Gene Autry Biography

Fast Facts

• Was a life member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
• The town of Berwyn, Oklahoma, was renamed Gene Autry, Oklahoma in his honor
• Started singing on radio to gain experience after getting turned down during an audition for Victor Records
• Singing and playing guitar to pass the hours while working as a telegrapher, he was encouraged to sing professionally by a customer who happened to be famed comic Will Rogers
• Quote: "My movies were always clean․ There was never anything obnoxious in them that might offend anybody․ Parents didn't need a babysitter․ For 50 cents, they could send their kids down to see my pictures and know they would be entertained wholesomely․"
• Known for portraying brave heroes and honest cowboys
• As a military officer, he was the only person allowed to wear cowboy boots during his service years
• Joined the U․S․ Army during World War II, earning the American Campaign Medal for his service
• Only person to have five stars on the Hollywood Walk of fame for work in all five categories: film, radio, recording, television and live theatre
• Started up the Los Angeles Angels franchise in 1961