Dateline: August 14, 2000

This week's article is about Gene Autry and Roy Rogers; "The Singing Cowboy" and "The King Of The Cowboys," and their contributions to country music of the 30s and 40s.

Mr. Autry began his radio career in 1928. His first hit song was "That Silver Haired Daddy Of Mine." It was the first certified gold record to have sold over one million copies.

Gene appeared in 93 films and made over 635 recordings. Some of his best known movies are based on his hit recordings including "South Of The Border" in 1939, "Mexicali Rose" in 1939, "Back In The Saddle" in 1941, and "Strawberry Roan" in 1948.

A few more of Gene's popular songs are the Christmas songs, "Here Comes Santa Claus," recorded in 1947, and "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer," recorded in 1949, which remains the 2nd best selling single of all time. He also recorded the oh-so-cute Easter favorite "Peter Cottontail" in 1950.

Something else Gene is known for is his very popular Melody Ranch radio program, which was broadcast weekly on the CBS radio network in the 1940s and 1950s.

Gene Autry is the only entertainer to have five stars on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. The stars are for his work in radio, television, records, film, and for live theatrical performance.

Gene has been honored with induction into the Country Music Songwriters Hall Of Fame, The Country Music Hall Of Fame, The National Cowboy Hall Of Fame, and The National Association Of Broadcasters Hall Of Fame.

Gene Autrys Cowboy Code:

1. The cowboy must never shoot first, hit a smaller man or take unfair advantage.
2. The cowboy must never go back on his word or a trust confided in him.
3. A cowboy must always tell the truth.
4. A cowboy must be gentle with children, the elderly and animals.
5. A cowboy must not advocate or possess racially or religiously intolerant ideas.
6. A Cowboy must help people in distress
7. A Cowboy must be a good worker
8. A cowboy must keep himself clean in speech, thought action and personal habits.
9. A Cowboy must respect women, his parents and the nation's laws.
10. The cowboy is a patriot.