Who Is Gene Autry? Age, Biography and Wiki
Gene Autry was born on September 29, 1907, and passed away on October 2, 1998, at the age of 91. Renowned as the "Singing Cowboy," he made significant contributions to American culture through music, film, and television. His larger-than-life persona made him a staple in American entertainment, with a career spanning several decades. Autry was known for his cowboy films and has become an iconic figure representative of the Old West.
| Occupation | Country Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 29, 1907 |
| Age | 91 Years |
| Birth Place | Tioga, Texas, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 2 October, 1998 |
| Died Place | Studio City, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Gene Autry's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Gene Autry stood tall at 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) and maintained a healthy weight throughout his life, though specifics about his weight and body measurements varied throughout his active years. His athletic build made him a perfect fit for the cowboy roles that defined much of his filmography.
In 1941, at the height of his screen popularity, Autry had a string of rodeo stock based north of Ardmore, Oklahoma. It was known as the Flying A Ranch and encompassed 1200 acres. It served as headquarters for his traveling rodeo. The nearby town of Berwyn, then honored Autry by naming the town after him.
Thirty Five thousand people attended the ceremony on November 16, 1941. A year later, he became a partner in the World Championship Rodeo Company, which furnished livestock for many of the country's major rodeos. In 1954, he acquired Montana's top bucking string from the estate of Leo J.
Cremer Sr., and put Canadian saddle bronc riding champion Harry Knight in charge of the operation. A merger with the World Championship Rodeo Company in 1956 made Autry the sole owner. He moved the entire company to a 24000 acre ranch near Fowler, Colorado, with Knight as the working partner in the operation.
For the next 12 years, they provided livestock for most of the major rodeos in Texas, Colorado, Montana, and Nebraska. When the company was sold in 1968, both men continued to be active in rodeo. For his work as a livestock contractor, Autry was inducted into the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association's ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1979.
Autry received several honors for his contributions to rodeo.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Gene Autry was married to his first wife, Ina Mae Spivey, from 1932 until they divorced in 1938. He later married his second wife, Jackie, in 1947, and remained with her until his death. Together, they had one child, a daughter named Kimberly. His stable family life off-screen contributed to his wholesome image that resonated with fans and audiences.
His parents, Delbert Autry and Elnora Ozment, moved in the 1920s to Ravia in Johnston County in southern Oklahoma. Gene Autry worked on his father's ranch while growing up and going to school. In 1925, Autry left the family ranch. With only his high school education, Autry became a telegrapher for the St. Louis–San Francisco Railway.
His talent at singing and playing guitar led to performing at local dances.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Gene Autry's net worth was estimated to be around $320 million. This wealth was drawn from a successful career in film and music, along with various business ventures, including ownership of the California Angels baseball team. His diverse portfolio and savvy investments led to substantial earnings throughout his lifetime.
Career, Business, and Investments
Gene Autry's career took off in the 1930s with his first hit recordings, leading to a series of successful films that made him one of the top box office stars of his time. He produced, directed, and starred in over 90 films and had numerous hit records. Autry also contributed to the television landscape with shows like "The Gene Autry Show." Beyond entertainment, his business ventures included real estate and sports, having famously owned the California Angels from 1961 until 1997.
As soon as he could save money to travel, he went to New York. In the autumn of 1928, he auditioned for the Victor Talking Machine Company, shortly before purchase by David Sarnoff's Radio Corporation of America (RCA).
According to Nathaniel Shilkret, director of Light Music for Victor at the time, Autry asked to speak to Shilkret after finding that he had been turned down. Shilkret explained to Autry that he was turned down not because of his voice, but because Victor had just made contracts with two similar singers.
Autry left with a letter of introduction from Shilkret and the advice to sing on radio to gain experience and to come back in a year or two. In 1928, Autry was singing on Tulsa radio station KVOO (now KOTV) as "Oklahoma's Yodeling Cowboy".
The Victor archives show an October 9, 1929, entry stating that the vocal duet of Jimmie Long and Gene Autry with two Hawaiian guitars, directed by L. L. Watson, recorded "My Dreaming of You" (Matrix 56761) and "My Alabama Home" (Matrix 56762).
Social Network
Although Gene Autry did not have social media accounts during his lifetime, his legacy continues to thrive on various platforms. Fans can find pages dedicated to his work on sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Furthermore, various fan clubs and websites celebrate his extensive career and contributions to music and film.
According to a published story by Autry, the fire caused him to turn his attention to Griffith Park, where he would build his Museum of Western Heritage (now known as the Autry Museum of the American West).
Education
Gene Autry attended North Hollywood High School and later enrolled at the University of Southern California. He never completed a degree there, as his career in the entertainment industry took precedence. However, he was known for his quick wit and charming persona, showing that education can come in various forms, including life experiences.
Autry was raised into Freemasonry in 1927 at Catoosa Lodge No. 185, Catoosa Oklahoma. He later became a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason, as recorded on his headstone.
