Gene Autry

singer, actor
Born: 9/29/1907
Birthplace: Tioga, Texas

Singer and actor best known as the “Singing Cowboy.” Autry was a popular radio figure in the early 1930s, performing at the Grand Ole Opry. He emerged as a movie star in 1935, when he signed with Republic Pictures and made his big-screen debut withThe Phantom Empire. He is credited with creating the musical Western. In 1938,Roy Rogersalso joined Republic and the two actors became the country's most loved cowboy team. Autry's other films includeTumbling Tumbleweeds(1935),The Singing Cowboy(1937) andRhythm of the Saddle(1938). He parlayed his stardom into a fortune and is the former owner of baseball's California Angels.

Died: 10/2/1998