Gene Autry
OAB Hall of Fame
Inducted 1990

Raised in Achille, Oklahoma, Gene Autry was working as a telegrapher in the Oolagah depot when Will Rogers heard him playing and singing. Rogers suggested Autry pursue a singing career. Those comments launched on entertainments biggest careers.

Gene Autry started on KVOO radio in 1928, made his first record in 1929 and by 1934 was a star of motion pictures. His “Melody Ranch” aired over CBS Radio for 16 years. He was the first movie star to enter television and for 5 years produced and starred in his own show. Gene Autry appeared in 94 feature films and ranked as one of Hollywood’s top box office draws. His 635 recordings sold over 50 million copies and included the first record ever certified gold. Autry’s “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer”, boasts over 25 million in sales.

Autry’s Golden West Broadcasters has owned major radio and television stations. An avid baseball fan, he owns the California Angels of the American League.

Gene Autry...star of radio, television, movies, records, business and “American’s #1 Singing Cowboy.”