Gene Autry

Gene Autry was born Orvon Grover Autry in Tioga, Texas in 1907. He started performing on local radio in the 1920s and signed with Columbia Records in 1929, which set him on a path to becoming known as the 'Singing Cowboy.' His career spanned several decades, though it was interrupted when he served in the Army Air Forces during World War II.

Autry recorded over a thousand songs, mixing traditional cowboy material with a more accessible pop style. He's probably best remembered now for his Christmas recordings, particularly 'Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer' and 'Here Comes Santa Claus.' Other notable songs from his catalog include 'Back In The Saddle Again' and 'South Of The Border.'

He also appeared in films and radio shows, often with his white horse named Champion. Beyond entertainment, Autry was involved in business, owning radio stations and a baseball team. He died in 1998.