Fishing on the Net
By Bonnie Nelson
Gene Autry The Singing Cowboy
Just a little over 2.5 hours north from the Texas border is a little Oklahoma town called Gene Autry after the Singing CowboyóGene Autry. Many of us remember the days of listening and watching Autry, his horse Champion, and hearing the Cowboy Code. Every year thousands of people converge on Autry, OK for the Film and Musical Festival that honors him.
Gene Autry was a man of vision. He produced and starred in 91 half-hour episodes of The Gene Autry Show for CBS Television. From there he produced such popular TV series as Annie Oakley, The Range Rider, Buffalo Bill Jr., The Adventures Of Champion as well as the first 39 episodes of Death Valley Days.
Autry was born September 29, 1907, on a ranch in Tioga, Texas. Later, Autry was working as a railroad telegrapher when Will Rogers heard him sing, and advised him to try show business. He bought a $5 mail order guitar, and never looked back.
He carried his love for entertaining and sharp business sense into broadcasting. Under the name Golden West Broadcasters he owned KMPC radio and KTLA Television in Los Angeles to name two. Autry's great love for baseball also prompted him to acquire the American League California Angels in 1961. Autry held the title of Vice President of the American League until his death. During one game the pitcher was booed by the crowdóGene said ìThat poor guy.î This showing his compassion for people (http://www.autry.com/geneautry/ geneautry_biography.html).
Gene Autry is the only celebrity to have five stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, one each in motion pictures, radio, recording, television and live theatre.
His cowboy code still has merit today. Autry always enjoyed working with children and showed them how to be honorable and truthful. Below is the Code.
* The Cowboy must never shoot first, hit a smaller man, or take unfair advantage.
* He must never go back on his word, or a trust confided in him.
* He must always tell the truth.
* He must be gentle with children, the elderly, and animals.
* He must not advocate or possess racially or religiously intolerant ideas.
* He must help people in distress.
* He must be a good worker.
* He must keep himself clean in thought, speech, action, and personal habits.
* He must respect women, parents, and his nation's laws.
* The Cowboy is a patriot.
Maybe we should take another look at the Cowboy Code today.
Bonnie Nelson is a freelance writer living in Fountain, CO. If you have any comments or questions, email her at waltbon@comcast.net
CONTACT THE WRITER • WALTBON@COMCAST.nET
BONNIE'S ARCHIVES
4-11-07 | 4-18-07 | 4-25-07 | 5-2-07 | 5-9-07 | 5-16-07 | 5-23-07 | 5-30-07
6-6-07 | 6-13-07 | 6-20-07 | 6-27-07 | 7-4-07 | 7-11-07 | 7-18-07 | 7-25-07
8-1-07 | 8-8-07 | 10-24-07 | 11-1-07 | 11-5-07 | 11-12-07 | 11-26-07 | 11-28-07 | 12-5-07
12-12-07 | 12-26-07 | 1-2-08 | 1-9-08 | 1-16-08 |
