From September 30, 1999 to October 3, Willcox Arizona celebrated Rex Allen Sr, better known as the "Last of the Singing Cowboys." 26,000 fans over 4 days attended the rodeo, went to the Rex Allen Theatre, listened to the best of western entertainment, and paid tribute to their favourite son.
Rex Allen, born December 31, 1920 in Willcox, came to national fame the same way Gene Autry, and Roy Rogers did, via the airwaves and WLS. Rex, a local favourite, signed a contract with WLS in the mid fourties and stayed until 1949. The 'Barn Dance', honed his skills as a musician and showman, and allowed him to build a following, exactly what RKO Pictures needed as the singing cowboy era was ending. Hired on to replace Roy Rogers and Gene Autry who had left RKO to produce their own pictures, Rex's first picture "Arizona Cowboy" was a hit and threw him headlong into Hollywood.
His signature song, "Arizona Cowboy", came from this feature. John Wayne in 1933 tried his hand at the same tune, but was so bad that he was voiced over! Needless to say, Rex's version is significantly better than the Dukes.
The "Phantom Stallion" made in 1954 (his 19th feature), marked the end of Rex's movie days, but TV was beckoning. "Frontier Doctor" (a pre-Medicine Woman) made its debut on TV in 1959 and ended in 1961. During this time, his distinctive stylish voice was noticed by Walt Disney, and over 120 documentaries followed. Disney presented him with a lifetime award for narration excellence a few years ago, solidifying his impact on american culture. Commercial work also came, and today he is still active.
His recording career, was not neglected. In 1953, he scored a hit with "Crying In The Chapel", and in 1962, "Don't Go Near the Indians' was a hit. "The Arizona Waltz" was another popular recording. Rex Allen Jr, went into the family business and also is a nationally recognized recording artist.
Not to be outdone by other singing cowboys, Rex Allen was featured in his own comic book. Easily distinguished by photo covers, Rex Allen Comics ran from 1951 to 1959. Originally a dime, now they can fetch hundreds of dollars.
For all of his achievements in entertainment, Rex has been awarded Hollywood stars for movies, and music. For his achievements and contributions to Arizona, where he started, and returned to, Rex Allen Days was created. In 1951 the first celebration was held, and this the 48th was no less monumental.
