's early interests, as she taught him to play guitar on a mail-order instrument and involved him in church activities, where she served as and he sang in the . Raised as the grandson of a Baptist minister, Autry absorbed values of , moral uprightness, and from this religious environment, which emphasized straightforward living and patriotism amid the era's hardships. These familial and spiritual influences laid the foundation for Gene's later persona as a principled entertainer, though specific family sing-alongs or paternal tales of the West were not prominently documented in his .

Career Beginnings

Radio Discovery

While working as a telegrapher for the Frisco Railroad in Chelsea, Oklahoma, in 1927, Autry was overheard singing and playing guitar by the humorist , who was visiting the office. Rogers encouraged the young Autry to pursue a career in entertainment and provided him with a letter of introduction to a New York radio station, marking the pivotal moment that shifted Autry from railroad work toward public performance. Following unsuccessful auditions in New York, where producers advised him to gain more experience, Autry began his radio career in 1928 at KVOO in , where he performed daily 15-minute segments initially without pay while continuing his day job as a telegrapher. Adopting the stage name "Oklahoma Yodeling Cowboy" Gene Autry, he specialized in and cowboy songs inspired by , quickly building a local following through his clear voice and authentic Western style. By 1929, his performances had become paid, earning him $35 per week, though he often struggled to balance the demands of his railroad shifts with late-night rehearsals and broadcasts. Autry expanded his act by collaborating with Jimmy Long, a fellow railroader and whistler whom he met in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, forming an early duo that added novelty elements like whistling harmonies to their yodeling routines on KVOO. This partnership proved instrumental in refining his stage presence, despite initial challenges such as nervousness during live shows and the logistical difficulties of coordinating performances around his telegraph duties. In 1930, Autry secured his first sponsored on Chicago's WLS National , a major platform for that elevated his profile nationally and solidified his reputation as a rising yodeling talent.

Initial Recordings and Performances

In October 1929, Gene Autry signed his first recording contract with Victor Records and traveled to for sessions at the company's studios, where he cut his debut tracks as a yodeler influenced by . Among the releases from these sessions was "My Home," a that showcased his early vocal style blending with elements, issued on Victor label V-40200. These initial efforts, limited to a handful of sides due to his non-exclusive deal, laid the groundwork for his commercial entry into the music industry while he continued radio work in Tulsa. By 1931, Autry had transitioned to an exclusive contract with the (ARC), a budget label distributor that enabled broader market reach through chain stores. Under this agreement, he recorded prolifically in New York and studios, producing over 200 sides by 1934, encompassing hillbilly tunes, , and emerging cowboy themes. A breakthrough came with the October 1931 session yielding "That Silver-Haired Daddy of Mine," a with Jimmy Long that became his first major hit upon its 1932 release, selling over 500,000 copies and earning the distinction as the first gold-certified record in any . The track topped early sales charts and marked Autry's shift toward heartfelt ballads that resonated with Depression-era audiences. Autry expanded beyond the studio into live performances, appearing at rodeos and county fairs across the Midwest in to promote his growing catalog and capitalize on his radio fame. These events, often featuring sets and simple guitar accompaniment, helped build his stage presence amid the era's traveling entertainment circuits. Around this time, Autry began collaborating with multi-instrumentalist , initially as a radio and recording accompanist in , which influenced his stylistic evolution from pure novelty to narrative-driven cowboy ballads emphasizing Western lore and sentiment. This partnership added comedic and musical depth to his acts, solidifying his persona as a versatile performer in the pre-film phase of his career.

Music Career

Rise as Singing Cowboy

In the early 1930s, Gene Autry popularized the "" archetype through his radio performances and recordings, blending tunes with Western themes to create a distinctive persona that resonated with audiences nationwide. Initially billed as "Oklahoma's Cowboy" on Tulsa's KVOO station after encouragement from performer , Autry's style drew from earlier Western figures like Rogers and , incorporating moralistic lyrics about home, family, and patriotism. In 1929, he signed with , releasing over 640 recordings in his career that collectively sold more than 100 million copies. Autry's breakthrough came with his first million-selling Western record, "That Silver-Haired Daddy of Mine," released in 1931 and certified gold as the first such honor in recording history for exceeding one million units. This success propelled him to national radio fame on Chicago's WLS National Barn Dance, where his clean-cut, heroic image—emphasizing honesty and chivalry—began to solidify through songs evoking the . Key 1930s hits further defined the genre, including "Tumbling Tumbleweeds" recorded in 1935, a wistful co-written by that captured the nomadic spirit, and "" recorded in 1939, which became his signature anthem of resilience and return to Western life. To guide his growing young fanbase, Autry introduced ethical guidelines via "Nine Cardinal Rules" for his film productions, which evolved into the formal "Ten Cowboy Commandments" by the late 1940s, promoting values like never shooting first, telling the truth, and aiding those in distress. This moral framework reinforced his persona as a wholesome hero, influencing the singing cowboy trope in popular culture. By 1940, Autry launched his CBS radio program Gene Autry's Melody Ranch, a weekly variety show that aired until 1956 and featured Western music, stories, and his hits, cementing his status as America's favorite singing cowboy.

Major Hits and Musical Style

Gene Autry's major hits often centered on themes of patriotism, family values, and the romanticized ideals of frontier life, reflecting the era's cultural sentiments during the and . Songs like "At Mail Call Today" (1945), co-written by Autry, captured the longing of soldiers and families separated by , emphasizing emotional resilience and , while "That Silver-Haired Daddy of Mine" (1931), another co-written track, evoked filial devotion through its heartfelt narrative of . His holiday classics, such as "" (1947), which he co-wrote with Oakley Haldeman, promoted joy and community spirit, and "" (1949), sold nearly two million copies in its first year alone, blending whimsy with messages of acceptance and perseverance. Autry's musical style fused elements of , folk, and pop, characterized by his smooth, relaxed baritone delivery that prioritized melodic clarity over elaborate vocal flourishes, often incorporating in his early work to evoke the open ranges of lore. This blend featured simple chord progressions typical of Western folk traditions, paired with sincere, reassuring vocals that appealed to broad audiences, as seen in upbeat tracks like "" (1939), co-written by Autry and Ray Whitley, which combined rhythmic swing with nostalgic frontier imagery. His approach drew from ' influence but evolved into a more polished, pop-infused sound that emphasized warmth and accessibility. On the charts, Autry achieved significant dominance, securing multiple No. 1 hits on Billboard's country and folk rankings, including "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," which topped the charts for weeks in 1949-1950, and "At Mail Call Today," which held No. 1 for eight weeks in 1945; overall, he amassed 25 top 10 country hits between 1944 and 1951. As a prolific songwriter, Autry co-authored over 300 songs, contributing to his catalog's depth and influencing the genre's shift toward narrative-driven Western music. His style evolved from the sentimental ballads of the 1930s, like "Tumbling Tumbleweeds" (1935), to the more optimistic, upbeat tunes of the 1940s, paving the way for successors such as Roy Rogers in popularizing the singing cowboy archetype.

Film Career

Transition to Hollywood

Autry's transition to Hollywood occurred in the early as his popularity as a radio singer drew the attention of Nat Levine. In 1934, Levine arranged a for Autry, leading to his film debut in a as a member of a quartet in the Ken Maynard western In Old Santa Fe, produced by Mascot Pictures, with frequent collaborator also appearing. Following the 1935 merger of Pictures and other independent studios into , Autry signed a contract with the new company and transitioned to leading roles. His first starring performance came in the 12-chapter serial (1935), a Mascot production distributed by Republic that innovatively fused western adventure with elements, portraying Autry as a radio rancher uncovering a hidden subterranean world of advanced beings and robots. This film marked Autry's establishment as a B-western star, with Tumbling Tumbleweeds (1935) serving as his inaugural full-length feature lead for Republic, solidifying his on-screen persona as the . Despite having no prior acting experience, Autry quickly adapted, though he faced logistical challenges in coordinating his ongoing radio commitments and personal appearance tours with the demanding schedules. His contract emphasized integrating musical numbers into the narratives, allowing him to leverage his recording success while building a prolific output of over 40 films by 1940.

Key Films and Productions

Gene Autry starred in 93 feature films between 1934 and 1953, establishing himself as a dominant figure in the B-Western genre during and . His productions typically followed a reliable formula of approximately 60-minute features that blended action sequences, such as chases and gunfights, with musical performances and straightforward moral narratives emphasizing heroism and justice. These films often featured Autry co-starring with as his comic sidekick, contributing to their appeal as entertainment that integrated his persona seamlessly from his radio and recording background. Among his most commercially successful pictures were early hits like Winds of the Wasteland (1936), which showcased Autry's transition to leading roles with a plot involving a race, and Home on the Prairie (1939), a release that highlighted rancher conflicts and became a draw during his peak popularity. By 1940, Autry had risen to become the highest-paid Western star, ranking fourth overall among attractions and earning approximately $600,000 annually from films, recordings, radio, and appearances. Other notable successes included South of the Border (1939) and Back in the Saddle (1941), both adapted from his hit songs and praised for their lively musical elements that boosted their theatrical performance. Seeking greater creative control after his Republic Pictures contract ended, Autry founded his own production company in 1947, allowing him to produce independent Westerns distributed by Columbia Pictures through 1953. This shift enabled innovations like the transition to color filmmaking in the late 1940s, beginning with The Strawberry Roan (1948), which vividly captured Western landscapes and Champion, Autry's iconic horse. Post-World War II releases, such as Indian Territory (1950), maintained his momentum with stories of post-Civil War frontier justice, often incorporating historical themes while sustaining strong audience attendance amid the genre's popularity.

Melody Ranch Operations

In 1952, Gene Autry purchased the 110-acre Monogram Ranch, located in Placerita Canyon near Newhall, California, and renamed it Melody Ranch in homage to his 1940 film and radio program of the same name. The property, previously used by for numerous B-westerns, was transformed by Autry into a dedicated facility for his entertainment ventures, serving as both a working studio and a personal retreat that reinforced his iconic persona. The ranch featured a meticulously constructed replica Western town with facades evoking old frontier settlements, extensive corrals for livestock, and a personal residence for Autry, creating an immersive environment for film and television production. It became a primary filming location for Autry's Flying A Productions television series, including The Gene Autry Show, Annie Oakley, The Range Rider, and The Adventures of Champion, where over 200 episodes were shot, alongside occasional feature films and other Western productions. The site's authentic ranch setting also hosted live elements tied to Autry's radio broadcasts, such as promotional events and recordings that captured the spirit of his Melody Ranch program, blending media operations with the day-to-day workings of a cowboy lifestyle. A devastating on August 28, 1962, destroyed much of the ranch's structures, including key sets and buildings valued at approximately $1 million, severely impacting operations. Autry rebuilt essential portions, including parts of the Western town and corrals, allowing limited filming to resume, though the ranch increasingly shifted from active production to a symbolic homestead. This rebuild preserved the site's role as a touchstone for Autry's , particularly as the retirement home for his famous horse, , who resided there and frequently appeared as a co-star in Autry's works, embodying the genuine Western authenticity that defined his public image. Following Champion's death and burial at the ranch in 1990, Autry sold the remaining 10 acres of Melody Ranch to brothers Andre and Renaud Veluzat for $975,000, marking the end of his direct involvement, though the property continued as a motion picture studio under new ownership.

Broadcasting Career

Radio Shows

Gene Autry began his radio career with appearances on the WLS National Barn Dance in Chicago starting in 1931, where he performed as part of the live variety program featuring country and western music, comedy, and rural entertainment. His appearances, sponsored by Sears and Roebuck, aired on NBC and drew large live audiences of around 1,200 people for its Saturday night broadcasts, helping Autry establish his reputation as a singing cowboy through yodeling and guitar performances. In 1940, Autry launched his own program, Gene Autry's Melody Ranch, on the CBS radio network, which ran weekly for 30 minutes until 1956, with a hiatus during from 1943 to 1945. The show evolved from the informal, live style of his earlier appearances into a structured Western variety format that included Autry's signature songs, comedic skits, dramatic adventure segments, and guest appearances, often featuring sidekick in humorous roles. Sponsored throughout by Wrigley's gum, Melody Ranch emphasized themes and family-friendly entertainment, broadcast live from studios like in Hollywood before an audience. During , following his enlistment in the U.S. Army Air Forces in July 1942—announced live on the air—Autry's program transitioned to the Sgt. Gene Autry show, airing from August 1942 to August 1943 and broadcast from Luke Field in to soldier audiences. This solo-hosted version maintained the musical and comedic elements but shifted to patriotic content, including military-themed dramatizations, recruitment messages, and morale-boosting songs to support the , while Autry balanced it with his flight instructor duties. The program resumed as Melody Ranch in 1945 after Autry's discharge, continuing its blend of scripted Western adventures and musical performances until its conclusion in 1956.

Television Appearances

Autry transitioned to television in the early 1950s, capitalizing on his established persona as the Singing Cowboy to launch a successful small-screen career. His flagship program, The Gene Autry Show, premiered on CBS on July 23, 1950, and ran for five seasons until December 24, 1955, comprising 91 half-hour episodes that blended action, comedy, and musical performances. Sponsored by Wrigley's Doublemint Chewing Gum, the series featured Autry alongside his horse Champion and sidekick Pat Buttram, with original scripts crafted by Western writers and filmed using close-up techniques suited to the intimate television format. Produced at locations including Pioneertown and the Monogram Ranch (later renamed Melody Ranch), the show emphasized Autry's signature songs, such as "Back in the Saddle Again," set against wholesome frontier tales. Through his , Flying A Pictures—founded in 1950—Autry not only starred in but also oversaw the creation of multiple Western series tailored for television syndication, effectively adapting the low-budget B-movie style of his film career to the episodic demands of TV. While The Gene Autry Show was a network staple, Flying A expanded the genre with programs like (81 episodes, 1954–1957), (78 episodes, 1950–1953), Buffalo Bill, Jr. (42 episodes, 1955–1956), and (26 episodes, 1955–1956), all emphasizing family-friendly adventures and moral lessons. This production model addressed early industry hurdles, including resistance from owners who viewed television as a threat to box-office attendance, by focusing on original content that complemented rather than competed with theatrical releases. Autry's hands-on role in these efforts marked a pivotal shift, enabling Westerns to thrive on the burgeoning medium. Autry made select guest appearances on other programs, including an credit for a 1952 episode of the anthology series , and contributed to variety specials that showcased his musical talents. By 1955, amid the evolving landscape of broadcasting—which included broader industry anxieties over content scrutiny—Autry retired from on-screen acting to focus on production and business interests, concluding his regular television performances after the final color episodes of his show. His work laid foundational groundwork for the Western television genre, inspiring a surge of over two dozen similar series in the and 1960s, including long-running hits like , by establishing the archetype and serialized frontier storytelling as viable small-screen staples.

Military Service

World War II Enlistment

On July 26, 1942, during a live broadcast of his Melody Ranch, Gene Autry was inducted into the as a , at the explicit request of officials to inspire enlistments and bolster public morale amid . This voluntary enlistment came at significant personal cost, as Autry relinquished an annual entertainment income of approximately $600,000 to accept a military salary of $114 per month. Motivated by a strong sense of patriotic duty, Autry rejected offers for an officer commission, preferring to serve as an enlisted man in line with his self-image as an everyman cowboy. Autry's cowboy persona, honed through his singing and film roles, amplified the symbolic impact of his enlistment, which was broadcast nationwide to encourage others to follow suit. Following induction, he underwent basic training at Santa Ana Army Air Base in , where he adapted to despite his celebrity status. Leveraging his existing private pilot's license, Autry pursued advanced , attending schools at Luke Field and Pampa Air Base in , among other facilities, to qualify as a service pilot. The enlistment necessitated adjustments to Autry's personal life, including arrangements for his Melody Ranch property, which continued limited operations for radio broadcasts during his absence, and the temporary suspension of his horse-related activities central to his public image. To support troop morale, Autry contributed to wartime recording efforts, including patriotic singles and participation in initiatives like the program, which distributed special vinyl records to overseas servicemen. By early 1944, following successful completion of his training, Autry advanced to the rank of , marking his progression from to qualified military aviator.

Service Achievements and Discharge

During his tenure in the U.S. Army Air Forces, Gene Autry advanced to the rank of on June 21, 1944, after earning his service pilot wings, and was assigned to the 91st Ferrying Squadron of the 555th Army Air Base Unit at Love Field, Texas. In this role, he piloted , including C-109 Liberator transports, on critical supply missions over ""—the treacherous Himalayan route in the China-Burma-India theater—delivering fuel, arms, and ammunition to Allied forces under hazardous conditions that claimed numerous aircraft and crews. These flights exemplified his contributions to the war effort, supporting operations against Japanese forces in the Pacific region. Autry also bolstered troop morale through entertainment, hosting the military-themed radio program Sergeant Gene Autry from August 1942 to August 1943, which featured patriotic songs and sketches broadcast to servicemen. Later, from April 1945, he served with the Special Services Division, leading a USO troupe on tours across the South Pacific to perform for troops, providing live shows that offered respite amid duties. His multifaceted service combined aviation logistics with cultural support, reflecting his pre-war background as an entertainer. For his efforts, Autry received the , the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and the , recognizing his participation in both domestic training operations and overseas campaigns. He was honorably discharged from the Army Air Forces in 1946, after which he promptly resumed his entertainment career, starring in the Sioux City Sue later that year.

Business Ventures

Rodeo and Western Events

Gene Autry became involved in during , focusing on performance and production to blend athletic competition with entertainment. In 1942, at the peak of his film career, Autry established a string of rodeo stock based north of , known as the Flying A Ranch Rodeo Company. That same year, he partnered with rodeo producer Everett Colborn, merging his operation with Colborn's World's Championship Rodeo to create one of the largest touring companies of the era. This partnership enabled the production of high-profile events, including annual s at in , which ran for 22 years from the through the and drew massive crowds with a mix of competitive events and musical performances. Autry's shows emphasized appeal, integrating live music, exhibitions, and his own appearances alongside his horse to attract urban audiences unaccustomed to Western sports. Autry's investments extended beyond stock to infrastructure supporting rodeo growth. By 1943, he had become a key figure in the World Championship Rodeo Company, acquiring additional livestock and eventually gaining sole ownership after a 1956 merger. In 1954, he purchased Montana's premier bucking horse string from the estate of Leo J. Cremer Sr., enhancing the quality of animals for competitions. The following year, operations relocated to a 24,000-acre ranch near Fowler, Colorado, in partnership with Harry Knight, where specialized facilities bred and trained rodeo stock for major events in Texas, Colorado, Montana, and Nebraska until 1968. Autry promoted these rodeos as accessible spectacles, leasing entire trains to transport livestock to venues like Madison Square Garden and Boston Garden, ensuring reliable, high-caliber productions that combined roping contests with theatrical elements like synchronized music and lighting. Autry's efforts significantly elevated 's status as a mainstream American sport during the and . As a performer and organizer, he standardized competitive formats, increased prize money to attract top talent, and improved livestock breeding for safer, more exciting events, transforming from regional fairs into national entertainment drawing tens of thousands. His persona, reinforced through films and live shows, tied to broader cultural ideals of heroism and frontier spirit, making it a symbol of wholesome family outings while boosting its professional legitimacy through associations like the .

Baseball Team Ownership

In December 1960, entertainer Gene Autry assembled a group of investors to secure an expansion franchise for , paying $2.1 million to establish the team ahead of its 1961 debut. The franchise was named the [Los Angeles Angels](/page/Los Angeles_Angels) in homage to the longstanding local team of the same name, whose rights Autry acquired from owner for $350,000 to resolve territorial disputes. Autry assumed the role of managing partner at the team's inception and maintained it until 1983, when he bought out his partners to gain full ownership. Throughout his 36-year tenure, he personally funded much of the operation, including multimillion-dollar signings such as the 1976 free-agent class of , , and for $5.25 million—equivalent to about $22 million in 2017 dollars—and the later acquisition of , which helped elevate attendance and competitiveness despite chronic financial losses. The Angels' early years involved temporary homes at (1961) and (1962–1965) before the city of Anaheim completed construction of Anaheim Stadium in 1966, providing a dedicated venue that seated over 40,000 fans. By the 1990s, escalating disputes over stadium leases and maintenance costs led to repeated relocation threats, including potential moves to sites in the area or beyond, as Autry sought better terms from Anaheim officials. Under Autry's stewardship, the Angels posted their first winning record in 1979 (88–74), clinching the division and advancing to the for the first time. Additional division titles followed in and , though the team fell short in each AL Championship Series and never reached the during his ownership. Autry enhanced the franchise's cultural profile as a beloved figure, frequently singing the at games and leveraging his persona to connect with fans, transforming the Angels into a regional for in . Facing health challenges and , Autry agreed in 1996 to sell a controlling 25% stake in the Angels to for $30 million (implying a $120 million valuation), granting Disney operational control; he retained a until his death in 1998, after which Disney acquired the remainder for a total of $147 million.

Other Enterprises

Beyond his entertainment endeavors, Gene Autry expanded into publishing through licensed comic books that capitalized on his cowboy persona. Dell Comics published Gene Autry Comics from May-June 1946 to July 1955, producing 101 issues that depicted adventurous tales of the singing cowboy and his horse Champion solving mysteries and battling outlaws in the Old West. These stories, often illustrated in vibrant color and spanning 52 pages per issue, emphasized themes of justice and heroism, mirroring Autry's film roles and appealing to young readers during the post-World War II boom in Western media. Autry's image also drove a lucrative consumer products market, particularly in toys that evoked the frontier spirit. In the , manufacturers like Kenton Hardware produced Gene Autry-branded cap pistols, with the 1937 model alone selling 2 million units in its first year at 10 cents each, generating significant revenue through widespread distribution in stores and catalogs. Marx Toys contributed to this line with playsets, horse figures, and accessories such as holsters and rifles, which became staples for children amid the era's cowboy craze fueled by radio and film serials. These items, often made from affordable tin litho or , collectively amassed millions in sales by the late , with Autry earning royalties that bolstered his merchandising empire. In , Autry invested in properties tied to his Western heritage. In 1961, he acquired California's first in Palm Springs for $1.5 million, renaming it Melody Ranch after his famed movie ranch and using it as lodging for the baseball team during . This 144-room resort, featuring pools and villas on 13 acres, served as a celebrity retreat and reflected Autry's blend of entertainment and leisure business interests until he sold it in 1994. Autry further diversified through media production, establishing Flying A Productions in April 1950 to create and distribute television content. The company produced five Western series totaling over 300 episodes, including The Gene Autry Show (91 episodes, 1950–1955), which aired on and was later syndicated nationwide by CBS Television Film Sales, reaching audiences through reruns into the 1970s. Complementing this, Autry ventured into the music industry with Challenge Records, co-founded in 1957 in , which released country and tracks and capitalized on his enduring popularity as a recording artist. These enterprises, alongside royalties from music and films, formed a robust diversified portfolio that established Autry as a multimillionaire by the mid-1950s, with investments in broadcasting and amplifying his earnings from cowboy-themed branding.

Personal Life

Marriages and Family

Gene Autry married Ina Mae Spivey, the niece of his early collaborator Jimmy Long, on April 1, 1932, in . The couple remained together for nearly 48 years until Ina's death from cancer on May 19, 1980. During their marriage, Ina played a pivotal role in supporting Autry's career transition from radio to film, encouraging his move to Hollywood and contributing to key decisions, including the recording of his iconic hit "" in 1949. She also stood by him during his military service, managing aspects of his professional life while he was enlisted. The Autrys had no biological children and chose not to adopt, maintaining a childless focused on their amid Autry's rising fame. They resided primarily in a private, gated estate in Studio City's Fryman Canyon, which they built in the late 1940s at 3171 Brookdale Road, offering seclusion from Hollywood's spotlight with its five bedrooms, expansive grounds, and views of the surrounding hills. This home became a haven for their close-knit life, where Ina often hosted intimate gatherings and supported Autry's equestrian interests, emphasizing a low-profile family dynamic despite his public persona as the "." Following Ina's passing, Autry married Jacqueline Evelyn Ellam, a former executive at Security Pacific National Bank, on July 19, 1981, in a small, private ceremony. Known as , she was 34 years his junior and brought her financial expertise to their shared life, collaborating on business ventures including the management of the California Angels team and the Autry Museum of the American West. The couple enjoyed 17 years together until Autry's death in 1998, continuing to prioritize privacy in their Studio City residence and Palm Springs retreat, fostering a supportive partnership that extended into and legacy preservation. Throughout both marriages, Autry's family life remained notably private, centered on mutual support and discretion amid his multifaceted career.

Philanthropy and Personal Interests

Autry demonstrated a strong commitment to throughout his career, contributing approximately $100 million to various charitable causes by the end of his life. His support extended to youth organizations, earning him the Good Scout Award from the Boy Scouts of America in recognition of his donations and inspirational influence on young people. In 1988, Autry founded the Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum—now known as the Autry Museum of —to preserve and promote the cultural legacy of the American West, reflecting his dedication to and heritage preservation. Beyond institutional giving, Autry pursued personal interests deeply rooted in Western traditions. He maintained a ranch at Melody Ranch in , where he kept and cared for horses, including his iconic mount , which was buried there upon its death in 1990. Autry also built an extensive personal collection of Western art, firearms, saddles, and Hollywood memorabilia, amassing over 600,000 items that now anchor the Autry Museum's holdings and highlight his passion for the genre he helped popularize. An aviation enthusiast, Autry earned his private pilot's license before World War II and owned private planes, which he piloted during his military service as a flight officer in the U.S. Army Air Forces, including hazardous supply missions over the Himalayas. Politically active as a registered Republican, he endorsed key figures such as in the 1950s, as well as in 1960 and in 1964, aligning his support with conservative values during a period of shifting American politics. After Autry's death, his wife Jackie continued their philanthropic efforts, including the 2022 dedication of the Jackie and Gene Autry Orthopedic Center at , which supports research and treatment for bone and soft tissue tumors, including those related to cancer.

Later Years and Death

Retirement Activities

Following the conclusion of his television series in 1956, Autry withdrew from regular performing commitments, marking the end of his active in film and broadcast . His final , Last of the Pony Riders, released in 1953, represented his ninety-third and last starring role in a theatrical Western. The Gene Autry Show aired its last episode on December 24, 1955, after 91 episodes. Autry then devoted himself full-time to his business ventures, particularly as the founding owner of the (later and Anaheim) Angels major league baseball team, a role he assumed in 1961 and maintained until 1997. He also continued overseeing the Flying A Company, which he had established as sole proprietor following a 1956 merger, producing events and stock contracting through the 1970s. In his retirement years, Autry pursued leisure activities centered on travel and relaxation, including annual vacations in Palm Springs, where he owned a longtime residence in the exclusive Old Las Palmas neighborhood. He enjoyed golfing and maintained an interest in the sport, occasionally participating in related events. Autry also authored his autobiography, Back in the Saddle Again, published in 1978, reflecting on his career and life. He made sporadic public appearances, including occasional concerts and personal tours into the early 1960s. By the 1980s, Autry's health began to decline, leading to fewer public engagements as he focused on private life and limited oversight of his enterprises.

Illness and Passing

In the mid-1990s, Gene Autry was diagnosed with and battled the disease for several years. Autry died on October 2, 1998, just three days after his 91st birthday, at his home in Studio City, , from complications of the cancer. A private funeral service was held for family and close friends, after which Autry was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in , ; his widow, , designed the grave marker to reflect his multifaceted life as entertainer, , and philanthropist. At the time of his death, Autry's estate was valued at approximately $320 million and was primarily bequeathed to his wife, Jackie, with substantial portions directed to the Gene Autry Foundation to support ongoing philanthropic efforts. Immediate tributes poured in from the and worlds; the Anaheim Angels organization mourned their longtime owner, while widespread media coverage portrayed Autry's passing as the symbolic end of the singing cowboy era in American popular culture. In his will, Autry ensured continued support for charitable causes aligned with his lifelong .

Legacy

Cultural and Entertainment Impact

Gene Autry is widely recognized as the pioneer of the "" archetype in American entertainment, a character that combined Western heroism with musical performance, fundamentally shaping the genre's portrayal in s, radio, and television for decades. His debut in the Tumblin' Tumbleweeds established this trope, blending adventures with original songs that emphasized themes of , romance, and life, influencing subsequent Western productions and inspiring a wave of performers who adopted the format. This innovation not only popularized on a national scale but also created a template for multimedia stardom, where drove in low-budget "B" Westerns, paving the way for the genre's expansion into post-war television series. Autry's commercial success underscored his cultural dominance, with lifetime record sales exceeding 100 million units and authorship credited to over 200 songs, including multiple chart-toppers that crossed genre boundaries. His 1932 recording of "That Silver-Haired Daddy of Mine" is often credited as the first to sell over a million copies, earning an early gold certification from , and later secured No. 1 hits on both and pop charts, such as "," which sold over two million copies in its debut year alone and became a perennial holiday standard. Representative of his impact, songs like "" drove massive sales, contributing to his role as a top-selling from through the 1950s. These milestones highlighted his versatility, bridging folk, , and pop audiences during an era when recorded music was transforming entertainment. As a media figure, Autry embodied optimistic Western values—honor, , and community—that resonated deeply during the and , offering escapist morale boosts through radio broadcasts and films that promoted American resilience. His persona as "Public Cowboy No. 1" reinforced patriotic ideals, with songs and stories that aligned with New Deal-era optimism and wartime unity, making him a symbol of enduring frontier spirit amid economic hardship and global conflict. This archetype influenced public perceptions of , embedding positive, moralistic narratives into that countered contemporary uncertainties. Autry's legacy extended to mentoring and shaping successors in the industry, notably paving the way for , who succeeded him as ' lead cowboy during Autry's wartime service, adopting similar singing-Western formats that propelled Rogers to stardom. His crooning style and integration of music into storytelling contributed to the evolution of , influencing the smoother, more polished "Nashville Sound" of the 1950s by demonstrating how vocal phrasing and orchestration could broaden appeal beyond rural audiences. In modern revivals, Autry's songs continue to appear in films—such as "" in (1998)—and enjoy renewed streaming popularity, with over 3.7 million monthly listeners on as of 2025, particularly for holiday classics that sustain his cross-generational influence.

Awards and Honors

Gene Autry's multifaceted career in entertainment, music, and rodeo earned him a wide array of prestigious awards and honors, reflecting his enduring influence as a performer and producer. In 1960, Autry became the only individual to receive five stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, one in each category—motion pictures (at 6520 Hollywood Boulevard), radio (at 6384 Hollywood Boulevard), recording (at 6667 Hollywood Boulevard), television (at 6644 Hollywood Boulevard), and live theater/performance (at 7000 Hollywood Boulevard)—honoring his groundbreaking work across media. These stars were dedicated on February 8, 1960, cementing his status as a versatile pioneer in show business. Autry's contributions to country music were recognized with his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1969, acknowledging his role in popularizing the genre through radio broadcasts, recordings, and films during the 1930s and 1940s. His musical legacy continued to be celebrated posthumously; two of his recordings, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (1949) and "Back in the Saddle Again" (1939), were inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1985 and 1997, respectively, for their historical and artistic significance. In 2009, he received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by the Recording Academy to honor performers with substantial creative contributions of lasting value to the field of recording. Autry's involvement in rodeo, both as a performer and producer, led to his 1979 induction into the as a stock contractor, recognizing his ownership and operation of Gene Autry's World Championship Rodeo Company, which promoted professional events across the from the 1940s onward. During his World War II service as a and in the U.S. Army Air Forces from 1942 to 1945, Autry earned the , Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and for his roles in flight instruction, cargo transport over "" in the China-Burma-India Theater, and morale-boosting entertainment performances for troops. His efforts to entertain servicemen through shows and broadcasts were commended by military leaders, highlighting his dual contributions as a and . Posthumously, Autry's impact persisted through additional recognitions, including the 2009 and the 2024 addition of "" to the for its cultural importance in American music.

Memorials and Statues

Several memorials and statues honor Gene Autry's legacy as the "," actor, and philanthropist, reflecting his contributions to Western entertainment, music, and sports. His gravesite at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in , , serves as a personal memorial, where he was interred on October 6, 1998, following his death from cancer complications at age 91. The grave marker, designed by his widow , incorporates elements symbolizing his multifaceted career, including references to his music, films, , and ownership of the California Angels team. One prominent statue stands at of Anaheim, commemorating Autry's role as the founding owner of the California Angels from 1961 until 1997. This life-size bronze sculpture, created by artist DeL'Esprie and dedicated on April 1, 1998, by after acquiring the team, depicts Autry in a welcoming pose with his in one hand and the other extended as if for a , located in a courtyard inside Gate 2 at the northeast corner of State College Drive and Orangewood Avenue. The statue measures approximately 6 feet 8 inches tall and underscores his impact on , where his uniform number 26 was retired in 1982. In , where Autry was an early developer and frequent visitor, a larger-than-life bronze statue by DeL'Esprie was dedicated in late 2009 at the southeast corner of Ramon Road and Gene Autry Trail, in front of the Gene Autry Plaza shopping center. The sculpture portrays Autry as the , holding a guitar, wearing fancy boots and a wide-brimmed hat, but without his to distinguish it from similar works; it faced initial controversy from the Palm Springs Public Arts Commission, who rejected it as a copy of an at the Autry Museum before approving the version due to its differences. This memorial highlights Autry's ties to the , where he owned property and performed. Another notable statue, also by DeL'Esprie, titled after Autry's signature song, stands outside the Autry Museum of the American West in , . Dedicated in 1988 during the museum's planning—founded by Autry and his wife Jackie—this larger-than-life bronze depicts Autry strumming a guitar beside his famous horse from his films, posed in the courtyard to evoke his persona. The work, for which Autry personally posed, symbolizes his enduring influence on American Western heritage and .

Museums and Foundations

The Autry Museum of the American West, located in , , was established in 1988 through the efforts of Gene Autry, his wife , and associates Joanne and Monte Hale, with an initial construction cost of approximately $30 million. The institution focuses on preserving and interpreting the multifaceted history of , featuring exhibits on Western art, film and entertainment, and Native American cultures and histories. Gene Autry's vision emphasized educational outreach, blending historical artifacts with contemporary narratives to engage diverse audiences. In addition to the flagship Los Angeles museum, the smaller Gene Autry Oklahoma Museum in the town of Gene Autry, , serves as a local repository dedicated to singing cowboys and memorabilia from the onward; it opened in 1990 in a repurposed school building and receives support through grants from the Autry Foundation for educational programs. The museums' combined collections encompass over 600,000 objects, including more than 500 Western paintings by notable artists, as well as personal artifacts from Autry's career such as saddles used in his films, including those associated with his iconic horse . Following Gene Autry's death in 1998, provided ongoing oversight as founding chair and life , guiding major developments such as the 2003 merger with the to expand Native American holdings and resources. The attracts nearly 200,000 visitors annually and has pursued digital expansions in the , including online exhibitions, virtual tours, and interactive educational resources to broaden access amid evolving public needs.

Discography

Albums

Gene Autry's recording career began in the early with compilations issued on labels under the (ARC), such as OKeh and Vocalion, featuring and western-themed songs that captured his style and nascent persona. One notable early release was the "Cowboy Songs" set, a collection of 78 RPM records highlighting tracks like "That Silver-Haired Daddy of Mine" and other mountain ballads, which helped establish his popularity during the era. By the late 1940s, Autry transitioned to long-playing records with Columbia, releasing his first full LP, "Gene Autry Sings," in 1947, which included western standards performed with the Cass County Boys orchestra for a fuller, more polished sound. This marked the shift from shellac 78s to vinyl, allowing for expanded collections of his hits. During his peak period in the , Autry produced numerous albums blending western, patriotic, and themes, often collaborating with orchestras to enhance the cinematic feel tied to his film work. Notable releases included "Back in the Saddle" compilations emphasizing his signature song and cowboy anthems, as well as the 1957 Columbia album "," featuring festive tracks like the title song and "" backed by orchestral arrangements. Over his career, Autry released more than 50 albums, encompassing studio recordings, soundtracks, and compilations, with total surpassing 100 million units worldwide. In the , German label Bear Family Records reissued comprehensive box sets, such as the 9-CD "That Silver Haired Daddy of Mine" (2006), restoring early masters and highlighting his western and patriotic catalog for modern audiences.

Singles and Chart Entries

Gene Autry's career as a recording featured numerous standalone singles that achieved commercial success, particularly in the and western genres, with many crossing over to pop charts. His releases often reflected themes of , patriotism, and holiday cheer, contributing to his status as a pioneering figure in music. Autry earned the distinction of being the first western to receive a gold record certification, awarded in 1932 for "That Silver-Haired Daddy of Mine," a co-written with Jimmy Long that sold over one million copies. In the 1930s, before Billboard formalized its country charts in 1944, Autry amassed more than 20 hits on predecessor publications such as Variety's recording charts and other industry tallies, establishing him as a dominant force in hillbilly and western music. A standout was "Tumbling Tumbleweeds," recorded in 1935 and featured in his film of the same name; it reached No. 10 on retrospective Billboard compilations of pre-chart era hits and spent five weeks in the top 10. These early successes, including tracks like "The Last Round-Up" (1933), laid the foundation for his crossover appeal, blending yodeling, cowboy ballads, and sentimental storytelling. The 1940s marked Autry's peak commercial era, bolstered by his radio presence and World War II-era popularity. Singles like "At Mail Call Today" (1945), a poignant wartime about a receiving a "Dear John" letter, topped the Billboard Most Played Juke Box Folk Records chart for eight weeks, resonating deeply with troops and civilians alike. Autry's holiday output defined the decade's end, with "," co-written and recorded in 1947, hitting No. 1 on holiday airplay charts and reaching No. 4 on the country chart in 1948; it became a perennial favorite, emphasizing joy and faith during the postwar recovery. His biggest single, "" (1949), soared to No. 1 on both the Best Sellers and country charts, topping the latter for 10 weeks and selling millions, making it one of the best-selling singles of all time at the time. Autry tallied 25 consecutive Top 10 hits on Billboard's early charts from to 1951, including wartime and holiday staples that showcased his versatile and narrative style. Into the and beyond, his singles continued to chart sporadically, often via reissues, with holiday tracks dominating seasonal lists; for instance, "Rudolph" and "" frequently re-entered and pop rankings through the due to radio play. The digital era revived his catalog further, as streaming propelled "Rudolph" to a new peak of No. 27 on the in December 2018—Autry's first entry on that chart—while it also topped the Holiday 100, underscoring the enduring appeal of his festive recordings. As of January 2025, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" re-entered the Hot 100 at No. 35, driven by seasonal streaming.
DecadeKey SingleChart Peak (Billboard)Notes
1930s"Tumbling Tumbleweeds" (1935)No. 10 (pre- retrospective)Signature anthem; 5 weeks in top 10.
1940s"At Mail Call Today" (1945)No. 1 (8 weeks)WWII-era hit evoking .
1940s"Here Comes Santa Claus" (1947)No. 1 Holiday; No. 4 (1948)Co-written by Autry; perennial holiday standard.
1940s"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (1949)No. 1 Best Sellers & (10 weeks country)Best-selling single of era.
2010s"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (re-entry)No. 27 Hot 100 (2018)Streaming-driven revival; first Hot 100 appearance.
2020s"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (re-entry)No. 35 Hot 100 (2025)Seasonal streaming resurgence.

Filmography

Feature Films

Gene Autry's career in feature films spanned from 1934 to 1953, during which he starred in 93 full-length theatrical productions, establishing him as one of Hollywood's most prolific singing cowboys. These films were predominantly B-Westerns produced by , where Autry typically portrayed heroic figures who resolved conflicts through a combination of gunplay, horsemanship, and musical performances. His roles often featured original songs that tied into the plot, blending action with entertainment in low-budget, fast-paced narratives aimed at matinee audiences. In the 1930s, Autry completed 35 feature films, nearly all under Republic Pictures, marking the foundational phase of his cinematic output. Representative examples include Red River Valley (1936), where he played a rancher combating drought and outlaws, and The Old Corral (1936), a musical Western that showcased his vocal talents alongside Lon Chaney Jr. These early entries solidified Autry's formula of integrating Western tropes with country music, often co-starring Smiley Burnette as his comic-relief sidekick and featuring his horse Champion as a key companion. Republic produced 56 of Autry's total features overall, with this decade emphasizing straightforward cattle-drive and frontier justice stories. The 1940s saw Autry's output expand to 32 films, continuing the B-Western dominance while incorporating wartime themes and broader production values after his return from in 1945. Notable titles include Sunset in (1941), depicting a struggle over land rights in the Rockies, and Heart of the (1942), which highlighted bonds and life with musical interludes. Burnette remained a frequent collaborator until 1941, after which took over as sidekick in later entries, while Champion continued as Autry's steadfast mount across most productions. This period also included transitions to for 32 features starting in 1947, maintaining the genre's focus on moral dilemmas resolved through Autry's dual role as hero and . Autry's feature film career wound down in the 1950s with 24 releases, shifting primarily to and reflecting the genre's evolution amid television's rise. Key examples are (1950), a Columbia Western involving mining disputes and pack animals, and Goldtown Ghost Riders (1953), his final leading role in a haunted-town adventure. He made a in (1959), a comedic Western parody directed by , marking a lighthearted departure from his standard fare. Throughout these decades, Autry's films occasionally ventured into musicals but stayed rooted in B-Western conventions, with appearing in nearly all to symbolize loyalty and adventure.

Short Subjects and Serials

Gene Autry's early film career included appearances in serials and short subjects, which served as platforms to showcase his singing cowboy persona before his rise to feature film stardom. These abbreviated formats, typically ranging from 10 to 20 minutes for shorts and multi-chapter installments for serials, often blended music, action, and promotion of his recording and rodeo endeavors. While Autry starred in over 90 feature films, his work in shorts and serials numbered in the dozens, many produced by studios like Mascot Pictures and Warner Bros. to capitalize on his radio popularity. Autry's serial work began with a supporting role in Mystery Mountain (1934, Pictures), a 12-chapter adventure serial directed by Otto Brower and B. Reeves Eason, where he played ranch hand Ken Williams alongside in a story involving and mystery on a mountain pass. His breakthrough came as the lead in The Phantom Empire (1935, Pictures), a groundbreaking 12-chapter serial that fused western tropes with , depicting Autry as a radio-singing uncovering a hidden subterranean civilization called Murania threatened by outsiders. This innovative production, also directed by Brower and Eason, featured Autry performing songs like "That Silver Haired Daddy of Mine" and marked his first starring film role, establishing him as a cinematic force. In the late 1930s and 1940s, Autry appeared in various short subjects, often self-promotional pieces highlighting his rodeo skills and musical talents. Notable examples include Rodeo Dough (1940, Warner Bros.), a Vitaphone short where Autry performs as himself amid rodeo action to promote the sport and his persona. During World War II, while serving as a technical sergeant and flight officer in the U.S. Army Air Forces, Autry contributed to military training efforts through the short film The Rear Gunner (1943, U.S. Army Air Forces), a recruitment and instructional piece co-starring Burgess Meredith and Ronald Reagan that dramatized the role of aerial gunners to encourage enlistment. These shorts, along with holiday-themed and promotional releases tied to his records, underscored Autry's versatility beyond features, though many were produced for targeted audiences like troops or event promotions.
TitleYearTypeStudioNotes
Mystery Mountain1934Serial (12 chapters)Mascot PicturesSupporting role as Ken Williams; western adventure with mystery elements.
The Phantom Empire1935Serial (12 chapters)Mascot PicturesStarring role; science fiction-western hybrid with musical performances.
Rodeo Dough1940ShortPromotional rodeo film featuring Autry as himself.
The Rear Gunner1943Short ( film)U.S. Army Air ForcesWWII recruitment short emphasizing aerial gunnery .

Television Roles

Autry's most prominent television role was as the star of The Gene Autry Show, a Western series that premiered on on July 23, 1950, and ran for five seasons until December 24, 1955. The program consisted of 91 original half-hour episodes, produced by Autry's Flying A Pictures and filmed primarily at the Monogram Ranch in Newhall, . In each installment, Autry typically played a steadfast —often a , rancher, or troubleshooter—who resolved conflicts involving outlaws, land disputes, or frontier injustices, while incorporating musical performances and comic relief from his sidekick and his horse . The series emphasized Autry's signature blend of action, humor, and song, with episodes featuring guest performers such as Gail Davis, Denver Pyle, and the Cass County Boys. A representative example is the 1953 episode "The Old Prospector" (Season 3, Episode 4), in which Autry intervenes to safeguard an elderly miner from a gang of claim jumpers seeking his gold discovery. Sponsored initially by Wrigley's chewing gum, the show helped popularize the Western genre on television and drew large audiences, solidifying Autry's transition from film to the small screen. Beyond his lead role, Autry made occasional guest appearances, including a performance at the ceremony on March 23, 1950, where he sang as part of the event's . He also contributed to holiday programming through recordings and radio adaptations that influenced TV specials, though no dedicated specials starring him aired in the . In total, Autry's credited television acting spanned over 90 episodes across his series, with many drawing from his established cowboy persona. Following the conclusion of The Gene Autry Show, Autry retired from on-screen performing in the late to focus on business ventures, resulting in no further cameos or roles after 1960.

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