A legendary cowboy actor and singer who starred in numerous Western films and TV shows, known for his deep, resonant voice and rugged charm.
Known as the "Father of Country Music," Woodward Maurice "Tex" Ritter was a trailblazing singer, actor, and songwriter who dominated the American country music scene from the mid-1930s to the 1960s. With his unique blend of country, western, and folk music, Ritter paved the way for future generations of country music artists.
Born on January 12, 1905, in Murvaul, Texas, Ritter grew up on his family's farm in Panola County, where he developed a passion for music and the great outdoors. He attended South Park High School in Beaumont, Texas, and later enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin, where he studied pre-law and majored in government, political science, and economics.
Ritter's music career began in 1928 when he sang on KPRC in Houston, Texas, and later landed a role in the Broadway show "The New Moon." His early success in radio and theater eventually led to his breakthrough in country music. In 1932, he starred in New York City's first broadcast Western, "The Lone Star Rangers" on WOR, where he sang and told tales of the Old West.
Ritter's radio career took off in the 1930s, with popular shows like "Cowboy Tom's Roundup" on WINS and "WHN Barndance." He also appeared in several radio dramas, including CBS's "Bobby Benson's Adventures." On Broadway, he played memorable roles in "Green Grow the Lilacs" (1931) and "Mother Lode" (1934).
In 1936, Ritter moved to Los Angeles and made his motion picture debut in "Song of the Gringo." He went on to star in over 70 films, including "Arizona Days" (1937), "Ride, Tenderfoot, Ride" (1937), and "The Mystery of the Hooded Horsemen" (1937).
Ritter's contributions to country music and film were recognized with numerous awards and honors. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1964 and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of country music artists, and his music remains popular to this day.
Ritter was married to Dorothy Fay from 1941 to 1974 and had two sons, Thomas Matthews Ritter and John Ritter, who followed in his footsteps as actors. His grandchildren, Jason Ritter and Tyler Ritter, are also actors, and his granddaughter, Carly Ritter, is a singer-songwriter.
Tex Ritter's impact on country music is immeasurable. He was one of the first country music artists to achieve widespread popularity, paving the way for future legends like Hank Williams, Sr. and Roy Acuff. His unique blend of country, western, and folk music influenced generations of musicians, including Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Johnny Cash.
Born in 1912
Leading man of 1930s-1950s films, starring in musicals and westerns, including the iconic "Miracle on 34th Street".
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."
Born in 1898
Star of numerous classic Westerns, known for his rugged, stoic persona and iconic roles in films like "Ride the High Country" and "The Searchers".
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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 1919
A rodeo performer and comedic actor who appeared in numerous films and TV shows, famously riding a nuclear bomb in the movie "Dr. Strangelove."
