Gene Autry

NAME: Gene Autry

WHAT FAMOUS FOR: Gene Autry is famous for his contributions to American popular culture as a singer, songwriter, actor, and iconic cowboy entertainer.

BIRTH: Gene Autry was born on September 29, 1907, near Tioga, Texas, USA.

FAMILY BACKGROUND: He was born into a middle-class family, the son of Delbert Autry and Elnora Ozment.

CHILDHOOD: Autry spent his early years on his family's farm, where he developed a love for music and horses. He learned the guitar and sang in his grandfather's church choir. Young Gene toured with a medicine show during his high school years.

EDUCATION: He attended public schools in Texas but left formal education at a young age to help support his family.

CAREER RECORD: Gene Autry had a prolific career spanning several decades, during which he achieved success as a recording artist, radio star, film actor, and television personality.

After high school, Gene Autry worked as a telegrapher for the St. Louis and San Francisco Railroad in Oklahoma and performed as a singer and a guitarist at local dances before being discovered by Will Rodgers.

Starred in 93 Western films between 1934 and 1953.

Hosted the popular television series The Gene Autry Show from 1950 to 1956.

Owned several radio and television stations.

Founding owner of the California Angels baseball team (now the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim).

APPEARANCE: He was tall and lean, with rugged good looks that epitomized the image of the American cowboy.

Autry in the 1940s

FASHION: Autry was known for his signature cowboy attire, often seen wearing a Stetson hat, boots, and a Western-style shirt and jeans.

CHARACTER: He was known for his humility, integrity, and generosity, traits that endeared him to fans and colleagues alike.

SPEAKING VOICE  Born and raised in Texas, Autry’s voice carried a gentle Southwestern American accent. However, it was not heavily regional or rural; instead, it was accessible and easy for a national audience to understand, which contributed to his broad appeal.

His delivery was natural and unforced, often described as sincere and reassuring. This directness helped establish his character as reliable and morally upright, both in his roles and in public life

SENSE OF HUMOUR: Autry was known for his dry wit and ability to deliver comedic lines in his films, often with his sidekick Smiley Burnette.

He frequently used humor to poke fun at himself, the entertainment industry, and cowboy stereotypes. Here are some notable examples:

“I'm not a good actor, a good rider or a particularly good singer, but they seem to like what I do, so I'll keep on doing it as long as they want.”

“It occurs to me that music, with the possible exception of riding a bull, is the most uncertain way to make a living I know. In either case you can get bucked off, thrown, stepped on, trampled--if you get on at all. At best, it is a short and bumpy ride.”

"I couldn't shoot a man in the back. I couldn't take a drink at a bar. They would have run me out of town.” (1)

RELATIONSHIPS: Gene Autry met Ina Mae Spivey in Springfield, Missouri, and quickly formed a close bond. They married Ina Mae Spivey on April 1, 1932, in St. Louis, Missouri. The wedding was sudden and unexpected-so much so that friends and family initially thought it was an April Fool’s joke.

Their marriage lasted 48 years, until Ina’s death in 1980. Ina was a supportive partner, credited with encouraging Gene’s career moves, including his leap to Hollywood and his recording of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” The couple had no children but often cared for Gene’s siblings after his mother’s death. Ina was known for her grace, intelligence, and steadfast support throughout Gene’s multifaceted career. (2)

Gene Autry married Jacqueline Evelyn Ellam (Jackie Autry) on July 19, 1981. The ceremony took place after a period of courtship that began following Ina’s passing in 1980.

Jackie was a successful banker when she met Gene through business dealings in Palm Springs, California. Their relationship deepened after they reconnected at a holiday fundraiser in December 1980. Jackie and Gene shared 17 years of marriage until his death in 1998. Jackie became a prominent businesswoman and philanthropist, co-founding the Autry Museum of the American West and serving as Honorary American League President. She was a visible and active partner in Gene’s later life and legacy. (2)

Gene and Jackie Autry source Gene Autry.com

He had no children of his own but had a close relationship with his stepchildren.

MONEY AND FAME: Autry achieved significant wealth and fame throughout his career, becoming one of the wealthiest and most successful entertainers of his time. 

Beyond the glitz and the twang, Autry was a shrewd businessman. Radio stations? Check. Television stations? Double-check. Properties from Palm Springs to San Francisco? You betcha. Heck, the man even owned the Los Angeles Angels (later the California Angels) for a good chunk of the 20th century. 

He ranked for many years on the Forbes magazine list of the 400 richest Americans.

FOOD AND DRINK: He enjoyed simple, hearty meals typical of American cuisine, often preferring home-cooked meals over extravagant fare.

MUSIC AND ARTS: Autry was passionate about music, particularly country and western styles. He played guitar and yodelled in his signature style.

There he was, tapping out telegrams for the St. Louis and San Francisco Railroad by day, then serenading locals with his guitar by night. Imagine that – the dulcet tones of a future singing cowboy echoing through a dusty telegraph office. Well, one night, destiny – or maybe just boredom – decided to intervene. In waltzes Will Rogers, American humorist extraordinaire. Catches Autry warbling away, likes what he hears, and delivers the golden ticket: "You, son, got yourself a decent voice. Go pro." And pro Gene Autry went, transforming himself into "The Singing Cowboy."

Hollywood, 1934. Autry rocks up, all wide-eyed and bushy-tailed. Couldn't act, couldn't ride, couldn't rope a steer to save his life. Didn't matter a hoot. Within a few years, he's the biggest cowboy star on the silver screen. Talk about raw charisma. Debuts in Ken Maynard's forgettable flick, In Old Santa Fe, then tackles a 13-part serial so outlandish it makes your head spin, The Phantom Empire. Republic Pictures throws a contract his way, and bam! Autry's churning out westerns like a well-oiled Gatling gun.

Then there's "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer." You know it, you love it. But here's the kicker: this holiday classic wasn't even written for Christmas! Hatched in Chicago for a Montgomery Ward promotion, the lyrics started life as a poem before Gene Autry finally wrangled it into a hit song in 1949.

Originally penned by Ray Whitley, a singing cowboy in his own right, "Back In The Saddle Again" hit the dusty trail in the 1938 flick Border G-Man. Whitley, along with his posse, The Six Bar Cowboys, introduced the song, its lyrics yearning for a return to the wide-open range.

Well, that yearning must have struck a chord with Gene Autry, a man who practically lived on horseback. He snatched up the song, seein' it as the perfect anthem for his next picture, Rovin' Tumbleweeds (1939). After a bit of wranglin' – some retooling by Whitley and Autry – the song became a runaway hit, a gold record to boot. The tune was so darn catchy, it became a constant companion: theme song for his radio show Gene Autry's Melody Ranch, later finding a home on his television show too, The Gene Autry Show. Heck, it even wrangled the title spot for his 1941 film, Back in the Saddle.

LITERATURE: While not known for literary pursuits, Autry's songs and films often drew inspiration from American folklore and storytelling traditions.

NATURE: He had a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of the American West, often incorporating scenes of wilderness and outdoor adventure into his work.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS: Autry was an avid horseman and enjoyed participating in rodeos and equestrian events in his spare time. He also known to be an avid golfer.

Gene Autry owned the Los Angeles Angels American League baseball club from 1961 to 1997. Sadly, he never saw them snag a World Series win, though they did retire his number 26 – a fitting tribute to a true American legend. When the Angels finally won their first 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, "Back in the Saddle Again".

SCIENCE AND MATHS: While not formally educated in science and mathematics, Autry had a practical understanding of these subjects gained through his experiences on the ranch.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY: Autry's philosophy was rooted in the values of hard work, perseverance, and integrity, reflecting the ethos of the American frontier.

His grandfather was a Methodist preacher, but his personal beliefs are not widely known.

SCANDAL: Autry maintained a clean public image throughout his career, avoiding scandal or controversy.

MILITARY RECORD: He served in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II, entertaining troops and participating in morale-boosting efforts.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS: Autry maintained good health throughout much of his life, owing in part to his active lifestyle and outdoor pursuits.

HOMES: He owned several properties throughout his life, including a ranch in California and a home in Palm Springs.

TRAVEL: Filming his Western movies took Autry to various locations across the United States, particularly in the West and making occasional trips abroad.. Promotions, recording sessions, and rodeo appearances might have involved additional travel.

DEATH: Gene Autry passed away on October 2, 1998, at his home in Studio City, California. The cause of death was complications from lymphoma, a type of blood cancer.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Gene Autry's legacy is heavily tied to his media appearances. Here's a breakdown:

Films: The quintessential "singing cowboy," Autry starred in a staggering 93 Western films between 1934 and 1953. These movies were immensely popular and helped shape the genre.

Television: Capitalizing on his film success, Autry hosted the popular children's television series The Gene Autry Show from 1950 to 1956. The show further solidified his image as a wholesome Western hero.

Recordings: A prolific recording artist, Autry released numerous songs and albums throughout his career. His music, often featuring his signature yodeling, played a significant role in the early development of country music.

ACHIEVEMENTS Gene Autry's accomplishments transcended film and music. He is the only entertainer to have been honored in all five categories by the Hollywood Walk of Fame, having been awarded stars for his performances in films, music recording, radio, television, and live theater. Here are some highlights:

Music Industry Recognition: He received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, a prestigious honor in the music industry.

Country Music Recognition: The Academy of Country Music Awards honored him with the Cliffie Stone Icon Award, solidifying his place as a legend in country music.

Preserving Western Heritage: Passionate about Western culture, Autry founded the Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum (now known as the Autry Museum of the American West). This museum preserves and showcases the history of the American West.

Shaping a Genre: Through his films and music, Autry played a pivotal role in shaping the Western genre, leaving a lasting impact on American popular culture.

Sources (1) IMDB (2) Gene Autry.com