Tex Ritter Biography

Fast Facts

• Was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1964 and is also a member of the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame
• Studied pre-Law at the University of Texas at Austin and majored in Government, Political Science, and Economics
• Began learning how to play the trumpet and guitar and taking voice lessons during his teenage years
• Started out as an actor on Broadway and in radio shows like "The Lone Ranger" and "Death Valley Days․"
• Became the host of the country music TV series "Town Hall Party" and its syndicated counterpart "Ranch Party" in 1952
• Best known as a country music singer whose hit songs included "Rye Whiskey," "I'm Wastin' My Tears On You," and "Jealous Heart․"
• Became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1965 and remained there until his death in 1974
• His 1953 version of "Do Not Forsake Me" was used as the theme song for the Gary Cooper film "High Noon," and he later performed the song on the first televised broadcast of the Academy Awards
• Campaigned for a seat on the United States Senate in 1970, but was unsuccessful