Sep 29 2009
Today in History: September 29
Orvon Gene Autry was born on this day, September 29, 1907 in Tioga, TX. Not too long after he was born his family moved to Ravia, Oklahoma. Known as the “Singing Cowboy” he got his first job as a telegraph operator in 1927. Will Rogers overheard him singing and playing his guitar. Mr. Rogers suggested Autry move to New York and go to work in the radio industry. Autry took that advice but was back in Oklahoma soon after being unable to establish a successful radio career.
His career did take off though and in 1929 he signed his first record dean and went back to New York. Two years later he recorded “That Silver-Haired Daddy of Mine”, this was to be his first hit and it eventually sold a million copies. His album because the first in history to go gold (500,000 sold). 1934 he began his Hollywood career as a singing cowboy in the movie “In Old Sante Fe”, the next year he was in a movie named for his hit “Tumbling Tumbleweeds.” By 1942 he was well established, following the career he loved recording, touring and moving making.
Everything was put on hold when he enlisted in the Army Air Corps during World War II, until he returned to singing and acting in 1946. He even became the first film actor to also become a major TV star. In 1949 he recorded “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”, also the first record in history to go platinum (1 million sold).
He ventured out a little in 1960 by purchasing the Los Angeles Angels, but music would always be number one; being inducted to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1969, earning 5 stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, induction into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame, among other numerous honors. He even published his autobiography, “Back in the Saddle Again” in 1978.
