Roy Rogers
Encyclopedia
Roy Rogers, born Leonard Franklin Slye (November 5, 1911 – July 6, 1998), was an American singer and cowboy actor, one of the most heavily marketed and merchandised stars of his era, as well as being the namesake of the Roy Rogers Restaurants franchised chain. He and his wife Dale Evans
, his golden palomino
, Trigger
, and his German Shepherd dog
, Bullet, were featured in more than 100 movies and The Roy Rogers Show
. The show ran on radio for nine years before moving to television from 1951 through 1957. His productions usually featured a sidekick
, often either Pat Brady
, (who drove a Jeep
called "Nellybelle"), Andy Devine
, or the crotchety George "Gabby" Hayes. Rogers's nickname was "King of the Cowboys". Evans's nickname was "Queen of the West."
, where his family lived in a tenement building on 2nd Street. (Riverfront Stadium was constructed at this location in 1970 and Leonard would later joke that he had been born at second base.) Dissatisfied with his job and city life, Andy Slye and his brother Will built a 12-by-50-foot houseboat from salvage lumber, and, in July 1912, the Slye family floated on the Ohio River
towards Portsmouth, Ohio
. Desiring a more stable existence in Portsmouth, the Slyes purchased land on which to build a home, but the flood of 1913 allowed them to move the houseboat to their property and continue living in it on dry land.
In 1919, the Slyes purchased a farm in Duck Run, located near Lucasville, Ohio
about 12 miles north of Portsmouth. There they built a six-room home. Leonard's father soon realized that the farm alone would provide insufficient income for his family, so he took a job at a shoe factory in Portsmouth. He lived there during the week and returned home on the weekends, bearing gifts for the family following paydays. One notable gift was a horse on which Leonard learned the basics of horsemanship.
After completing the eighth grade, Leonard attended high school in McDermott, Ohio
. When he was 17, his family returned to Cincinnati, where his father began work at another shoe factory. He soon decided on the necessity to help his family financially, so he quit high school, joined his father at the shoe factory, and began attending night school. After being ridiculed for falling asleep in class, however, he quit school and never returned.
Leonard and his father felt imprisoned by their factory jobs. In 1929, his older sister, Mary, moved to Lawndale, California
with her husband. Father and son decided to quit their shoe factory jobs. The family packed their 1923 Dodge for a visit with Mary and stayed four months before returning to Ohio
. Almost immediately afterward, Leonard had the opportunity to travel to California with Mary's father-in-law, and the rest of the family followed in the spring of 1930.
The Slyes rented a small house near Mary. Leonard and his father immediately found employment as truck drivers for a highway construction project. They reported to work one morning, however, to learn their employer had gone bankrupt. The economic hardship of the Great Depression
had followed them west, and the Slyes soon found themselves among the economic refugees traveling from job to job picking fruit and living in worker campsites. (He would later read John Steinbeck
's The Grapes of Wrath
and marvel at its accuracy.) One day, Andy Slye was told of a shoe factory hiring in Los Angeles
and asked Leonard to join him in applying there for work. Leonard, having seen the joy that his guitar and singing had brought to the destitute around the campfires, hesitantly told his father that he was going to pursue a living in music. With his father's blessing, he and cousin Stanley Slye went to Los Angeles
and sought musical engagements as The Slye Brothers.
In 1932, Leonard, now known as "Len," met Lucille Ascolese while on tour. That same year, a palomino colt was foaled in Santa Cietro, CA, named "Golden Cloud", and later renamed "Trigger" in 1938 after he was acquired by Roy. In May 1933, Len, 21, proposed to Lucille, 19, via a radio broadcast. Len then went on tour with the "O-Bar-O Cowboys" and in June 1933 met Grace Arline Wilkins at a Roswell, New Mexico
radio station. She traded Len a lemon pie for his singing "Swiss Yodel" over the air. By August 1934, Len and Lucille had separated as she was reportedly jealous and tired of being a musician's wife. Len and Lucille's divorce was granted on May 28, 1935, and became final on June 8, 1936. Having corresponded since their first meeting, Len and Grace Arline Wilkins were married in Roswell, New Mexico, on June 11, 1936.
In 1941, the couple adopted a girl, Cheryl Darlene. Two years later, Arline bore a daughter, Linda Lou.
Rogers and Arline had a son, Roy Jr. ("Dusty") in 1946, but Arline died of complications from the birth a few days afterward on November 3. Rogers had met Dale Evans in 1944 when she was cast in a movie with Rogers. Following Arline's death, Rogers and Evans soon fell in love, and Rogers proposed to her during a rodeo at Chicago Stadium
. They married on New Year's Eve in 1947 at the Flying L Ranch in Davis
, Oklahoma
, where a few months earlier they had filmed Home in Oklahoma
. Rogers and Evans remained married until Rogers's death in 1998.
Leonard Slye moved to California to become a singer. After four years of little success, he formed the Sons of the Pioneers with Bob Nolan
and Tim Spencer, a Western cowboy music
group, in 1934. The group hit it big with songs like "Cool Water
" and "Tumbling Tumbleweeds
".
From his first film appearance in 1935, he worked steadily in western films, including a large supporting role as a singing cowboy while still billed as "Leonard Slye" in a Gene Autry
movie. In 1938, when Autry temporarily walked out on his movie contract, Slye was immediately rechristened "Roy Rogers." Slye's stage name was suggested by Republic Picture's staff after Will Rogers
and the shortening of Leroy. and assigned the lead in Under Western Stars. Rogers became a matinee idol and American legend. A competitor for Gene Autry as the nation's favorite singing cowboy
was suddenly born. In addition to his own movies, Rogers played a supporting role in the John Wayne
classic Dark Command
(1940). Rogers became a major box office attraction.
In the Motion Picture Herald Top Ten Money-Making Western Stars poll, Rogers was listed for 15 consecutive years from 1939 to 1954, holding first place from 1943 to 1954. He appeared in the similar Box Office poll from 1938 to 1955, holding first place from 1943 to 1952. (In the final three years of that poll he was second only to Randolph Scott.) Although these two polls are really an indication only of the popularity of series stars, Rogers also appeared in the Top Ten Money Makers Poll of all films in 1945 and 1946.
Rogers was an idol for many children through his films and television shows. Most of his postwar films were in Trucolor
during an era when almost all other B-movie
s were black-and-white. Some of his movies would segue into animal adventures, in which Rogers's horse Trigger would go off on his own for a while, with the camera following him.
With money from not only Rogers' films but his own public appearances going to Republic Pictures, Rogers brought a clause into a 1940 contract with the studio where he would have the right to his likeness, voice and name for merchandising. There were Roy Rogers action figure
s, cowboy adventure novels, and playsets, as well as a comic strip, a long-lived Dell Comics
comic book series (Roy Rogers Comics) written by Gaylord Du Bois, and a variety of marketing successes. Roy Rogers was second only to Walt Disney in the amount of items featuring his name. The Sons of the Pioneers continued their popularity, and they have never stopped performing from the time Rogers started the group, replacing members as they retired or passed away (all original members are deceased). Although Rogers was no longer an active member, they often appeared as Rogers' backup group in films, radio, and television, and Rogers would occasionally appear with them in performances up until his death. In August 1950, Evans and Rogers had a daughter, Robin Elizabeth, who had Down Syndrome
and died of complications with mumps
shortly before her second birthday. Evans wrote about losing their daughter in her book Angel Unaware.
Rogers and Evans were also well known as advocates for adoption
and as founders and operators of children's charities. They adopted several children. Both were outspoken Christian
s. In Apple Valley, California
, where they made their home, numerous streets and highways as well as civic buildings have been named after them in recognition of their efforts on behalf of homeless and handicapped children. Rogers was an active Freemason and a Shriner, and was noted for his support of their charities.
Rogers and Evans's famous theme song, "Happy Trails
", was written by Evans; they sang it as a duet to sign off their television show. In the fall of 1962, the couple co-hosted a comedy-western-variety program, The Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Show
, aired on ABC
. It was cancelled after three months, losing in the ratings to The Jackie Gleason Show
on CBS. He also made numerous cameo or guest appearances on other popular television shows, starring as himself or other cowboy-type characters, such as in an episode of Wonder Woman
called "The Bushwackers". Rogers also owned a Hollywood production company which handled his own series. It also filmed other undertakings, including the 1955-1956 CBS western series Brave Eagle
starring Keith Larsen
as a young peaceful Cheyenne
chief, Kim Winona
as Morning Star, his romantic interest, and the Hopi
Indian Anthony Numkena as Keena, Brave Eagle's foster son.
In 1968 Rogers licensed his name to the Marriot corporation, which converted its Hot Shoppes locations to Roy Rogers Restaurants, with which Rogers otherwise had no involvement.
Rogers owned a Thoroughbred
racehorse
named Triggairo, who won 13 career races including the 1975 El Encino Stakes
at Santa Anita Park
.
on July 6, 1998. Rogers was residing in Apple Valley, California
at the time of his death. He was buried at Sunset Hills cemetery in Apple Valley.
at 1752 Vine Street, a second star at 1733 Vine Street for his contribution to radio, and a third star at 1620 Vine Street for his contribution to the television industry. Rogers and Evans were inducted into the Western Performers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
, in 1976 and Rogers was inducted again as a member of the Sons of the Pioneers in 1995. Rogers was also twice elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame, first as a member of The Sons of the Pioneers in 1980 and as a soloist in 1988.
Rogers was mentioned in the Lyle Lovett
single "If I Had A Boat", and Elton John's 1973 album "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
" contained the escapist ballad "Roy Rogers".
In the 1988 film Die Hard
, the Bruce Willis
character John McClane
used the nom de guerre of "Roy", saying "I was always kinda partial to Roy Rogers actually".
American Dad character Roger uses "Roy Rogers" as a pseudonym in the episode "Roy Rogers McFreely".
Cheryl Rogers Barnett, a daughter of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, has written with Frank Thompson; Cowboy Princess: Life with My Parents, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans.
Dale Evans
Dale Evans, was an American writer, movie star, and singer-songwriter. She was the third wife of singing cowboy Roy Rogers.-Early life:...
, his golden palomino
Palomino
Palomino is a coat color in horses, consisting of a gold coat and white mane and tail. Genetically, the palomino color is created by a single allele of a dilution gene called the cream gene working on a "red" base coat...
, Trigger
Trigger (horse)
Trigger was a palomino horse, made famous in American Western films with his owner/rider, cowboy star Roy Rogers.-Pedigree:...
, and his German Shepherd dog
German Shepherd Dog
The German Shepherd Dog , also known as an Alsatian or just the German Shepherd, is a breed of large-sized dog that originated in Germany. The German Shepherd is a relatively new breed of dog, with its origin dating to 1899. As part of the Herding Group, the German Shepherd is a working dog...
, Bullet, were featured in more than 100 movies and The Roy Rogers Show
The Roy Rogers Show
The Roy Rogers Show is an American Western television series that broadcast 100 episodes on NBC for six seasons between December 30, 1951 and June 9, 1957. The show starred Roy Rogers as a ranch owner, Dale Evans as the proprietor of the Eureka Cafe in fictional Mineral City, and Pat Brady as...
. The show ran on radio for nine years before moving to television from 1951 through 1957. His productions usually featured a sidekick
Sidekick
A sidekick is a close companion who is generally regarded as subordinate to the one he accompanies. Some well-known fictional sidekicks are Don Quixote's Sancho Panza, Sherlock Holmes' Doctor Watson, The Lone Ranger's Tonto, The Green Hornet's Kato and Batman's Robin.-Origins:The origin of the...
, often either Pat Brady
Pat Brady
Pat Brady was best known as cowboy Roy Rogers' "comical sidekick." Pat's full name was Robert Ellsworth Patrick Aloysious O'Brady and this was shortened to "Bob Brady," although it is not known when the "O'" was dropped from "O'Brady."Born in Toledo, Ohio, Pat Brady first set foot on-stage at the...
, (who drove a Jeep
Jeep
Jeep is an automobile marque of Chrysler . The first Willys Jeeps were produced in 1941 with the first civilian models in 1945, making it the oldest off-road vehicle and sport utility vehicle brand. It inspired a number of other light utility vehicles, such as the Land Rover which is the second...
called "Nellybelle"), Andy Devine
Andy Devine
Andrew Vabre "Andy" Devine was an American character actor and comic cowboy sidekick known for his distinctive raspy voice.-Early life:...
, or the crotchety George "Gabby" Hayes. Rogers's nickname was "King of the Cowboys". Evans's nickname was "Queen of the West."
Early life
Leonard Franklin Slye was born to Andrew ("Andy") and Mattie (Womack) Slye in Cincinnati, OhioOhio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
, where his family lived in a tenement building on 2nd Street. (Riverfront Stadium was constructed at this location in 1970 and Leonard would later joke that he had been born at second base.) Dissatisfied with his job and city life, Andy Slye and his brother Will built a 12-by-50-foot houseboat from salvage lumber, and, in July 1912, the Slye family floated on the Ohio River
Ohio River
The Ohio River is the largest tributary, by volume, of the Mississippi River. At the confluence, the Ohio is even bigger than the Mississippi and, thus, is hydrologically the main stream of the whole river system, including the Allegheny River further upstream...
towards Portsmouth, Ohio
Portsmouth, Ohio
Portsmouth is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Scioto County. The municipality is located on the northern banks of the Ohio River and east of the Scioto River in Southern Ohio. The population was 20,226 at the 2010 census.-Foundation:...
. Desiring a more stable existence in Portsmouth, the Slyes purchased land on which to build a home, but the flood of 1913 allowed them to move the houseboat to their property and continue living in it on dry land.
In 1919, the Slyes purchased a farm in Duck Run, located near Lucasville, Ohio
Lucasville, Ohio
Lucasville is a census-designated place in Scioto County, Ohio, United States. The population was 1,588 at the 2000 census. The village of Lucasville was laid out by Captain John Lucas in June 1819 and recorded August 7, 1819. Captain Lucas built the first tavern in the village and kept it until...
about 12 miles north of Portsmouth. There they built a six-room home. Leonard's father soon realized that the farm alone would provide insufficient income for his family, so he took a job at a shoe factory in Portsmouth. He lived there during the week and returned home on the weekends, bearing gifts for the family following paydays. One notable gift was a horse on which Leonard learned the basics of horsemanship.
After completing the eighth grade, Leonard attended high school in McDermott, Ohio
McDermott, Ohio
McDermott is a census-designated place in western Rush Township, Scioto County, Ohio, United States. Although it is unincorporated, it has a post office, with the ZIP code of 45652.-History:...
. When he was 17, his family returned to Cincinnati, where his father began work at another shoe factory. He soon decided on the necessity to help his family financially, so he quit high school, joined his father at the shoe factory, and began attending night school. After being ridiculed for falling asleep in class, however, he quit school and never returned.
Leonard and his father felt imprisoned by their factory jobs. In 1929, his older sister, Mary, moved to Lawndale, California
Lawndale, California
Lawndale is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States. The population was 32,769 at the 2010 census, up from 31,711 according to the 2000 census...
with her husband. Father and son decided to quit their shoe factory jobs. The family packed their 1923 Dodge for a visit with Mary and stayed four months before returning to Ohio
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
. Almost immediately afterward, Leonard had the opportunity to travel to California with Mary's father-in-law, and the rest of the family followed in the spring of 1930.
The Slyes rented a small house near Mary. Leonard and his father immediately found employment as truck drivers for a highway construction project. They reported to work one morning, however, to learn their employer had gone bankrupt. The economic hardship of the Great Depression
Great Depression
The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression in the decade preceding World War II. The timing of the Great Depression varied across nations, but in most countries it started in about 1929 and lasted until the late 1930s or early 1940s...
had followed them west, and the Slyes soon found themselves among the economic refugees traveling from job to job picking fruit and living in worker campsites. (He would later read John Steinbeck
John Steinbeck
John Ernst Steinbeck, Jr. was an American writer. He is widely known for the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Grapes of Wrath and East of Eden and the novella Of Mice and Men...
's The Grapes of Wrath
The Grapes of Wrath
The Grapes of Wrath is a novel published in 1939 and written by John Steinbeck, who was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1940 and the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1962....
and marvel at its accuracy.) One day, Andy Slye was told of a shoe factory hiring in Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles , with a population at the 2010 United States Census of 3,792,621, is the most populous city in California, USA and the second most populous in the United States, after New York City. It has an area of , and is located in Southern California...
and asked Leonard to join him in applying there for work. Leonard, having seen the joy that his guitar and singing had brought to the destitute around the campfires, hesitantly told his father that he was going to pursue a living in music. With his father's blessing, he and cousin Stanley Slye went to Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
and sought musical engagements as The Slye Brothers.
In 1932, Leonard, now known as "Len," met Lucille Ascolese while on tour. That same year, a palomino colt was foaled in Santa Cietro, CA, named "Golden Cloud", and later renamed "Trigger" in 1938 after he was acquired by Roy. In May 1933, Len, 21, proposed to Lucille, 19, via a radio broadcast. Len then went on tour with the "O-Bar-O Cowboys" and in June 1933 met Grace Arline Wilkins at a Roswell, New Mexico
Roswell, New Mexico
Roswell is a city in and the county seat of Chaves County in the southeastern quarter of the state of New Mexico, United States. The population was 48,366 at the 2010 census. It is a center for irrigation farming, dairying, ranching, manufacturing, distribution, and petroleum production. It is also...
radio station. She traded Len a lemon pie for his singing "Swiss Yodel" over the air. By August 1934, Len and Lucille had separated as she was reportedly jealous and tired of being a musician's wife. Len and Lucille's divorce was granted on May 28, 1935, and became final on June 8, 1936. Having corresponded since their first meeting, Len and Grace Arline Wilkins were married in Roswell, New Mexico, on June 11, 1936.
In 1941, the couple adopted a girl, Cheryl Darlene. Two years later, Arline bore a daughter, Linda Lou.
Rogers and Arline had a son, Roy Jr. ("Dusty") in 1946, but Arline died of complications from the birth a few days afterward on November 3. Rogers had met Dale Evans in 1944 when she was cast in a movie with Rogers. Following Arline's death, Rogers and Evans soon fell in love, and Rogers proposed to her during a rodeo at Chicago Stadium
Chicago Stadium
The Chicago Stadium was an indoor sports arena and theater in Chicago. It opened in 1929, and closed in 1994.-History:The Stadium hosted the Chicago Blackhawks of the NHL from 1929–1994 and the Chicago Bulls of the NBA from 1967–1994....
. They married on New Year's Eve in 1947 at the Flying L Ranch in Davis
Davis, Oklahoma
Davis is a city in Garvin and Murray counties in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. The population was 2,610 at the 2000 census. Davis is the home of the 1979, 1986, 1990, and 1995 Oklahoma State Football Championship teams...
, Oklahoma
Oklahoma
Oklahoma is a state located in the South Central region of the United States of America. With an estimated 3,751,351 residents as of the 2010 census and a land area of 68,667 square miles , Oklahoma is the 28th most populous and 20th-largest state...
, where a few months earlier they had filmed Home in Oklahoma
Home in Oklahoma
Home in Oklahoma is a 1946 American film starring Roy Rogers.-Cast:*Roy Rogers - himself*Trigger - Trigger, the smartest horse in the movies.*George "Gabby" Hayes - Gabby Whittaker*Dale Evans - Connie Edwards*Carol Hughes - Jan Holloway...
. Rogers and Evans remained married until Rogers's death in 1998.
Career
Bob Nolan
Bob Nolan was a Canadian-born American singer, songwriter, and actor. He was a founding member of the Sons of the Pioneers, and composer of numerous Country music and Western music songs, including the standards "Cool Water" and "Tumbling Tumbleweeds." He is generally regarded as one of the...
and Tim Spencer, a Western cowboy music
Western music (North America)
Western music originated as a form of American folk music. Originally composed by and about the people who settled and worked throughout the Western United States and Western Canada. Directly related musically to old English, Scottish, and Irish folk ballads, Western music celebrates the life of...
group, in 1934. The group hit it big with songs like "Cool Water
Cool Water
"Cool Water" is a song written in 1936 by Bob Nolan. It is about a man and his mule, Dan, and a mirage in the desert.-Original version:The best-selling recorded version was done by Vaughn Monroe and The Sons of the Pioneers in 1948. The recording was released by RCA Victor Records as catalog number...
" and "Tumbling Tumbleweeds
Tumbling Tumbleweeds
"Tumbling Tumbleweeds" is a song composed by Bob Nolan, one of the founding members of the Sons of the Pioneers. Although one of the most famous songs associated with cowboys, the song was composed by Nolan back in the 1930s while he was working as a caddy and living in Los Angeles...
".
From his first film appearance in 1935, he worked steadily in western films, including a large supporting role as a singing cowboy while still billed as "Leonard Slye" in a Gene Autry
Gene Autry
Orvon Grover Autry , better known as Gene Autry, was an American performer who gained fame as The Singing Cowboy on the radio, in movies and on television for more than three decades beginning in the 1930s...
movie. In 1938, when Autry temporarily walked out on his movie contract, Slye was immediately rechristened "Roy Rogers." Slye's stage name was suggested by Republic Picture's staff after Will Rogers
Will Rogers
William "Will" Penn Adair Rogers was an American cowboy, comedian, humorist, social commentator, vaudeville performer, film actor, and one of the world's best-known celebrities in the 1920s and 1930s....
and the shortening of Leroy. and assigned the lead in Under Western Stars. Rogers became a matinee idol and American legend. A competitor for Gene Autry as the nation's favorite singing cowboy
Singing cowboy
A singing cowboy was a subtype of the archetypal cowboy hero of early Western films, popularized by many of the B-movies of the 1930s and 1940s...
was suddenly born. In addition to his own movies, Rogers played a supporting role in the John Wayne
John Wayne
Marion Mitchell Morrison , better known by his stage name John Wayne, was an American film actor, director and producer. He epitomized rugged masculinity and became an enduring American icon. He is famous for his distinctive calm voice, walk, and height...
classic Dark Command
Dark Command
Dark Command is a 1940 western film starring Claire Trevor, John Wayne and Walter Pidgeon loosely based on Quantrill's Raiders in the American Civil War. Directed by Raoul Walsh from the novel by W.R...
(1940). Rogers became a major box office attraction.
In the Motion Picture Herald Top Ten Money-Making Western Stars poll, Rogers was listed for 15 consecutive years from 1939 to 1954, holding first place from 1943 to 1954. He appeared in the similar Box Office poll from 1938 to 1955, holding first place from 1943 to 1952. (In the final three years of that poll he was second only to Randolph Scott.) Although these two polls are really an indication only of the popularity of series stars, Rogers also appeared in the Top Ten Money Makers Poll of all films in 1945 and 1946.
Rogers was an idol for many children through his films and television shows. Most of his postwar films were in Trucolor
Trucolor
Trucolor was a process used and owned by Consolidated Film Industries division of Republic Pictures. Trucolor was originally a two-strip process based on the earlier work of William Van Doren Kelley's Prizma color process. It later became a three-color process.Republic used Trucolor mostly for its...
during an era when almost all other B-movie
B-movie
A B movie is a low-budget commercial motion picture that is not definitively an arthouse or pornographic film. In its original usage, during the Golden Age of Hollywood, the term more precisely identified a film intended for distribution as the less-publicized, bottom half of a double feature....
s were black-and-white. Some of his movies would segue into animal adventures, in which Rogers's horse Trigger would go off on his own for a while, with the camera following him.
With money from not only Rogers' films but his own public appearances going to Republic Pictures, Rogers brought a clause into a 1940 contract with the studio where he would have the right to his likeness, voice and name for merchandising. There were Roy Rogers action figure
Action figure
An action figure is a posable character figurine, made of plastic or other materials, and often based upon characters from a film, comic book, video game, or television program. These action figures are usually marketed towards boys and male collectors...
s, cowboy adventure novels, and playsets, as well as a comic strip, a long-lived Dell Comics
Dell Comics
Dell Comics was the comic book publishing arm of Dell Publishing, which got its start in pulp magazines. It published comics from 1929 to 1973. At its peak, it was the most prominent and successful American company in the medium...
comic book series (Roy Rogers Comics) written by Gaylord Du Bois, and a variety of marketing successes. Roy Rogers was second only to Walt Disney in the amount of items featuring his name. The Sons of the Pioneers continued their popularity, and they have never stopped performing from the time Rogers started the group, replacing members as they retired or passed away (all original members are deceased). Although Rogers was no longer an active member, they often appeared as Rogers' backup group in films, radio, and television, and Rogers would occasionally appear with them in performances up until his death. In August 1950, Evans and Rogers had a daughter, Robin Elizabeth, who had Down Syndrome
Down syndrome
Down syndrome, or Down's syndrome, trisomy 21, is a chromosomal condition caused by the presence of all or part of an extra 21st chromosome. It is named after John Langdon Down, the British physician who described the syndrome in 1866. The condition was clinically described earlier in the 19th...
and died of complications with mumps
Mumps
Mumps is a viral disease of the human species, caused by the mumps virus. Before the development of vaccination and the introduction of a vaccine, it was a common childhood disease worldwide...
shortly before her second birthday. Evans wrote about losing their daughter in her book Angel Unaware.
Rogers and Evans were also well known as advocates for adoption
Adoption
Adoption is a process whereby a person assumes the parenting for another and, in so doing, permanently transfers all rights and responsibilities from the original parent or parents...
and as founders and operators of children's charities. They adopted several children. Both were outspoken Christian
Christian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
s. In Apple Valley, California
Apple Valley, California
-Climate:*On average, the warmest month is July.*The highest recorded temperature was in 2002.*On average, the coolest month is December.*The lowest recorded temperature was in 1949.*The most precipitation on average occurs in February.-History:...
, where they made their home, numerous streets and highways as well as civic buildings have been named after them in recognition of their efforts on behalf of homeless and handicapped children. Rogers was an active Freemason and a Shriner, and was noted for his support of their charities.
Rogers and Evans's famous theme song, "Happy Trails
Happy Trails (song)
"Happy Trails," by Dale Evans Rogers, was the theme song for the 1940s and 1950s radio program and the 1950s television show starring Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Rogers, always sung over the end credits of the program. Happy Trails was released in 1952 as a 78 RPM and 45 RPM by Rogers and Evans with...
", was written by Evans; they sang it as a duet to sign off their television show. In the fall of 1962, the couple co-hosted a comedy-western-variety program, The Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Show
The Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Show
The Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Show was a Western comedy and variety program that ran on ABC television for 13 episodes from September 29 to December 29, 1962...
, aired on ABC
American Broadcasting Company
The American Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network. Created in 1943 from the former NBC Blue radio network, ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Company and is part of Disney-ABC Television Group. Its first broadcast on television was in 1948...
. It was cancelled after three months, losing in the ratings to The Jackie Gleason Show
The Jackie Gleason Show
The Jackie Gleason Show is the name of a series of popular American network television shows that starred Jackie Gleason, which ran from 1952 to 1970.-Cavalcade of Stars:...
on CBS. He also made numerous cameo or guest appearances on other popular television shows, starring as himself or other cowboy-type characters, such as in an episode of Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman (TV series)
Wonder Woman is an American television series based on the DC Comics comic book superhero of the same name. Starring Lynda Carter as Wonder Woman/Diana Prince and Lyle Waggoner as Steve Trevor, the show originally aired from 1975 to 1979....
called "The Bushwackers". Rogers also owned a Hollywood production company which handled his own series. It also filmed other undertakings, including the 1955-1956 CBS western series Brave Eagle
Brave Eagle
Brave Eagle is a 26-episode half-hour western television series which aired on CBS from September 28, 1955, to March 14, 1956, with rebroadcasts continuing until June 6. Keith Larsen , who was of Norwegian descent, starred as Brave Eagle, a peaceful young Cheyenne chief...
starring Keith Larsen
Keith Larsen
Keith Larsen was an American actor, screenwriter, director, and producer who starred in three short-lived television series between 1955 and 1961.-Background:...
as a young peaceful Cheyenne
Cheyenne
Cheyenne are a Native American people of the Great Plains, who are of the Algonquian language family. The Cheyenne Nation is composed of two united tribes, the Só'taeo'o and the Tsétsêhéstâhese .The Cheyenne are thought to have branched off other tribes of Algonquian stock inhabiting lands...
chief, Kim Winona
Kim Winona
Kim Winona was a Native American actress. A Sioux Native American, Winona appeared with Keith Larsen in the CBS western television series Brave Eagle during 1955-1956 season....
as Morning Star, his romantic interest, and the Hopi
Hopi
The Hopi are a federally recognized tribe of indigenous Native American people, who primarily live on the Hopi Reservation in northeastern Arizona. The Hopi area according to the 2000 census has a population of 6,946 people. Their Hopi language is one of the 30 of the Uto-Aztecan language...
Indian Anthony Numkena as Keena, Brave Eagle's foster son.
Rogers owned a Thoroughbred
Thoroughbred
The Thoroughbred is a horse breed best known for its use in horse racing. Although the word thoroughbred is sometimes used to refer to any breed of purebred horse, it technically refers only to the Thoroughbred breed...
racehorse
Horse racing
Horse racing is an equestrian sport that has a long history. Archaeological records indicate that horse racing occurred in ancient Babylon, Syria, and Egypt. Both chariot and mounted horse racing were events in the ancient Greek Olympics by 648 BC...
named Triggairo, who won 13 career races including the 1975 El Encino Stakes
El Encino Stakes
The El Encino Stakes is an American Thoroughbred horse race run annually at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California. Open to four-year-old fillies, it is raced over a distance of 1/16 miles on the synthetic Cushion Track surface...
at Santa Anita Park
Santa Anita Park
Santa Anita Park is a thoroughbred racetrack in Arcadia, California, United States. It offers some of the prominent racing events in the United States during the winter and in spring. With its backdrop of the purple San Gabriel Mountains, it is considered by many as the world's most beautiful race...
.
Death
Rogers died of congestive heart failureCongestive heart failure
Heart failure often called congestive heart failure is generally defined as the inability of the heart to supply sufficient blood flow to meet the needs of the body. Heart failure can cause a number of symptoms including shortness of breath, leg swelling, and exercise intolerance. The condition...
on July 6, 1998. Rogers was residing in Apple Valley, California
Apple Valley, California
-Climate:*On average, the warmest month is July.*The highest recorded temperature was in 2002.*On average, the coolest month is December.*The lowest recorded temperature was in 1949.*The most precipitation on average occurs in February.-History:...
at the time of his death. He was buried at Sunset Hills cemetery in Apple Valley.
Homages and influence
For his contribution to the motion picture industry, Rogers has a star on the Hollywood Walk of FameHollywood Walk of Fame
The Hollywood Walk of Fame consists of more than 2,400 five-pointed terrazzo and brass stars embedded in the sidewalks along fifteen blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street in Hollywood, California...
at 1752 Vine Street, a second star at 1733 Vine Street for his contribution to radio, and a third star at 1620 Vine Street for his contribution to the television industry. Rogers and Evans were inducted into the Western Performers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is a museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with more than 28,000 Western and American Indian art works and artifacts. The facility also has the world's most extensive collection of American rodeo, photographs, barbed wire, saddlery, and early rodeo trophies...
in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Oklahoma City is the capital and the largest city in the state of Oklahoma. The county seat of Oklahoma County, the city ranks 31st among United States cities in population. The city's population, from the 2010 census, was 579,999, with a metro-area population of 1,252,987 . In 2010, the Oklahoma...
, in 1976 and Rogers was inducted again as a member of the Sons of the Pioneers in 1995. Rogers was also twice elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame, first as a member of The Sons of the Pioneers in 1980 and as a soloist in 1988.
Rogers was mentioned in the Lyle Lovett
Lyle Lovett
Lyle Pearce Lovett is an American singer-songwriter and actor. Active since 1980, he has recorded thirteen albums and released 21 singles to date, including his highest entry, the number 10 chart hit on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, "Cowboy Man"...
single "If I Had A Boat", and Elton John's 1973 album "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, released in 1973, is the seventh studio album by British singer-songwriter Elton John. It has come to be regarded as Elton John's best and most popular album, and is his best selling studio album with worldwide sales of at least 15 million copies.Recorded at the Château...
" contained the escapist ballad "Roy Rogers".
In the 1988 film Die Hard
Die Hard
Die Hard is a 1988 American action film and the first in the Die Hard film series. The film was directed by John McTiernan and written by Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza. It is based on a 1979 novel by Roderick Thorp titled Nothing Lasts Forever, itself a sequel to the book The Detective, which...
, the Bruce Willis
Bruce Willis
Walter Bruce Willis , better known as Bruce Willis, is an American actor, producer, and musician. His career began in television in the 1980s and has continued both in television and film since, including comedic, dramatic, and action roles...
character John McClane
John McClane
John McClane is a fictional character and the protagonist of the Die Hard film series, portrayed by Bruce Willis.-Development and description:...
used the nom de guerre of "Roy", saying "I was always kinda partial to Roy Rogers actually".
American Dad character Roger uses "Roy Rogers" as a pseudonym in the episode "Roy Rogers McFreely".
Cheryl Rogers Barnett, a daughter of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, has written with Frank Thompson; Cowboy Princess: Life with My Parents, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans.
Filmography
- Slightly StaticSlightly StaticSlightly Static is a 1935 American short comedy film directed by William H. Terhune. It was the debut film of Roy Rogers who performed with the Sons of the Pioneers although his name was uncredited.-Cast:*Thelma Todd... Thelma*Patsy Kelly ... Patsy...
(1935) (uncredited) .... Member of Sons of the Pioneers - The Old HomesteadThe Old HomesteadThe Old Homestead is a 1935 American romantic western musical film directed by William Nigh.-Cast:*Mary Carlisle ... Nancy Abbott*Lawrence Gray ... Bob Shackleforth*Willard Robertson ... Uncle Jed*Dorothy Lee ... Elsie Wilson...
(1935) (as Leonard Slye) .... Sons of the Pioneers - Way Up TharWay Up TharWay Up Thar is a 1935 American short western comedy musical film directed by Mack Sennett.-Cast:*Joan Davis ... Jennie Kirk*Myra Keaton ... Maw Kirk*John W. Jackson ... Jim Higgins*June Gittelson ... Sophie Cramer*Al Lydell ... Sam Higgins...
(1935) (as Leonard Slye) .... Band Member - Gallant DefenderGallant DefenderGallant Defender is a 1935 American western film directed by David Selman.-Cast:*Charles Starrett ... Johnny Flagg*Joan Perry ... Barbara McGrail*Harry Woods ... Barr Munro*Edward LeSaint ... Harvey Campbell*Jack Clifford ... Sheriff Luther...
(1935) (uncredited) .... Nester (Sons of the Pioneers) - The Mysterious AvengerThe Mysterious AvengerThe Mysterious Avenger is a 1936 American romantic western film directed by David Selman.-Cast:*Charles Starrett ... Ranny Maitland / Ranny Morgan*Joan Perry ... Alice Lockhart*Wheeler Oakman ... Brophy*Edward LeSaint ... Lockhart...
(1936) (as Len Slye) .... Musician Len - Song of the SaddleSong of the SaddleSong of the Saddle is a 1936 American film starring Dick Foran, Alma Lloyd, Charles Middleton, and featuring an uncredited Sons of the Pioneers with Roy Rogers....
(1936) (uncredited) .... Sons of the Pioneers Guitarist - Rhythm on the RangeRhythm on the RangeRhythm on the Range is a 1936 Paramount Pictures musical film directed by Norman Taurog.-Plot:Doris Halliday is the daughter of wealthy banker Robert Halliday. She is about to marry a man she doesn't love, so the family will become richer...
(1936) (uncredited) .... Leonard (Sons of the Pioneers) - California MailCalifornia MailCalifornia Mail is a 1936 American film featuring an uncredited Sons of the Pioneers with Roy Rogers....
(1936) (uncredited) .... Square Dance Caller & Guitarist - The Big Show (1936) (uncredited) .... Sons of the Pioneers guitar player
- The Old CorralThe Old CorralThe Old Corral is a 1936 American film featuring an uncredited Roy Rogers....
(1936) (uncredited) .... Buck O'Keefe - The Old Wyoming TrailThe Old Wyoming TrailThe Old Wyoming Trail is a 1937 American film starring Roy Rogers....
(1937) (uncredited) .... Guitar player/Singer/Cowhand - Wild Horse RodeoWild Horse RodeoWild Horse Rodeo is a 1937 American Western "Three Mesquiteers" B-movie directed by George Sherman.-Cast:* Robert Livingston as Stony Brooke* Ray Corrigan as Tucson Smith* Max Terhune as Lullaby Joslin* June Martel as Alice Harkley...
(1937) (as Dick Weston) .... Singer - The Old Barn DanceThe Old Barn DanceThe Old Barn Dance is a 1938 American film directed by Joseph Kane and starring Gene Autry. The film is based around Gene Autry and his colleagues who have a horse selling business which is threatened by a tractor company.-Cast:...
(1938) (as Dick Weston) .... Singer - Under Western StarsUnder Western StarsUnder Western Stars is an American Western film starring Roy Rogers and Smiley Burnette. This was the first starring role for Rogers, made under contract to Republic Pictures....
(1938) .... U.S. Representative the Hon. Roy Rogers (first lead role) - Billy the Kid ReturnsBilly the Kid ReturnsBilly the Kid Returns is a 1938 American film directed by Joseph Kane and starring Roy Rogers.-Plot:Following the shooting of Billy the Kid by his former friend Sheriff Pat Garrett lookalike deputy sherriff Roy Rogers,assisted by travelling musical instrument salesman Frog Millhouse, takes his...
(1938) .... Roy Rogers/Billy the Kid - A Feud There WasA Feud There WasA Feud There Was was a 1938 Warner Bros. cartoon short in the Merrie Melodies series, directed by Tex Avery and written by Melvin Millar, and notable for being the first cartoon in which the name Elmer Fudd was used, seen inscribed on the side of the scooter driven by the protagonist, otherwise...
(1938) (uncredited) .... Egghead/Elmer Singing Voice - Come On, RangersCome On, RangersCome On, Rangers is a 1938 American film directed by Joseph Kane and starring Roy Rogers.- Cast :*Roy Rogers as Roy Rogers*Lynne Roberts as Janice Forbes*Raymond Hatton as Jeff*J...
(1938) .... Roy Rogers - Shine On, Harvest MoonShine On, Harvest Moon"Shine On, Harvest Moon" is the name of a popular early-1900s song credited to the married vaudeville team Nora Bayes and Jack Norworth. It was one of a series of moon related Tin Pan Alley songs of the era. The song was debuted by Bayes and Norworth in the Ziegfeld Follies of 1908 to great acclaim...
(1938) .... Roy Rogers - Rough Riders' Round-upRough Riders' Round-upRough Riders' Round-up is a 1939 American film directed by Joseph Kane starring Roy Rogers.- Cast :*Roy Rogers as Roy Rogers*Lynne Roberts as Dorothy Blair*Raymond Hatton as Rusty Coburn*Eddie Acuff as Tommy Ward*William Pawley as Arizona Jack Moray...
(1939) .... Roy Rogers - Southward HoSouthward HoSouthward Ho is a 1939 American film directed by Joseph Kane and starring Roy Rogers.- Cast :*Roy Rogers as Roy*Lynne Roberts as Ellen Denbigh*George 'Gabby' Hayes as Gabby Whitaker*Wade Boteler as Colonel Denbigh*Arthur Loft as Captain Jeffries...
(1939) .... Roy - Frontier Pony ExpressFrontier Pony ExpressFrontier Pony Express is a 1939 American film directed by Joseph Kane and starring Roy Rogers.- Cast :*Roy Rogers as Pony Express Rider Roy Rogers*Lynne Roberts as Ann Langhorne*Raymond Hatton as Horseshoe the Trapper...
(1939) .... Roy Rogers - In Old CalienteIn Old CalienteIn Old Caliente is a 1939 American film directed by Joseph Kane and starring Roy Rogers.- Cast :*Roy Rogers as Roy Rogers*Lynne Roberts as Jean Marshall*George "Gabby" Hayes as "Gabby" Whittaker*Jack La Rue as Sujarno*Katherine DeMille as Rita Vargas...
(1939) .... Roy Rogers - Wall Street CowboyWall Street CowboyWall Street Cowboy is a 1939 American film starring Roy Rogers....
(1939) .... Roy Rogers - The Arizona KidThe Arizona KidThe Arizona Kid is a 1939 American western film directed by Joseph Kane under the Republic Pictures banner. The film stars Roy Rogers as a Confederate officer in Missouri during the American Civil War.-Cast:*Roy Rogers ... Roy Rogers...
(1939) .... Roy Rogers/The Arizona Kid - Jeepers Creepers (1939) .... Roy
- Saga of Death ValleySaga of Death ValleySaga of Death Valley is a 1939 American film starring Roy Rogers....
(1939) .... Roy Rogers - Days of Jesse JamesDays of Jesse JamesDays of Jesse James is a 1939 American film directed by Joseph Kane and starring Roy Rogers.-Cast:*Roy Rogers as Roy Rogers*George "Gabby" Hayes as Gabby Whittaker*Don "Red" Barry as Jesse James*Pauline Moore as Mary Whittaker...
(1939) .... Roy Rogers - Dark CommandDark CommandDark Command is a 1940 western film starring Claire Trevor, John Wayne and Walter Pidgeon loosely based on Quantrill's Raiders in the American Civil War. Directed by Raoul Walsh from the novel by W.R...
(1940) .... Fletcher 'Fletch' McCloud - Young Buffalo BillYoung Buffalo BillYoung Buffalo Bill is a 1940 American film directed by Joseph Kane and starring Roy Rogers.- Cast :*Roy Rogers as Bill Cody*George 'Gabby' Hayes as Gabby Whittaker*Pauline Moore as Tonia Regas*Hugh Sothern as Don Regas*Chief Thundercloud as Akuna...
(1940) .... Bill Cody - The Carson City KidThe Carson City KidThe Carson City Kid is a 1940 American film directed by Joseph Kane and starring Roy Rogers.-Cast:*Roy Rogers as The Carson City Kid*George "Gabby" Hayes as Marshal Gabby Whitaker*Bob Steele as Lee Jessup / Morgan Reynolds*Noah Beery, Jr...
(1940) .... The Carson City Kid - The Ranger and the LadyThe Ranger and the LadyThe Ranger and the Lady is a 1940 American film directed by Joseph Kane and starring Roy Rogers.- Cast :*Roy Rogers as Texas Ranger Captain Roy Colt*George "Gabby" Hayes as Texas Ranger Sergeant Gabby Whittaker*Julie Bishop as Jane Tabor...
(1940) .... Texas Ranger Captain Roy Colt - ColoradoColorado (1940 film)Colorado is a 1940 American Western film directed by Joseph Kane and starring Roy Rogers.-Cast:*Roy Rogers as Lieutenant Jerry Burke*George 'Gabby' Hayes as 'Gabby' Whittaker*Pauline Moore as Lylah Sanford...
(1940) .... Lieutenant Jerry Burke - Young Bill HickokYoung Bill HickokYoung Bill Hickok is a 1940 American film directed by Joseph Kane and starring Roy Rogers- Cast :*Roy Rogers as "Wild" Bill Hickok*George 'Gabby' Hayes as "Gabby" Whitaker*Julie Bishop as Louise Mason*John Miljan as Nicholas Tower...
(1940) .... 'Wild' Bill Hickok - The Border LegionThe Border LegionThe Border Legion is a 1916 western novel by Zane Grey.It tells the story of a cold hearted man named Jack Kells who falls in love with Miss Joan Randle, a girl his legion has taken captive near the Idaho border....
(1940) .... Dr. Stephen Kellogg, aka Steve Kells - Robin Hood of the PecosRobin Hood of the PecosRobin Hood of the Pecos is a 1941 American film starring Roy Rogers.-Cast:* Roy Rogers - Vance Corbin* George "Gabby" Hayes - Gabriel "Gabby" Hornaday* Marjorie Renyolds - Jeanie Grayson* Cy Kendall - Ambrose Ballard* Leigh Whipper - Kezeye...
(1941) .... Vance Corbin - Arkansas Judge (1941) .... Tom Martel
- In Old Cheyenne (1941) .... Steve Blane
- Sheriff of TombstoneSheriff of TombstoneSheriff of Tombstone is a 1941 American film directed by Joseph Kane and starring Roy Rogers.- Cast :*Roy Rogers as Brett Starr*George "Gabby" Hayes as Judge Gabby Whittaker*Elyse Knox as Mary Carson*Addison Richards as Mayor Luke Keeler...
(1941) .... Brett Starr - Nevada CityNevada City (1941 film)Nevada City is a 1941 American film directed by Joseph Kane starring Roy Rogers.- Cast :*Roy Rogers as Jeff Connors*George 'Gabby' Hayes as 'Gabby' Chapman*Sally Payne as Jo Morrison*George Cleveland as Hank Liddell*Billy Lee as Chick Morrison...
(1941) .... Jeff Connors - Bad Man of DeadwoodBad Man of DeadwoodBad Man of Deadwood is a 1941 American film directed by Joseph Kane and starring Roy Rogers.- Cast :*Roy Rogers as Brett Starr aka Bill Brady*George 'Gabby' Hayes as Prof...
(1941) .... Brett Starr aka Bill Brady - Jesse James at BayJesse James at BayJesse James at Bay is a 1941 American film directed by Joseph Kane and starring Roy Rogers.- Cast :*Roy Rogers as Jesse James / Clint Burns*George 'Gabby' Hayes as Sheriff Gabby Whitaker*Sally Payne as Polly Morgan...
(1941) .... Jesse James/Clint Burns - Red River ValleyRed River ValleyThe Red River Valley is a region in central North America that is drained by the Red River of the North. It is significant in the geography of North Dakota, Minnesota, and Manitoba for its relatively fertile lands and the population centers of Fargo, Moorhead, Grand Forks, and Winnipeg...
(1941) .... Roy Rogers - Man from CheyenneMan from CheyenneMan from Cheyenne is a 1942 American film starring Roy Rogers.-Home media:On August 25, 2009, Alpha Video released Man from Cheyenne on Region 0 DVD....
(1942) .... Roy Rogers - South of Santa Fe (1942) .... Roy Rogers
- Sunset on the DesertSunset on the DesertSunset on the Desert is a 1942 American film directed by Joseph Kane and starring Roy Rogers.- Cast :*Roy Rogers as Roy Rogers / Deputy Bill Sloan*George "Gabby" Hayes as Gabby Whittaker*Lynne Carver as Ann Kirby*Frank M...
(1942) .... Roy Rogers & Deputy Bill Sloan - Romance on the RangeRomance on the Range (film)Romance on the Range is a 1942 American film starring Roy Rogers....
(1942) .... Roy Rogers - Sons of the PioneersSons of the PioneersThe Sons of the Pioneers are one of America's earliest Western singing groups whose classic recordings set a new standard for performers of Western music. Known for the high quality of their vocal performances, musicianship, and songwriting, they produced finely-crafted and innovative recordings...
(1942) .... Roy Rogers - Sunset SerenadeSunset SerenadeSunset Serenade is a 1942 American film directed by Joseph Kane starring Roy Rogers.- Cast :*Roy Rogers as Roy Rogers*George "Gabby" Hayes as Gabby*Bob Nolan as Bob*Sons of the Pioneers as Ranch hands / Musicians*Helen Parrish as Sylvia Clark...
(1942) .... Roy Rogers - Heart of the Golden WestHeart of the Golden WestHeart of the Golden West is a 1942 American film starring Roy Rogers....
(1942) .... Roy Rogers - Ridin' Down the CanyonRidin' Down the CanyonRidin' Down the Canyon is a 1942 American film directed by Joseph Kane and starring Roy Rogers.- Cast :*Roy Rogers as Roy Rogers*George "Gabby" Hayes as Gabby*Bob Nolan as Bob Nolan, *Sons of the Pioneers as Musicians...
(1942) .... Roy Rogers - IdahoIdahoIdaho is a state in the Rocky Mountain area of the United States. The state's largest city and capital is Boise. Residents are called "Idahoans". Idaho was admitted to the Union on July 3, 1890, as the 43rd state....
(1943) .... Roy Rogers - King of the CowboysKing of the CowboysKing of the Cowboys is a 1943 movie directed by Joseph Kane and starring Roy Rogers and Smiley Burnette...
(1943) .... Roy Rogers
- Song of TexasSong of TexasSong of Texas is a 1943 American film starring Roy Rogers....
(1943) .... Roy Rogers - Silver SpursSilver SpursThe Silver Spurs is the honorary service organization responsible for the caretaking and transportation of the University of Texas Longhorn mascot, Bevo.Founded in 1937, the charter members felt that there was need for another spirit-service group on campus...
(1943) .... Roy Rogers - Hands Across the BorderHands Across the BorderHands Across the Border is a 1944 American film American film directed by Joseph Kane and starring Roy Rogers.- Cast :*Roy Rogers as Roy Rogers*Trigger as Trigger, Adams' horse*Ruth Terry as Kim Adams*Guinn "Big Boy" Williams as Teddy Bear...
(1944) .... Roy Rogers - Cowboy and the SenoritaCowboy and the SenoritaCowboy and the Senorita is a 1944 American film directed by Joseph Kane and starring Roy Rogers. The film marked the first appearance together of Rogers and his future wife, Dale Evans.-Cast:*Roy Rogers as Roy Rogers*Trigger as Trigger...
(1944) .... Roy Rogers - The Yellow Rose of TexasThe Yellow Rose of Texas (film)- Cast :*Roy Rogers as Roy Rogers*Trigger as Trigger Smartest Horse in the Movies*Dale Evans as Betty Weston*Grant Withers as Express Agent Lucas*Harry Shannon as Sam Weston*George Cleveland as Captain "Cap" Joe*William Haade as Buster, Roy's Sidekick...
(1944) .... Roy Rogers - Song of NevadaSong of NevadaSong of Nevada is a 1944 American film directed by Joseph Kane and starring Roy Rogers.- Cast :*Roy Rogers as Roy Rogers*Trigger as Trigger, Roy's Horse*Dale Evans as Joan Barrabee*Mary Lee as Kitty Hanley*Lloyd Corrigan as Professor Hanley...
(1944) .... Roy Rogers - San Fernando ValleySan Fernando ValleyThe San Fernando Valley is an urbanized valley located in the Los Angeles metropolitan area of southern California, United States, defined by the dramatic mountains of the Transverse Ranges circling it...
(1944) .... Roy Rogers - Lights of Old Santa FeLights of Old Santa FeLights of Old Santa Fe is a 1944 American western musical film directed by Frank McDonald with a screenplay by Gordon Kahn and Bob Williams. The film stars Roy Rogers and Dale Evans in a story about a rodeo owner and her struggle to make her show a success...
(1944) .... Roy Rogers - Hollywood CanteenHollywood Canteen (1944 film)Hollywood Canteen is a 1944 Warner Bros. film starring Joan Leslie, Robert Hutton, and Dane Clark. The film was written and directed by Delmer Daves, and is notable for featuring many stars in cameo roles...
(1944) .... Roy Rogers and Trigger - UtahUtahUtah is a state in the Western United States. It was the 45th state to join the Union, on January 4, 1896. Approximately 80% of Utah's 2,763,885 people live along the Wasatch Front, centering on Salt Lake City. This leaves vast expanses of the state nearly uninhabited, making the population the...
(1945) .... Roy Rogers - Where Do We Go from Here? (1945) (scenes deleted)
- Bells of RosaritaBells of RosaritaBells of Rosarita is a 1945 American film starring Roy Rogers and directed by Frank McDonald.-Plot:The film is a musical western. Sue Farnum gets cheated out of her inheritance by the thieving business partner of her deceased father...
(1945) .... Roy Rogers - The Man from OklahomaThe Man from OklahomaThe Man from Oklahoma is a 1945 American film starring Roy Rogers....
(1945) .... Roy Rogers - Along the Navajo Trail (1945) .... Roy Rogers
- Sunset in El DoradoSunset in El DoradoSunset in El Dorado is a 1945 American film starring Roy Rogers....
(1945) .... Roy Rogers - Don't Fence Me In (1945) .... Roy Rogers
- Song of ArizonaSong of ArizonaSong of Arizona is a 1946 American Western film directed by Frank McDonald and starring Roy Rogers.- Cast :*Roy Rogers as Roy Rogers*Trigger as Himself - Roy's Horse*George "Gabby" Hayes as Gabby Whittaker*Dale Evans as Clare Summers...
(1946) .... Roy Rogers - Rainbow Over TexasRainbow Over TexasRainbow Over Texas is a film from 1946 in which Roy Rogers plays himself as a famous cowboy-singer returning to Texas.The self-portrayal of Roy Rogers as a more glamorous version of himself in Rainbow Over Texas revealed the great lengths to which Hollywood film studios would go in promoting their...
(1946) .... Roy Rogers - My Pal TriggerMy Pal TriggerMy Pal Trigger is a 1946 American western musical film directed by Frank McDonald. The screenplay by Jack Townley and John K. Butler was based upon a story by Paul Gangelin. The film stars Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, George “Gabby” Hayes, Jack Holt, and Trigger in a story about the origin of Rogers's...
(1946) .... Roy Rogers - Under Nevada SkiesUnder Nevada SkiesUnder Nevada Skies is a 1946 American film starring Roy Rogers....
(1946) .... Roy Rogers - Roll on Texas MoonRoll on Texas MoonRoll on Texas Moon is a 1946 American film starring Roy Rogers....
(1946) .... Roy Rogers - Home in OklahomaHome in OklahomaHome in Oklahoma is a 1946 American film starring Roy Rogers.-Cast:*Roy Rogers - himself*Trigger - Trigger, the smartest horse in the movies.*George "Gabby" Hayes - Gabby Whittaker*Dale Evans - Connie Edwards*Carol Hughes - Jan Holloway...
(1946) .... Roy Rogers - Out California WayOut California WayOut California Way is a 1946 American film starring Roy Rogers....
(1946) .... Roy Rogers - HeldoradoHeldoradoHeldorado is a 1946 American film starring Roy Rogers....
(1946) .... Nevada State Ranger Roy Rogers - Apache RoseApache RoseApache Rose is a 1947 American film directed by William Witney and starring Roy Rogers.-Cast:*Roy Rogers as Roy Rogers*Trigger as Trigger, Roy's Horse*Dale Evans as Billie Colby*Olin Howland as Alkali Elkins*George Meeker as Reed Calhoun...
(1947) .... Roy Rogers - Bells of San AngeloBells of San AngeloBells of San Angelo is a 1947 American film directed by William Witney and starring Roy Rogers.-Cast:*Roy Rogers as Roy Rogers*Trigger as Trigger, Roy's Horse*Dale Evans as Lee Madison*Andy Devine as Cookie Bullfincher*John McGuire as Rex Gridley...
(1947) .... Border Investigator Roy Rogers - Springtime in the SierrasSpringtime in the SierrasSpringtime in the Sierras is a 1947 American film directed by William Witney and starring Roy Rogers.- Cast :*Roy Rogers as Roy Rogers*Trigger as Trigger, Roy's Horse*Jane Frazee as Taffy Baker*Andy Devine as Cookie Bullfincher...
(1947) .... Roy Rogers - On the Old Spanish TrailOn the Old Spanish TrailOn the Old Spanish Trail is a 1947 American film directed by William Witney and starring Roy Rogers.- Cast :*Roy Rogers as Roy Rogers*Trigger as Trigger, the Smartest Horse in the West*Tito Guízar as Rico / The Gypsy*Jane Frazee as Candy Martin...
(1947) .... Roy Rogers - Pecos BillPecos BillPecos Bill is an American cowboy, apocryphally immortalized in numerous tall tales of the Old West during American westward expansion into the Southwest of Texas, New Mexico, Southern California, and Arizona. Their stories were probably invented into short stories and book by Edward O'Reilly in the...
(1948) .... Roy Rogers - The Gay RancheroThe Gay RancheroThe Gay Ranchero is a 1948 American film starring Roy Rogers....
(1948) .... Sheriff Roy Rogers - Under California StarsUnder California StarsUnder California Stars is a 1948 American film directed by William Witney and starring Roy Rogers.- Cast :*Roy Rogers as Roy Rogers*Trigger as Trigger, Roy's Horse*Jane Frazee as Caroline Bullfincher...
(1948) .... Roy Rogers - Eyes of TexasEyes of Texas (film)- Cast :*Roy Rogers as U.S. Marshal Roy Rogers*Trigger as Trigger, Roy's Horse*Lynne Roberts as Nurse Penny Thatcher*Andy Devine as Dr. Cookie Bullfincher*Nana Bryant as Hattie E...
(1948) .... U.S. Marshal Roy Rogers - Night Time in NevadaNight Time in NevadaNight Time in Nevada is a 1948 American film directed by William Witney and starring Roy Rogers.- Cast :*Roy Rogers as Roy Rogers*Trigger as Trigger, Roy's Horse*Adele Mara as Joan Andrews*Andy Devine as Cookie Bullfincher...
(1948) .... Roy Rogers - Grand Canyon TrailGrand Canyon TrailGrand Canyon Trail is a 1948 American film starring Roy Rogers.-Cast:* Roy Rogers ... Roy Rogers* Trigger ... Trigger, Roy's Horse* Jane Frazee ... Carol Martin aka Carol Vanderpool* Andy Devine ... Cookie Bullfincher...
(1948) .... Roy Rogers - The Far FrontierThe Far FrontierThe Far Frontier is a 1948 American film starring Roy Rogers....
(1948) .... Roy Rogers - Susanna PassSusanna PassSusanna Pass is a 1949 American film starring Roy Rogers....
(1949) .... Roy Rogers - Down Dakota Way (1949) .... Roy Rogers
- The Golden Stallion (1949) .... Roy Rogers
- Bells of CoronadoBells of CoronadoBells of Coronado is a 1950 American film directed by William Witney and starring Roy Rogers.- Cast :*Roy Rogers as Roy Rogers*Trigger as Roy's Horse*Dale Evans as Pam Reynolds*Pat Brady as Sparrow Biffle*Grant Withers as Craig Bennett...
(1950) .... Roy Rogers - Twilight in the SierrasTwilight in the SierrasTwilight in the Sierras is a 1950 American Republic Pictures film starring Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, Estelita Rodriguez, Pat Brady, George Meeker, Fred Kohler, Jr. and Edward Keane.The film premiered on March 22, 1950.-Plot:...
(1950) .... State Parole Officer Roy Rogers - Trigger, Jr.Trigger, Jr.Trigger, Jr. is a 1950 American film starring Roy Rogers.-Plot:Manion allows a killer horse to roam free and ruin valuable horses on nearby ranches. His plan is to "shakedown' the ranchers for protection...
(1950) .... Roy Rogers - Sunset in the WestSunset in the WestSunset in the West is a 1950 American film starring Roy Rogers....
(1950) .... Roy Rogers - North of the Great DivideNorth of the Great DivideNorth of the Great Divide is a 1950 American film starring Roy Rogers....
(1950) .... Roy Rogers - Trail of Robin HoodTrail of Robin HoodTrail of Robin Hood is a 1950 American Trucolor film starring Roy Rogers and filmed in the San Bernardino Mountains and Big Bear Lake California...
(1950) .... Roy Rogers - Spoilers of the PlainsSpoilers of the PlainsSpoilers of the Plains is a 1951 American film starring Roy Rogers....
(1951) .... Roy Rogers - Heart of the Rockies (1951) .... Roy Rogers
- In Old AmarilloIn Old AmarilloIn Old Amarillo is a 1951 American film starring Roy Rogers....
(1951) .... Roy Rogers - South of CalienteSouth of CalienteSouth of Caliente is a 1951 American film starring Roy Rogers.One highlight of the film is the gypsy dance as done by Lillian Molieri . Her husband Francisco Mayorga worked with Roy in "Hands Across The Border." and her young adopted son, Bill Aken did a vocal duet with Roy on the song "The Big...
(1951) .... Roy Rogers - Pals of the Golden WestPals of the Golden WestPals of the Golden West is a 1951 American film starring Roy Rogers and Pinky Lee....
(1951) .... Border Patrolman Roy Rogers - Son of PalefaceSon of PalefaceSon of Paleface , is a western comedy film and sequel to The Paleface , directed by Frank Tashlin and written by Tashlin, Joseph Quillan and Robert L. Welch. It stars Bob Hope, Jane Russell and Roy Rogers.-Plot:...
(1952) .... Roy Barton - Alias Jesse JamesAlias Jesse JamesAlias Jesse James is a Bob Hope western comedy movie. A highlight for fans of Westerns of that era happens during the gun fight climax at the end of the movie that features a number of cameos by movie and television personalities Alias Jesse James (1959) is a Bob Hope western comedy movie. A...
(1959) (uncredited) .... Roy Rogers - Mackintosh and T.J.Mackintosh and T.J.Mackintosh and T.J. is a 1975 American modern day Westernfilm starring Roy Rogers in his last feature film appearance in a film that was specifically written for him...
(1975) .... Mackintosh
Charted albums
| Year | Album | Chart Positions | Label | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Country | US Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
|||
| 1970 | The Country Side of Roy Rogers | 40 | — | Capitol |
| 1971 | A Man from Duck Run | 34 | — | |
| 1975 | Happy Trails to You | 35 | — | 20th Century |
| 1991 | Tribute Tribute (Roy Rogers album) -Chart performance:... |
17 | 113 | RCA |
Charted singles
| Year | Single | Chart Positions | Album | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Country Hot Country Songs Hot Country Songs is a chart published weekly by Billboard magazine in the United States.This 60-position chart lists the most popular country music songs, calculated weekly mostly by airplay and occasionally commercial sales... |
CAN Country | |||
| 1946 | "A Little White Cross on the Hill" | 7 | — | Singles only |
| 1947 | "My Chickashay Gal" | 4 | — | |
| 1948 | "Blue Shadows on the Trail" (Roy Rogers and the Sons of the Pioneers) |
6 | — | |
| "(There'll Never Be Another) Pecos Bill" (Roy Rogers and the Sons of the Pioneers) |
13 | — | ||
| 1950 | "Stampede" | 8 | — | |
| 1970 | "Money Can't Buy Love" | 35 | — | The Country Side of Roy Rogers |
| 1971 | "Lovenworth" | 12 | 33 | A Man from Duck Run |
| "Happy Anniversary" | 47 | — | ||
| 1972 | "These Are the Good Old Days" | 73 | — | Single only |
| 1974 | "Hoppy, Gene and Me"A | 15 | 12 | Happy Trails to You |
| 1980 | "Ride Concrete Cowboy, Ride" (Roy Rogers and the Sons of the Pioneers) |
80 | — | Smokey & the Bandit II (soundtrack) |
| 1991 | "Hold on Partner" (w/ Clint Black Clint Black Clint Patrick Black is an American country music singer-songwriter, record producer, multi-instrumentalist and occasional actor. Signed to RCA Records in 1989, Black made his debut with his Killin' Time album, which produced four straight Number One singles on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country... ) |
42 | 48 | Tribute |
- A"Hoppy, Gene and Me" also peaked at #38 on the RPMRPM (magazine)RPM was a Canadian music industry publication that featured song and album charts for Canada. The publication was founded by Walt Grealis in February 1964, supported through its existence by record label owner Stan Klees. RPM ceased publication in November 2000.RPM stood for "Records, Promotion,...
Adult Contemporary Tracks chart in Canada.
Music videos
| Year | Video | Director |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | "Hold on Partner" (with Clint Black Clint Black Clint Patrick Black is an American country music singer-songwriter, record producer, multi-instrumentalist and occasional actor. Signed to RCA Records in 1989, Black made his debut with his Killin' Time album, which produced four straight Number One singles on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country... ) |
Jack Cole |
Popular songs recorded by Rogers
- "Don't Fence Me InDon't Fence Me In (song)Don't Fence Me In is a popular American song with music by Cole Porter and lyrics by Robert Fletcher and Cole Porter.-Origins:Originally written in 1934 for Adios, Argentina, an unproduced 20th Century Fox film musical, "Don't Fence Me In" was based on text by a poet and engineer with the...
" - "Hold That Critter Down"
- "Little White Cross On The Hill"
- "One More Ride"
- "Ride Ranger Ride"
- "That Pioneer Mother Of Mine"
- "Tumbling Tumbleweeds"
- "Way Out There" (singing and yodeling)
- "Why, Oh Why, Did I Ever Leave Wyoming?"
- "Hold On Partner" (duet with Clint BlackClint BlackClint Patrick Black is an American country music singer-songwriter, record producer, multi-instrumentalist and occasional actor. Signed to RCA Records in 1989, Black made his debut with his Killin' Time album, which produced four straight Number One singles on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country...
)
See also
- Roy Rogers Restaurants
- Roy Rogers cocktailRoy Rogers cocktailA Roy Rogers is a non-alcoholic mixed drink named for the actor and singer Roy Rogers made with cola and grenadine syrup, garnished with a maraschino cherry. It is similar to another non-alcoholic beverage, the Shirley Temple....
- Earl W. BascomEarl W. BascomEarl W. Bascom was an American painter, printmaker, rodeo performer and sculptor, raised in Canada, who portrayed his own experiences cowboying and rodeoing across the American and Canadian West.- Childhood :...
, cowboy artist who worked with Roy Rogers - Roy Rogers' 100th Birthday 2-Disc Commemorative Collection
External links
- Official family website
- Database and Cover gallery of Roy Rogers comic book appearances
- Roy Rogers Ranch
- Interview with Delores Chapman who had a bit part with Roy Rogers in North of the Great Divide
- Profile at Turner Classic MoviesTurner Classic MoviesTurner Classic Movies is a movie-oriented cable television channel, owned by the Turner Broadcasting System subsidiary of Time Warner, featuring commercial-free classic movies, mostly from the Turner Entertainment and MGM, United Artists, RKO and Warner Bros. film libraries...
- Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
- Dusty Rhoads: Cowboy Bassist and vocalist who toured with Roy Rogers; original member of the Whippoorwills
- I Love Comix Archive: Roy Rogers
- The Ackerman Collection of Historical Photographs
- RFD-TV Trigger and Bullet Happy Trails Tour