Gene Autry

Birth Name:

Orvon Grover Autry

Birth Place:

Tioga, Texas, United States

Profession

Soundtrack, Actor, Producer, Music department

The town of Berwyn, Oklahoma, was renamed Gene Autry, Oklahoma in his honor
Was a life member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
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
Started singing on radio to gain experience after getting turned down during an audition for Victor Records
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

Fast Facts