A legendary country music singer, actor, and entrepreneur who popularized Western music and films, starring in over 90 movies and recording iconic hits like "Back in the Saddle Again."
Gene Autry, affectionately known as the Singing Cowboy, was an American actor, musician, singer, composer, rodeo performer, and baseball team owner who captivated audiences with his crooning style and straight-shooting heroism for over three decades.
Autry's successful career spanned from the early 1930s, during which he personified the honest, brave, and true hero in over 93 motion pictures. He also hosted The Gene Autry Show television series from 1950 to 1956, often accompanied by his trusty Morgan horse, Champion.
Regarded as one of the most important pioneering figures in country music history, Autry was a trailblazer who brought Western music to a nationwide audience through his films. He is often credited as the second most influential artist in the genre, following Jimmie Rodgers.
Autry's signature song, "Back in the Saddle Again," remains an iconic classic, and his recording hits, such as "At Mail Call Today," continue to delight audiences. Moreover, he is fondly remembered for his association with Christmas music, having introduced seasonal standards like "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "Frosty the Snowman," and "Here Comes Santa Claus."
Autry's impressive career earned him a place in both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. He is the only individual to have received stars in all five categories on the Hollywood Walk of Fame – film, television, music, radio, and live performance.
Autry's birthplace, Tioga in Grayson County, Texas, played a significant role in shaping his early life. His parents, Delbert Autry and Elnora Ozment, instilled strong values in their son, which would later reflect in his wholesome on-screen persona. The town of Gene Autry, Oklahoma, was named in his honor, as was the Gene Autry precinct in Mesa, Arizona, a testament to his enduring legacy.
Autry's contributions extended beyond the realm of entertainment. He was a savvy businessman, owning a television station and several radio stations in Southern California. From 1961 to 1997, he was the founding owner of the California Angels franchise of Major League Baseball (MLB).
Autry's love for animals was evident in his close bond with Champion, his loyal Morgan horse. Their on-screen partnership endeared them to audiences across the nation. Autry's personal relationships and anecdotes continue to inspire and delight fans to this day.
Gene Autry's remarkable journey, filled with music, movies, and philanthropy, leaves behind a legacy that will forever be etched in the annals of American entertainment history.
52 Years Old
A pioneering African American basketball player and coach who broke racial barriers in the sport, known for his impressive playing career and later coaching success.
Born in 1912
Leading man of 1930s-1950s films, starring in musicals and westerns, including the iconic "Miracle on 34th Street".
72 Years Old
A Welsh-Australian singer-songwriter known for his folk-infused pop music and hit singles like "Hello, Goodbye" and "Sadie the Cleaning Lady". He was a popular artist in the 1960s and 1970s.
Born in 1905
A legendary cowboy actor and singer who starred in numerous Western films and TV shows, known for his deep, resonant voice and rugged charm.
Born in 1880
Star of early Western films, known for daring stunts and rugged charm, helping to define the cowboy hero archetype.
74 Years Old
Won the 1981 Open Championship at Royal St George's, becoming the first American to win the tournament in 50 years, and had 5 PGA Tour victories.
Born in 1860
A legendary sharpshooter who dazzled audiences with her incredible marksmanship skills, earning her a starring role in Buffalo Bill's Wild West show. She's most famous for outshooting men and defying gender stereotypes.
85 Years Old
A legendary martial artist and actor, famous for his tough-guy image and iconic roles in films and TV shows like "Walker, Texas Ranger."
