Sons of the Pioneers
Encyclopedia
The 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 that have inspired many Western music
performers and remained popular through the years. Since 1933, through many changes in membership, the Sons of the Pioneers have remained one of the longest-surviving country music vocal groups in history.
– the cowboy singer who would later change his name to Roy Rogers
– arrived in California and found work as a truck driver, and later as a fruit picker for the Del Monte company in California's Central Valley. He entered an amateur singing contest on a Los Angeles radio show called Midnight Frolics and a few days later got an invitation to join a group called the Rocky Mountaineers.
In September 1931, Canadian-born Bob Nolan
answered a classified ad in the Los Angeles Herald-Examiner that read, "Yodeler for old-time act, to travel. Tenor preferred." The band was The Rocky Mountaineers, by then led by Leonard Slye. After listening to the tall, slender, tanned Nolan sing and yodel, Slye hired Nolan on the spot. Although Nolan stayed with the group only a short time, he stayed in touch with Slye. Nolan was replaced by Tim Spencer, who had been working in a Safeway Stores warehouse.
In the spring of 1932, Slye, Spencer, and another singer, Slumber Nichols, left the Rocky Mountaineers to form a trio, which soon failed. Throughout most of 1932, Slye and Spencer moved through a series of short-lived groups like the International Cowboys and the O-Bar-O Cowboys. Spencer left the O-Bar-O Cowboys and quit music for a while. Slye joined Jack LeFevre and His Texas Outlaws, who were a popular act on a local Los Angeles radio station.
In early 1933, Roy Rogers
, Bob Nolan
, and Tim Spencer formed a group called the Pioneer Trio. The three young singers rehearsed for weeks honing their singing. While Slye continued to work with his radio singing group, Spencer and Nolan began writing songs for the group.
By the summer of 1934, the Sons of the Pioneers' popularity and fame extended beyond the Los Angeles area and quickly spread across the United States through short syndicated radio segments that were rebroadcast all over the country. They signed a recording contract with the newly founded Decca
label, and on August 8, 1934, the Sons of the Pioneers made their first commercial recording. That same day, a young crooner from Washington state named Bing Crosby
also made his debut for the Decca label.
One of the first songs recorded by the Sons of the Pioneers during that first August session was written by Bob Nolan, "Tumbling Tumbleweeds", that would soon become a staple in their repertoire. The original title "Tumbling Leaves" was changed to give the song a western character. Over the next two years the group would record 32 songs for Decca.
In 1937, the Sons Of The Pioneers signed a deal with Columbia Pictures
to appear in a number of movies. In 1938, Leonard Slye was offered a contract as an actor with rival Republic Pictures
. Part of that deal required him to officially leave the group. Leonard Slye changed his name to Roy Rogers, and went on to achieve major success as a singing cowboy in the movies. Roy Rogers and the Sons of the Pioneers still remained close throughout the coming years. When their contract with Columbia Pictures ended, they signed a new contract with Republic Pictures to be with Roy. They were soon appearing as highly popular supporting players in many of Roy Rogers' movies.
In addition to their appearances and filmed performances, their music was used in numerous other films and television shows. They recorded songs for the John Ford
movies Wagon Master
in 1949 and Rio Grande
in 1950, and performed the theme song for the John Ford classic The Searchers
in 1956. "Tumbling Tumbleweeds
" was used in the Coen Brothers film The Big Lebowski
in 1998.
. In 1972, most of the surviving members of the Sons of the Pioneers, including the original Pioneer Trio of Roy Rogers, Bob Nolan, and Tim Spencer, gathered at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles for one last performance. In 1976, the Sons of the Pioneers were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
And in 1979, Bob Nolan returned to the studio for the final time and recorded a successful solo album of classics and newer compositions titled Bob Nolan – The Sound of a Pioneer.
The late 1970s saw the passing of an era, as many of the founding members of the group died. Tim Spencer died on April 26, 1976. Lloyd Perryman, who had been with the group since 1936, died on May 31, 1977. Thomas Farr, who had retired from the group in 1958, died on April 17, 1980. Bob Nolan died on June 16, 1980.
In 2001, a book about the group was published, titled The Sons of the Pioneers by Bill O'Neal
and Fred Goodwin.
The current "Trail Boss" of the Sons of the Pioneers is Luther Nallie (vocals), who joined the group in 1968. His fellow band members are Gary LeMaster (guitar), Ken Lattimore (vocals), Randy Rudd (guitar), Mark Abbott (bass), and Ricky Boen (fiddle).
Together, they carry on a legacy of some of America's finest music.
, which designates certain artists and performers who have made a noteworthy contribution to the arts and culture of America, named the Sons of the Pioneers as "National Treasures".
In 1995, the Sons of the Pioneers were inducted into the Western Performers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
.
The Sons of the Pioneers were the first Country
and Western
group to sing at Carnegie Hall
, and the first to perform at the lavish nightclubs in Las Vegas. The group has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
at 6845 Hollywood Blvd. for recording.
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...
singing groups whose classic recordings set a new standard for performers of Western 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...
. Known for the high quality of their vocal performances, musicianship, and songwriting, they produced finely-crafted and innovative recordings that have inspired many Western 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...
performers and remained popular through the years. Since 1933, through many changes in membership, the Sons of the Pioneers have remained one of the longest-surviving country music vocal groups in history.
Origins
In the spring of 1931, Ohio-born Leonard SlyeRoy Rogers
Roy Rogers, born Leonard Franklin Slye , 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...
– the cowboy singer who would later change his name to Roy Rogers
Roy Rogers
Roy Rogers, born Leonard Franklin Slye , 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...
– arrived in California and found work as a truck driver, and later as a fruit picker for the Del Monte company in California's Central Valley. He entered an amateur singing contest on a Los Angeles radio show called Midnight Frolics and a few days later got an invitation to join a group called the Rocky Mountaineers.
In September 1931, Canadian-born Bob Nolan
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...
answered a classified ad in the Los Angeles Herald-Examiner that read, "Yodeler for old-time act, to travel. Tenor preferred." The band was The Rocky Mountaineers, by then led by Leonard Slye. After listening to the tall, slender, tanned Nolan sing and yodel, Slye hired Nolan on the spot. Although Nolan stayed with the group only a short time, he stayed in touch with Slye. Nolan was replaced by Tim Spencer, who had been working in a Safeway Stores warehouse.
In the spring of 1932, Slye, Spencer, and another singer, Slumber Nichols, left the Rocky Mountaineers to form a trio, which soon failed. Throughout most of 1932, Slye and Spencer moved through a series of short-lived groups like the International Cowboys and the O-Bar-O Cowboys. Spencer left the O-Bar-O Cowboys and quit music for a while. Slye joined Jack LeFevre and His Texas Outlaws, who were a popular act on a local Los Angeles radio station.
In early 1933, Roy Rogers
Roy Rogers
Roy Rogers, born Leonard Franklin Slye , 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...
, Bob Nolan
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 formed a group called the Pioneer Trio. The three young singers rehearsed for weeks honing their singing. While Slye continued to work with his radio singing group, Spencer and Nolan began writing songs for the group.
Early success
By early 1934, the group consisted of Leonard Slye, Bob Nolan, and Tim Spencer on vocals, with Nolan playing string bass and Slye playing rhythm guitar. During that time, fiddle player Hugh Farr joined the group, adding a bass voice to the group's vocal arrangements. He also sang lead on some songs. Later that year, the "Pioneers Trio" became the "Sons of the Pioneers" through a radio station announcer's chance remark. Asked why he'd changed their name, the announcer said they were too young to have been pioneers, but that they could be sons of pioneers. The name was received well and fit the group, who were no longer a trio.By the summer of 1934, the Sons of the Pioneers' popularity and fame extended beyond the Los Angeles area and quickly spread across the United States through short syndicated radio segments that were rebroadcast all over the country. They signed a recording contract with the newly founded Decca
Decca Records
Decca Records began as a British record label established in 1929 by Edward Lewis. Its U.S. label was established in late 1934; however, owing to World War II, the link with the British company was broken for several decades....
label, and on August 8, 1934, the Sons of the Pioneers made their first commercial recording. That same day, a young crooner from Washington state named Bing Crosby
Bing Crosby
Harry Lillis "Bing" Crosby was an American singer and actor. Crosby's trademark bass-baritone voice made him one of the best-selling recording artists of the 20th century, with over half a billion records in circulation....
also made his debut for the Decca label.
One of the first songs recorded by the Sons of the Pioneers during that first August session was written by Bob Nolan, "Tumbling Tumbleweeds", that would soon become a staple in their repertoire. The original title "Tumbling Leaves" was changed to give the song a western character. Over the next two years the group would record 32 songs for Decca.
Film and TV career
Between 1935 and 1984, the Sons of the Pioneers appeared in 87 films, several movie shorts, and a television series.In 1937, the Sons Of The Pioneers signed a deal with Columbia Pictures
Columbia Pictures
Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. is an American film production and distribution company. Columbia Pictures now forms part of the Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group, owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment, a subsidiary of the Japanese conglomerate Sony. It is one of the leading film companies...
to appear in a number of movies. In 1938, Leonard Slye was offered a contract as an actor with rival Republic Pictures
Republic Pictures
Republic Pictures was an independent film production-distribution corporation with studio facilities, operating from 1934 through 1959, and was best known for specializing in westerns, movie serials and B films emphasizing mystery and action....
. Part of that deal required him to officially leave the group. Leonard Slye changed his name to Roy Rogers, and went on to achieve major success as a singing cowboy in the movies. Roy Rogers and the Sons of the Pioneers still remained close throughout the coming years. When their contract with Columbia Pictures ended, they signed a new contract with Republic Pictures to be with Roy. They were soon appearing as highly popular supporting players in many of Roy Rogers' movies.
In addition to their appearances and filmed performances, their music was used in numerous other films and television shows. They recorded songs for the John Ford
John Ford
John Ford was an American film director. He was famous for both his westerns such as Stagecoach, The Searchers, and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, and adaptations of such classic 20th-century American novels as The Grapes of Wrath...
movies Wagon Master
Wagon Master
Wagon Master is a 1950 Western film directed by John Ford and starring Ben Johnson, Harry Carey Jr., Joanne Dru, and Ward Bond.-Plot:Learning of their ability as experienced horsemen, Mormon Elder Wiggs , hires Travis Blue and Sandy Owens to guide a small group of Mormons across the West to the...
in 1949 and Rio Grande
Rio Grande (film)
Rio Grande is a 1950 Western film. It is the third installment of John Ford's "cavalry trilogy," following two RKO Pictures releases: Fort Apache and She Wore a Yellow Ribbon ....
in 1950, and performed the theme song for the John Ford classic The Searchers
The Searchers (film)
The Searchers is a 1956 American Western film directed by John Ford, based on the 1954 novel by Alan Le May, and set during the Texas–Indian Wars...
in 1956. "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...
" was used in the Coen Brothers film The Big Lebowski
The Big Lebowski
The Big Lebowski is a 1998 comedy film written and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. Jeff Bridges stars as Jeff Lebowski, an unemployed Los Angeles slacker and avid bowler, who is referred to as "The Dude". After a case of mistaken identity, The Dude is introduced to a millionaire also named...
in 1998.
The passing of an era
In 1971, Bob Nolan and Tim Spencer were both elected to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of FameNashville Songwriters Hall of Fame
The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame was established by the Nashville Songwriters Foundation, Inc. in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. A non-profit organization, its objective is to honor and preserve the songwriting legacy that is uniquely associated with music community in the city of...
. In 1972, most of the surviving members of the Sons of the Pioneers, including the original Pioneer Trio of Roy Rogers, Bob Nolan, and Tim Spencer, gathered at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles for one last performance. In 1976, the Sons of the Pioneers were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
And in 1979, Bob Nolan returned to the studio for the final time and recorded a successful solo album of classics and newer compositions titled Bob Nolan – The Sound of a Pioneer.
The late 1970s saw the passing of an era, as many of the founding members of the group died. Tim Spencer died on April 26, 1976. Lloyd Perryman, who had been with the group since 1936, died on May 31, 1977. Thomas Farr, who had retired from the group in 1958, died on April 17, 1980. Bob Nolan died on June 16, 1980.
The Sons of the Pioneers today
Following the death of Lloyd Perryman in 1977, Dale Warren, who had joined the group in 1952, took over the leadership of the Sons of the Pioneers, guiding them into the 1990s. They continued to perform in concert and recorded as well with a lineup that featured Rusty Richards (vocals), Doye O'Dell (guitar, vocals), Billy Armstrong (fiddle), Billy Liebert (accordion), and Rome Johnson (vocals).In 2001, a book about the group was published, titled The Sons of the Pioneers by Bill O'Neal
Bill O'Neal
John William O'Neal, known as Bill O'Neal , is an American author who has written some thirty books and more than three hundred articles and book reviews on the American West, including gunfighters, lawmen, and ghost towns; Country music, with emphasis on Texas artists; baseball, such as his study...
and Fred Goodwin.
The current "Trail Boss" of the Sons of the Pioneers is Luther Nallie (vocals), who joined the group in 1968. His fellow band members are Gary LeMaster (guitar), Ken Lattimore (vocals), Randy Rudd (guitar), Mark Abbott (bass), and Ricky Boen (fiddle).
Together, they carry on a legacy of some of America's finest music.
Legacy
In 1977, the Smithsonian InstitutionSmithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian Institution is an educational and research institute and associated museum complex, administered and funded by the government of the United States and by funds from its endowment, contributions, and profits from its retail operations, concessions, licensing activities, and magazines...
, which designates certain artists and performers who have made a noteworthy contribution to the arts and culture of America, named the Sons of the Pioneers as "National Treasures".
In 1995, the Sons of the Pioneers 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...
.
The Sons of the Pioneers were the first Country
Country music
Country music is a popular American musical style that began in the rural Southern United States in the 1920s. It takes its roots from Western cowboy and folk music...
and Western
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 to sing at Carnegie Hall
Carnegie Hall
Carnegie Hall is a concert venue in Midtown Manhattan in New York City, United States, located at 881 Seventh Avenue, occupying the east stretch of Seventh Avenue between West 56th Street and West 57th Street, two blocks south of Central Park....
, and the first to perform at the lavish nightclubs in Las Vegas. The group has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Hollywood 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 6845 Hollywood Blvd. for recording.
Timeline
Since 1933, 41 singers and musicians have been official members of the Sons of the Pioneers.- Roy RogersRoy RogersRoy Rogers, born Leonard Franklin Slye , 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...
(1933–1937) lead vocals, guitar - Bob NolanBob NolanBob 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...
(1933–1949) baritone vocals, bass - Tim Spencer (1933–1936, 1938–1949) tenor and lead vocals
- Hugh Farr (1934–1959) bass vocals, fiddle
- Karl Farr (1935–1961) lead guitar
- Lloyd Perryman (1936–1943, 1946–1977) tenor and lead vocals, guitar
- Pat BradyPat BradyPat 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...
(1937–1943, 1946–1949, 1959–1968) bass - Ken Carson (1943–1947) tenor vocals, guitar
- Deuce Spriggens (1943, 1954–1955) bass
- George "Shug" FisherShug FisherShug Fisher , born George Clinton Fisher, Jr., was an American character actor, singer, songwriter, musician and comedian. During a 50-year career, he appeared in many Western films, often as a member of The Sons of the Pioneers in Roy Rogers serials...
(1944–1946, 1949–1953, 1956–1959) bass - Ken CurtisKen CurtisKen Curtis was an American singer and actor best known for his role as Festus Haggen on the long-running CBS western television series Gunsmoke.-Early years:...
(1949–1953) lead vocals - Tommy Doss (1949–1963) baritone vocals
- Dale Warren (1952–present) lead and baritone vocals, bass
- George Bamby (1959–1960) accordion
- Roy Lanham (1961–1986) lead guitar
- Wade Ray (1961–1962) fiddle
- Rusty Richards (1963–1966, 1974–1984)
- Billy Armstrong (1966–1972) fiddle
- Bob Mensor (1967–1968) tenor vocals, bass
- Luther Nallie (1968–1974, 1980–2004, 2007–present) vocals, lead guitar, bass
- Billy Liebert (1974–1980) accordion, arranger
- Doc Denning (1980) fiddle
- Dale Morris (1981–1983) fiddle
- Tommy Nallie (1983–1988) drums
- Sunny Spencer (1984–2005) lead vocals
- Jack Nallie (1984) bass
- Jack LaRoux (1985) bass
- Gary Foster (1986) bass
- Gary LeMaster (1986–2006) tenor vocals, lead guitar
- Daryl Wainscott (1987–1993) keyboards
- David Bradley (1989–1993) vocals, guitar
- John Nallie (1993–2000) lead vocals, keyboards, and drums
- Roy Warhurst (1994–1997) fiddle
- Ken Lattimore (1998–present) tenor vocals, fiddle
- Randy Rudd (2001–present) lead vocals, guitar
- Preston Eldridge (2001–2006) bass
- Jarrett Dougherty (2001–2002) drums, comedy
- Waylon Herron (2004–2006) vocals, guitar
- Justin Sifford (2006) vocals, guitar
- Ricky Boen (2006–present) fiddle
- Mark Abbott (2006–present) bass
Honors and awards
- 1971 Western Heritage Wrangler Award from the National Cowboy Hall of Fame
- 1976 Gene Autry Award
- 1976 Hollywood Walk of Fame Award
- 1977 Smithsonian Institute's "National Treasure" Designation
- 1980 Country Music Hall of Fame Country Music Association Award
- 1984 New Brunswick Country Music Hall of Fame Award
- 1986 Grammy AwardGrammy Hall of Fame AwardThe Grammy Hall of Fame Award is a special Grammy award established in 1973 to honor recordings that are at least twenty-five years old and that have "qualitative or historical significance"...
for "Cool WaterCool 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...
" - 1988 Texas Western Swing Hall of Fame
- 1994 Western Music AssociationWestern Music AssociationThe Western Music Association was incorporated in 1989 to promote and preserve western music in its traditional, historical, and contemporary forms....
Hall of Fame Award - 2003 Golden Boot AwardGolden Boot AwardsThe Golden Boot Awards honor actors, actresses, and crew members who have made significant contributions to the genre of Western television and movies. The award is sponsored and presented by the Motion Picture & Television Fund...
by Motion Picture and Television Fund
Albums
- Sing the Stephen Foster Songbook (Varese Sarabande, 2010)
- Cigareets, Whusky...And Cool, Cool Water (USD, 2010)
- Way Out There: The Complete Commercial Recordings 1934-1943 (BFR, 2009)
- Western Hymns and Spirituals (Varese Sarabande, 2008)
- The Republic Years (Varese Sarabande, 2006)
- Classic Cowboy Songs (Varese Sarabande, 2006)
- My Saddle Pals and I (United States of Distribution, 2005)
- Under Western Skies (Varese Sarabande, 2005)
- Classic Western Harmony, Vol. 2 (2005)
- RCA Country Legends (Sony Music Entertainment, 2004)
- The Essential Collection (Varese Sarabande, 2003)
- The Sons of the Pioneers: Ultimate Collection (Hip-O, 2002)
- Cigareets, Whusky...And Cool, Cool Water (ASV, 2002)
- Memories of the Lucky U Ranch (Jasmine Records, 2002)
- The Essential Collection (South Side Phunk, 2002)
- Symphonies of the Sage (Bloodshot, 2001)
- Teleways Transcriptions (Soundies, 1999)
- Tumbling Tumbleweeds (Country Stars, 1999)
- Our Best to You (1999)
- Songs of the Trail (Pair, 1991)
- Country Music Hall of Fame (MCA Records, 1991)
- Country & Western Memories (Pair, 1991)
- Empty Saddles (1990)
- Sunset on the Range (Pair, 1990)
- Tumbling Tumbleweeds (RCA Records, 1989)
- Collection, Vol. 1 (Bear Family Records, 1987)
- Collection, Vol. 2 (Bear Family Records, 1987)
- Collection, Vol. 3 (Bear Family Records, 1987)
- Collection, Vol. 4 (Bear Family Records, 1987)
- Tumbling Tumbleweeds (Universal Special Products, 1987)
- A Hundred and Sixty Acres (1987)
- Land Beyond the Sund (1987)
- Teardrops in My Heaven (1987)
- Tumbling Tumbleweeds (MCA, 1986)
- Twenty of the Best (1985)
- Columbia Historic Edition (Columbia, 1982)
- Let's Go West Again (1981)
- A Country-Western Songbook (1977)
- Riders in the Sky (1973)
- The Sons of the Pioneers Visit the South Seas (1969)
- San Antonio Rose (Delta Records, 1968)
- San Antonio Rose & Other Country Favorites (Special Music, 1968)
- South of the Border (1968)
- Campfire Favorites (1967)
- The Songs of Bob Nolan (1966)
- The Best of the Sons of the Pioneers (1966)
- Legends of the West (1965)
- Down Memory Trail (1964)
- Sons of the Pioneers Best (1964)
- Tumbleweed Trails (Vocalion, 1964)
- Country Fare (1964)
- Trail Dust (1963)
- Hymns of the Cowboy (1963)
- The Sons of the Pioneers Sing Hymns of the Cowboy (1963)
- Good Old Country Music (Delta Records, 1963)
- Our Men out West (1963)
- Tumbleweed Trails (1962)
- Lure of the West (1961)
- Westwood Ho! (1961)
- Room Full of Roses (1960)
- Cool Water (BMG International, 1959)
- Cool Water (RCA Records, 1959)
- Wagons West (RCA Camden Classics, 1958)
- One Man's Songs (1957)
- How Great Thou Art (1957)
- Twenty-Five Favorite Cowboy Songs (1956)
- 25 Favorite Cowboy Songs (1955)
- Favorite Cowboy Songs (1955)
- Western Classics (1953)
- Cowboy Hymns and Spirituals (1952)
- Cowboy Classics (1952)
Singles
| Year | Single | Chart Positions | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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... |
US Billboard Hot 100 The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday... |
CAN Country | ||
| 1945 | "Stars and Stripes on Iwo Jima" | 4 | — | — |
| 1946 | "No One to Cry To" | 6 | — | — |
| 1947 | "Baby Doll" | 5 | — | — |
| "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... " |
4 | — | — | |
| "Cigareetes, Whusky, and Wild, Wild Women" | 5 | — | — | |
| "Teardrops in My Heart" | 4 | — | — | |
| 1948 | "Blue Shadows on the Trail" (with Roy Rogers Roy Rogers Roy Rogers, born Leonard Franklin Slye , 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... ) |
6 | — | — |
| "(There'll Never Be Another) Pecos Bill" (with Roy Rogers) | 13 | — | — | |
| "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... " |
11 | — | — | |
| "Cool Water" | 7 | — | — | |
| 1949 | "My Best to You" | 12 | — | — |
| "Room Full of Roses Room Full of Roses "Room Full of Roses", written by Tim Spencer, is a song first recorded in 1949 by country music singer George Morgan, and famously covered in 1974 by up-and-coming singer Mickey Gilley... " |
10 | 26 | — | |
| 1955 | "The Ballad Of Davy Crocket" | — | — | — |
| 1976 | "Cool Water" | — | — | 34 |
| 1980 | "Ride Concrete Cowboy, Ride" (with Roy Rogers) | 80 | — | — |
Filmography
- 1951 Fighting Coast Guard
- 1950 Rio Grande
- 1950 Everybody's Dancin
- 1948 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 Eyes of Texas
- 1948 Melody TimeMelody TimeMelody Time is a 1948 animated feature produced by Walt Disney and released to theatres by RKO Radio Pictures on May 27, 1948. Made up of several sequences set to popular music and folk music, the film is, like Make Mine Music before it, the popular music version of Fantasia Melody Time is a 1948...
- 1948 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 Unusual Occupations (short)
- 1948 The Gay RancheroThe Gay RancheroThe Gay Ranchero is a 1948 American film starring Roy Rogers....
- 1947 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 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 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 Hit Parade of 1947
- 1947 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...
- 1946 Heldorado
- 1946 Home in Oklahoma
- 1946 Roll on Texas Moon
- 1946 Under Nevada Skies
- 1946 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 Rainbow Over Texas
- 1946 Home on the Range
- 1946 Ding Dong Williams
- 1946 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...
- 1945 Don't Fence Me In
- 1945 Sunset in El Dorado
- 1945 Along the Navajo Trail
- 1945 Man from Oklahoma
- 1945 Bells of Rosarita
- 1945 Utah
- 1944 Hollywood Canteen
- 1944 Lights of Old Santa Fe
- 1944 San Fernando Valley
- 1944 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 The Yellow Rose of Texas
- 1944 Cowboy and the Senorita
- 1944 Hands Across the Border
- 1943 The Man from Music Mountain
- 1943 Silver Spurs
- 1943 Song of Texas
- 1943 Idaho
- 1942 Ridin' Down the Canyon
- 1942 Heart of the Golden WestHeart of the Golden WestHeart of the Golden West is a 1942 American film starring Roy Rogers....
- 1942 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 Call of the Canyon
- 1942 Sons of the Pioneers
- 1942 Romance on the RangeRomance on the Range (film)Romance on the Range is a 1942 American film starring Roy Rogers....
- 1942 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 South of Santa Fe
- 1942 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....
- 1941 Red River Valley
- 1941 Outlaws of the Panhandle
- 1941 The Pinto Kid
- 1940 Thundering Frontier
- 1940 West of Abilene
- 1940 The Durango Kid
- 1940 Texas Stagecoach
- 1940 Blazing Six Shooters
- 1940 Bullets for Rustlers
- 1939 Two-Fisted Rangers
- 1939 The Stranger from Texas
- 1939 Outpost of the Mounties
- 1939 Riders of Black River
- 1939 The Man from Sundown
- 1939 Western Caravans
- 1939 Spoilers of the Range
- 1939 North of the Yukon
- 1939 Texas Stampede
- 1939 Community Sing: Songs of the West (short)
- 1938 Rio Grande
- 1938 West of the Santa Fe
- 1938 The Colorado Trail
- 1938 South of Arizona
- 1938 West of Cheyenne
- 1938 Law of the Plains
- 1938 Call of the Rockies
- 1938 Cattle Raiders
- 1937 Outlaws of the Prairie
- 1937 The Old Wyoming Trail
- 1936 The Old Corral
- 1936 The Big Show
- 1936 California Mail
- 1936 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 Song of the Saddle
- 1936 The Mysterious Avenger
- 1935 Gallant Defender
- 1935 Way Up Thar (short)
- 1935 Slightly Static (short)