Scoreload

Gene Autry was an American singer, songwriter, actor, musician, and businessman who became one of the most iconic figures in country and western music, known as the original 'Singing Cowboy'. Born in Texas in 1907, Autry started as a railroad telegraph operator. Inspired by meeting Will Rogers, he pursued music, becoming a major star on radio with hits like 'That Silver-Haired Daddy of Mine'. He starred in over 90 films and the 'Gene Autry Show' TV series, embodying the clean-cut cowboy hero. He co-wrote his famous 'Cowboy Code'. Autry founded the Challenge Records label and owned the California Angels baseball team. He was the first artist to earn a Gold Record and was inducted into both the Country Music and Nashville Songwriters Halls of Fame. Autry died in 1998.

• Autry served as a flight officer in the Air Transport Command during World War II, flying dangerous supply routes over the Himalayas ('The Hump').
• He was a shrewd businessman, founding the Golden West Broadcasters media company and amassing significant wealth, including ownership of Los Angeles TV station KTLA and the California Angels baseball team.
• Autry co-wrote his famous 'Cowboy Code', ten ethical rules for young fans, reflecting his wholesome public image.
• He died of lymphoma on October 2, 1998, at 91, remarkably on his birthday (though some sources cite September 29th as birth, he died on the date he celebrated as his birthday).
• Autry's rendition of 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' remains one of the best-selling Christmas singles of all time.