I have never been a fan of Gene Autry – nor can I ever remember seeing one of his films. To me he did not look like the cowboy hero that he portrayed- However it must be said that he was very successful indeed.

First he made and starred in quite a number of Westerns – then he went into producing though his companies such TV series as The RangeRider and Champion The Wonder Horse both of which us youngsters in England loved.

Of course Champion was Gene Autry’s horse – I always remember the theme song for Champion The Wonder Horse sung by Frankie Laine – and when he sang the title song the show gained prestige. His delivery was so dramatic.

His wife said that the key to Gene’s success is that he always stuck to what the public wanted and so he remained just a Cowboy star. He also dressed to appeal to youngsters when in public – he would wear quite colourful cowboy outfits.

He is also a singing star – I think it is right that he is the only artist to have five stars on The Hollywood Walk of Fame

Here ABOVE is a poster for Silver Canyon a 1951 film

Gene Autry relaxes with his guitar