Gene Autry was born Orvon Gene Autry, September 29, 1907, but he left the world a better place. In the world of movies, he became the first, and arguably most successful singing cowboy. His musical career which began in the early 1930's can still be heard today in his classic Christmas songs, his distinctive "Back in the Saddle Again", and in his influence upon Country music in general. In terms of business, his accomplishments include a flourishing media group of television and radio stations, thousands of Gene Autry licensed products, and a championship baseball team. His ultimate legacy is the Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum in Los Angeles which serves to attract museum goers of all ages to the 'old' west. It is in terms of his music that he achieved his first success. "Silver Haired Daddy of Mine" was written in 1931 by Gene Autry and Jimmy Long, and quickly became the first true"Gold Record". His theme song, "Back in The Saddle Again", co-written with Ray Whitley, was recorded in 1938 for "Border G Men.". Other Autry hits include "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" (1949), "Here Comes Santa Claus", "Blueberry Hill" (1940), "Sioux City Sue", and "Ghost Riders in the Sky". His Christmas recordings are second to only that of Bing Crosby in terms of popularity. Throughout his career, his 600 recordings covered all genres from Jazz, Blues, country, and even inspirational music.
When the Gene Autry Show began production in early 1950, Gene not only starred in, but produced, and owned the show. Gene placed a strong emphasis on music and action, and until 1956, the Gene Autry show was a critical and commercial success.
With "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer", and "Here Comes Santa Claus", his career in Christmas music was assured. Even today, children sing these songs and don't realize that their grandparents sang the same words at the same age.
Gene Autry was crucial to the popularization of country music, and was rewarded with Presidency of the fledgling Country Music Association in 1961.
Today, we are fortunate that Gene Autry had to forsight to archive recordings of his performances. Varesese Sarabande Records, the Autry Qualified Trust, and Gene Autry Entertainment Inc have collaborated to produce an incredible set of recordings direct from Gene Autry's Film, Radio and Televison archives.
The Complete 1950's Television Recordings brings to the public, crisp, clean and fresh recordings of music associated with all 91 episodes of the Gene Autry Show. The Cass County Boys, compositions by Carl Cotner, and familiar classics by popular recording artists can be heard in this enchanting collection, All 3 discs feature attractive graphics, rare photos, and extensive track information. After 50 years, Gene Autry still entertains and makes you want to come "Back in the Saddle."
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