Biography of Roy Rogers

Roy Rogers (born Leonard Slye in southern Ohio, 1912) eventually outdrew Gene Autry, his fellow Republic Studio star, at least at the box office. Autry won the battle of the records (his Silver-Haired Daddy of Mine alone sold over five million copies). Rogers, in spite of his excellent voice and superior yodel, is perhaps best known musically as the founder of what's generally considered to be among the best, if not the best vocal group ever to grace country music -- The Sons of the Pioneers. Rogers, Bob Nolan, and Tim Spencer began as a trio (The Pioneers) in 1933, changing to their more famous name a year later, when Hugh Farr, with his swing-style fiddle and bass voice, joined. When Rogers, who was to become known as "King of the Cowboys," left for the silver screen in 1938, the six-piece group in a sense went with him, appearing in scores of his movies through 1949.Over the years The Sons of the Pioneers recorded hundreds of Western-flavored songs, many of which other Western groups also recorded (for example, "Ghost Riders in the Sky," "Empty Saddles"), but two classic songs written by Bob Nolan, "Cool Water" and "Tumblin' Tumbleweeds," elevated The Sons above the competition. In addition, because of the sophisticated musical arrangements, the intricate instrumentals, and the complicated vocal harmonies, The Sons of the Pioneers have for the past 60 years remained at the top of the scale, against which all subsequent country vocal groups must measure themselves. Happy trails to you, Dale and Roy. ~ David Vinopal