Gene Autry

Gene Autry (1907–1998) was an American performer and entrepreneur who became the world’s most famous “Singing Cowboy,” defining the Western hero for generations. Originally discovered by humorist Will Rogers, Autry transitioned from a successful recording career to the silver screen, starring in nearly 100 films where he typically played a fictionalized version of himself—a guitar-strumming hero who upheld justice. His influence extended to radio, television, and the music industry, where he recorded over 600 songs, including perennial holiday classics like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Here Comes Santa Claus.” By the time of his death, he remained the only person to be awarded five separate stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, representing his contributions to film, radio, TV, music, and live performance.

A specific hallmark of Autry’s legacy was his immense success as a businessman and his creation of the “Cowboy Code,” a set of ten ethical guidelines for his young fans that promoted sportsmanship, honesty, and kindness. Unlike many stars of his era who struggled with their finances, Autry leveraged his entertainment earnings to build a massive business empire that included several radio and television stations, a hotel chain, and most notably, the founding ownership of the Los Angeles (now Los Angeles) Angels Major League Baseball team. He remained the team’s owner for 38 years, driven by a deep love for the game that rivaled his passion for the stage, and his jersey number, 26, was retired by the team to symbolize his role as their “26th man.”