A pioneering country music singer-songwriter and actor, known for his smooth, velvety voice and starring roles in Western films and TV shows. He helped popularize country music in the 1940s and 1950s.
Jimmy Wakely, born James Clarence Wakely, was an American actor, songwriter, and country music vocalist, best known for being one of the last singing cowboys of the Golden Age of Hollywood. With a career spanning over three decades, Wakely released numerous records, appeared in several B-Western movies, and even had his own series of comic books.
Wakely was born on February 16, 1914, in Howard County, Arkansas, but his family moved to Rosedale, Oklahoma by 1920. As a teenager, he changed his surname to Wakely, dropping the second "e". In 1937, he formed The Bell Boys, a country Western singing group, named after their Bell Clothing sponsor. The group performed locally, made some recordings, and did frequent radio broadcasts over Oklahoma City's WKY.
Wakely's big break came when Gene Autry invited him to join his Melody Ranch radio show on CBS in 1940. He stayed with the show for a couple of years before leaving due to movie commitments and a recording contract with Decca Records. During the 1940s and 1950s, Wakely released numerous records, including his hit duet singles with Margaret Whiting, such as the number one hit "Slippin' Around" in 1949.
Wakely also appeared in several B-Western movies, working with major studios such as Universal, Republic, and Columbia. He even had his own series of comic books, where he was portrayed as a heroic cowboy, fighting crime and injustice in the Wild West.
Wakely married Dora Inez Miser on December 13, 1935, and they had four children together. Their marriage lasted until his death in 1982. Wakely was known for his kind and humble nature, and his contributions to country music and the film industry.
Despite his passing in 1982, Wakely's legacy lives on. He was inducted into the Western Music Hall of Fame in 1991 and the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1992. His music and films continue to entertain and inspire new generations of country music fans and film enthusiasts.
Jimmy Wakely was a true pioneer of country music and the Western film genre. His contributions to the entertainment industry continue to be celebrated and remembered today.
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 1907
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."
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 1918
A country music legend, known as the "Tennessee Plowboy," who dominated the charts with his smooth baritone voice and iconic hits like "Make the World Go Away" and "I'll Hold You in My Heart (Till I Can Hold You in My Arms)"
Born in 1923
A country music pioneer, known for heartfelt, honky-tonk style songs that captured the struggles and simplicity of rural life.
94 Years Old
A country music icon known for his deep, baritone voice and repertoire of songs about love, life, and hardship, often incorporating themes of social justice and redemption.
92 Years Old
A country music icon, known for his unique voice, activism, and iconic songs like "Whiskey River" and "On the Road Again", blending genres and defying conventions.
88 Years Old
A country music outlaw and pioneer of the genre, known for his rebellious style and iconic hits like "Luckenbach, Texas" and "Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys".
