The Music of the Westerns

Music. Cowboys. Singing cowboys. What a great combination. We have had Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, Rex Allen, Tex Ritter, John Wayne, Dale Evans, Jimmy Wakely, Herb Jeffries, and a host of others. We have had singing groups like the Sons of The Pioneers, the Riders of the Purple Sage, The Cass County Boys, and a few other groups that splashed across the screen and hummed along with the hero.

Every cowboy/cowgirl had their favourite. A lot of your choice for favourite group depended upon your hero of choice. If you watched a lot of Roy Rogers westerns during the 30's and 40's, you probably have a deep love for the Sons of the Pioneers. If you fell in love with Gene Autry, the Cass County Boys or the Riders of The Purple Sage are your true love.

The groups had one thing in common, exquisite harmonies. From the earliest beginnings of musical westerns, the hero needed a musical interlude to romance the heroine by.

The first group to provide atmosphere was the Sons of the Pioneers. A fledgling Leonard Slye led the Pioneers in the Gene Autry vehicle, The Phantom Empire. If you look carefully in their scene, Roy gets a 10 second shot. In the next few years, as Leonard and the Sons cut their teeth and built their reputation as first choice for musical back up. As Roy began his career in 1938 in Under Western Stars, Pat Buttram replaced him and the group carried on for almost 12 years at Republic backing Gene Autry, Bob Steele and whomever needed a musical assist.

Immortalized in The Ballad of Pecos Bill, the Sons of the Pioneers even worked for Disney in "Melody Time" lending their unique style to a masterful work.

The Sons of the Pioneers created a musical style which was widely imitated. At Republic, where they started, the trend they began was filled by the Riders of the Purple Sage whenever the Sons were busy. Again, harmonies, a little comedy, and the few minutes between scenes were filled by the western groups.

As Gene expanded his business on the road and radio, the Cass County Boys often toured with him. Still performing in California, the Cass County Boys entertain at Seniors homes and the occasional festival. According to Hank Decato, Gene Autry look a like, the Boys are still doing fine.

The Riders of the Purple Sage do some performing, but the King of the Groups, the Sons, are still full time. Led now by Dale Barry, the Sons show at Branson is a sell out every time. Still performing the classics, they thrill their audiences of young and old whenever they can. Their trademark comedy, songs and camaraderie is still there. Roy, Pat Brady and Buttram are gone, but Dale now is celebrating 49 years with the group.

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