When the famous "Hollywood" sign fell into disrepair in 1978, various entertainers agreed to buy a letter for $27,777.77. Gene bought the first "L."

Honors, Awards, and Recognitions

Posted November 22, 2016

Throughout his entertainment, business, and philanthropic career Gene Autry received many honors, awards, and recognitions from a wide variety of organization. You'll find many listed below and Gene Autry Entertainment will continue to update this section as we research and archive his personal history.

1936

Texas Ranger (highest award in Texas). Award was presented in 1982 as Gene Autry's original commission certification was lost in a fire in his home. State of Texas

1937

From 1937 to 1942, voted #1 Western Star by the Motion Picture Herald Exhibitors Poll (Top poll of the time period).
First appearance in the Hollywood Santa Claus Lane Parade.

1938

Voted #1 Western Star by the Motion Picture Herald Exhibitors Poll (Top poll of the time period).

1939

July 22, 1939 – Gene Autry Day at New York's World's Fair.
Voted #1 Western Star by the Motion Picture Herald Exhibitors Poll (Top poll of the time period).

1940

Installed as first Honorary Mayor of North Hollywood by Martin Pallard, President of Chamber of Commerce.
Voted #1 Western Star by the Motion Picture Herald Exhibitors Poll (Top poll of the time period).
Voted #4 Most Popular Star of the all stars by the Motion Picture Herald Exhibitors Poll.
October 27, 1940 – Presented by Metronome Magazine live on Melody Ranch Radio Show with FRED GRETCH trophy. Gene voted the world's greatest Cowboy singer and guitarist.

1941

Berwyn, Oklahoma officially changed its name to Gene Autry, Oklahoma – the first such honor ever accorded a performer. Read more
Voted #1 Western Star by the Motion Picture Herald Exhibitors Poll (Top poll of the time period).

1942

Editorial board of Song Hits Magazine awards him a silver cup for promoting songs of the West, given to him live on the Melody Ranch Radio Show.
- "Be Honest With Me" nominated for the Best Song Oscar from the 1941 film Ridin' on a Rainbow. Read More
Gene Autry debuted as Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo's first star entertainer.
Voted #1 Western Star by the Motion Picture Herald Exhibitors Poll (Top poll of the time period).
July 26, 1942 – Gene Autry inducted into the United States Army Air Corps as a Technical Sergeant. He served in the military until October 1945. Read More

1943

Sgt. Gene Autry serves in the United States Army Air Corps.

1944

June 21, 1944 – Sgt. Gene Autry earned his service pilot wings and promoted to Flight Officer in the United States Army Air Corps.

1945

Gene Autry joins the military Special Services and takes a USO Troupe to the South Pacific. Read More
Gene Autry appeared in the Hollywood Santa Claus Lane Parade. Read More

1946

Gene Autry in the military Special Services with a USO Troupe to the South Pacific. Read More
Gene Autry is honorably discharged from United States military service. During World War II Gene Autry was awarded the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Paciic Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. Read More
After an absence of several years when he served in the war, Gene Autry returned to the top ten of Western Stars from 1946-1953.
Gene Autry rides Champion Jr. in the Hollywood Santa Claus Lane Parade. Read More

1947

Gene Autry rides Champion Jr. in the Hollywood Santa Claus Lane Parade. Read More
Gene Autry in the top ten of Western Stars.

1948

Motion Picture Herald in association with Fame present award for being one of the Top Ten Money Making Western Stars of 1947 as voted by the Exhibitors of the U.S. and Canada.
Gene Autry in the top ten of Western Stars.

1949

April 27, 1949 – Donal J. Connolly, Mayor of City of Trenton, New Jersey, proclaims May 28th Gene Autry Day.
December 23, 1949 – Gene Autry's hand prints and boot prints plus Champion's hoofprints commemorated in cement at Sid Grauman's Forecourt of Stars (today known as TLC Chinese Theatre in Hollywood). Read more
Gene Autry in the top ten of Western Stars.

1950

Motion Picture Herald in association with Fame present award for being one of the Top Ten Money Making Western Stars of 1949 as voted by the Exhibitors of the U.S. and Canada.
Gene Autry in the top ten of Western Stars.

1951

Gene Autry in the top ten of Western Stars.

1952

"Certificate of Appreciation" – Los Angeles Police Show
"Silver Certificate of Merit" – TV Guide
Gene Autry in the top ten of Western Stars.

1953

Award for "outstanding appeal to the children and in his ability to bring home to the youngsters qualities of kindness, good sportsmanship and clean living." Berkley, CA. "Be Kind to Animals Week"
Gene Autry in the top ten of Western Stars.

1954

Receives Honorary Life Membership from Fundy Flying Club, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, during Canadian tour.

1955

Award for Favorite Western Star on Radio 1954-55 – TV Radio Mirror's Eighth Annual Awards Poll.

1956

Planted an honorary palm tree in the oldest Coconut Grove in all of Hawaii, an honor only given to those deemed "an inspiration for fairness, typifying all the qualities of fine citizenship, fine sportsmanship, and clean living."

1958

"Showman of the Year Award" – Showman's League of America, Chicago, Illinois.

1960

February 9, 1960 – received four Stars in the newly constructed "Hollywood Walk of Fame." Read More
- Recording Star at 6384 Hollywood Blvd.
- Motion Pictures Star at 6644 Hollywood Blvd.
- Radio Star at 6520 Hollywood Blvd.
- Television Star at 6667 Hollywood Blvd.

1961

"National Interfaith Celebrity Award" – Washington Interfaith Committee

1962

Hollywood Bowl Lifetime Achievement Award

1964

"Founders Award" – Hollywood Advertising Club
"Man of the Year" – City of Hope. Spearheaded a fund drive as well as personally pledging support of the Gene Autry Heart Research Wing.
Horatio Alger Award

1965

"Salesman of the Year Award" – Sales & Marketing Executives
"Humanitarian Award" – Variety Club of Southern California Tent 25. In recognition of his dedication to the welfare of underprivileged and handicapped children.

1967

"Man of the Year Award" – International Western Market & Pioneer Awards Ball
Honored by Masquers.

1968

"Citation of Achievement" – Broadcast Music, Inc.

1969

Gold Record from Recording Industry Association of America for Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer.
Elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, and also served on Board of Directors for many years.
"Special Recognition Award" – Boys Scouts of America

1970

Elected to Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame

1971

"Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws" – Pepperdine University, Malibu, California
"Man of the Year" – San Fernando Valley Business and Professional Association

1972

Elected to National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City. Served as President and Chairman of the Board.

1973

"Pioneer Award" – Country Music Association. In recognition of his contributions to music and films since the early thirties.
Appointed member of the Advisory Board of California State University, Fullerton.
"Gene Autry Award" becomes part of the John Edward Memorial Foundation.

1974

Appointed to Advisory Board of Woodbury College, Los Angeles, California.
"Headliner of the Year" – Los Angeles Press Club

1975

"Better World Award" for humanitarian service – National Ladies Auxiliary of Veterans of Foreign Wars of United States.
Appointed Honorary Board Director of American Hall of Aviation History of Northrop Institute of Technology.
Appointed Honorary Member of the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce – Chelsea, Oklahoma.

1976

"Hands in Applause Award" – New York Sales Executive Club. For contributions to sports and entertainment industry.
Free Enterprise "Man of the Year" – Americanism Educational League
ASCAP award for Publisher and Composer, outstanding Country Song "Back in the Saddle Again."
SESAC Award for Ambassador of Country Music

1977

Masonic Admiralty Award for "Outstanding Service to Masonry and his Fellow Man".
"American Patriots Medal" – Freedom Foundation at Valley Forge
"Americana Medal" for Cypress College
"Distinguished American Award" – National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame
Appointed to National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

1978

"Newsmaker of the Year" – Valley Press Club
"Super Titan Award for his support of students and the university" – California State University, Fullerton Alumni Association Board of Directors.
"Award for outstanding service and consideration toward excellence" – California State University, Fullerton

1979

"Man of the Year" – Palm Springs
"Executive of the Year" – UCLA Executive Program Association
"Golden Era Award" – USC Ethel Andrus Percy Gerontology Center
"Public Affairs Award for Media" – Coro Foundation
Given award by Western Film Heritage Committee.
Scottish Rite, Long Beach – KCCH
California-Hawaii Elks Major Project Inc. Presentation to Gene Autry "In appreciation for outstanding service to cerebral palsied and other handicapped children."
"Grand Knight of Fellowship Award" for outstanding sportsmanship and community affairs – Knights of Columbus.
California Angels are the American League Western Division Champions.

1980

"Man of the Year" – Palm Springs Mounted Police
"Humanitarian Award" – Palm Springs Desert Charities
"Sports Executive of the Decade" – Westwood Shrine Club
Inducted into National Broadcasters Hall of Fame in Freehold, New Jersey.
Inducted into Hall of Fame Great Westerners – National Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Center – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Mason's Fifty Year Award for Fifty or More Years of Service – Grand Lodge of Oklahoma, Guthrie, Oklahoma.
Appointed Ambassador at Large – Al Malaikah Temple
June 20, 1980 – Los Angeles Mayor proclaims "Gene Autry Week."
"Sports Executive of the Decade" – Anaheim Chamber of Commerce
"Headliner of the Last Quarter Century" – Orange County Press Club
Masquers honor Gene Autry and California Angels.
Grand Marshall of the Hollywood Christmas Parade. Read More
"Sportsman of the Decade of the '70s" – Orange County Sports Celebrities
The California State Museum of Sceince and Industry at Exposition Park presents the Gene Autry: A Time for Heroes exhibit and film retrospective.

1981

"Man of the West Award" – American Indian and Cowboy Artists Society
"Gene Autry Day" "Gene Autry Tribute" – proclaimed by Mayor of Andrews, Texas.
"Gene Autry Day" proclaimed in Anaheim.
Texas House of Representatives accepts Resolution honoring Mr. Autry for Fifty Years of Entertainment.
"Most Distinguished American Artist & Businessman" – Toluca Lake Chamber of Commerce
Inducted into the Newhall Western Hall of Fame.
"Order of California Award" – California National Guard. (This is the Highest award that can be received by a lay person.)
California Air National Guard 146th Tactical Airlift Wing – Appointed Gene Autry an honorary Brigadier General for service to his country for 3-1/2 years in the Air Transport Command.
"Man of the West" – City of San Dimas. Awarded for his contribution to Western Culture as a star of motion pictures, television and musical recordings.
Clair L. Stout Award for "Distinguished American."
Named Honorary Fundraising Chairman of the Orange County Unit of the American Cancer Society.
Gene Autry and his wife Jackie appeared in the Hollywood Christmas Parade. Read More

1982

The California Angels players retired uniform No. 26, symbolic of Gene Autry's participation as the club's 26th player.
"Golden Plate Award – Salute to Excellence" – American Academy of Achievement
"Carbon Mike Award" – Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters
"Sports and Communications Industry Award" – Boy Scouts of America
Award from Oklahoma International Film Festival for outstanding achievement and contribution to the motion picture and television industry.
"Good Scout Award for Leadership in Sports and Communications" – Boy Scouts of America
"Golden Mask Award" for honored American and Humanitarian – Hollywood Appreciation Society
"Humanitarian Award" – National Conference of Christians and Jews
"White Cane Award" – in recognition of outstanding service to Lions – Oklahoma Lions.
Circus Saints and Sinners honor Gene Autry.
Gene Autry and his wife Jackie appeared in the Hollywood Christmas Parade. Read More

1983

American Association of College Baseball Coaches Award for outstanding contributions to baseball.
"Buffalo Bill Award" – for contributions to quality family entertainment. State of Nebraska
"Will Rogers Award" – for entertainment in the Rogers tradition. State of Oklahoma
"Distinguished Humanitarian Award" – National Jewish Hospital and Research National Asthma Center.
Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from National University.
Elected to Thirty-Third Degree – highest honor in Masonry.
California Country Music Association's Hall of Fame.
Dedication of Gene Autry Field – Esperanaza High School, Anaheim, California
"Golden Boot Award" – Society of the Preservation of Western Pictures Motion Picture and Television Fund.
Award to America's Captains of Achievement "Representing the many who excel in the Great Fields of Endeavor" – American Academy of Achievement.

1984

Anaheim Marriott Suite named for Mr. Autry.
Gene Autry Trail Dedication

1985

"Eagle Award" – California Paralyzed Veterans Association
Honored by Songwriters Guild.
"Hubert H. Humphrey Humanitarian of the Year Award" – Touchdown Club – Washington, D.C.
"Distinguished Service Award" – Grant Beckstrand Cancer Foundation
Masonic Distinguished Achievement Award.
Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree – Pepperdine University, Malibu, California
Hall of Fame Award from NARAS, the Grammy's, for Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer, 1949 Columbia Records. Read More

1986

"Distinguished American Award" – USO.
"Golden Grape Award" – Palm Springs Women's Press Club.
Gene Autry's birthplace – "South Main Street" renamed "Gene Autry Drive" – Tioga, Texas.
"Outstanding Senior Citizen of the Year" – Palm Springs Senior Tour and Travel Conference.

1987

"Humanitarian of the Year Award" – Coachella Valley.
National Sojourners Award in recognition of outstanding service as Actor – Aviator – Mason – Patriot.
"Special Award of Merit" in recognition of a long and distinguished career in all phases of the entertainment industry – Publicists Guild of America.
"Good Scout Award" – Boy Scouts of America.
Southwest Film/Video Archives, Dallas, Texas – Honor Gene Autry for his donation to their film library and his achievements.
April 6, 1987 – Gene Autry receives his fifth Star in Hollywood Walk of Fame for Live Theater at 7000 Hollywood Blvd. in front of the Roosevelt Hotel. Gene Autry is the only entertainer to have have all five stars. Read More
Americana Ball VI Honoree – Palm Springs Senior Center.
"Spirit of Los Angeles Award" – Los Angeles Headquarter City Association.
Honorary Director of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.
Honored by the owner of the Palm Springs Angels prior to a game.
Named Pioneer Sportsman of Orange County at a gala dinner benefiting Rotary International's PolioPlus program.

1988

Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum opens. Read More
Honored as "Pioneer Sportsman of Orange County" by Rotary Club International at Disneyland Hotel on February 4th.
"1987 Pioneer Award for Leadership" – Western/English Retailers of America. (Presented at game, since Mr. Autry was unable to attend earlier ceremonies.)
"Lifetime Achievement Award" presented at USC Jewel Gala benefiting USC School of Fine Arts.
"Headliner Award" – Los Angeles Press Club.
Honored at Edison International Field of Anaheim.

1989

"Scopus Award" – Desert Friends of the Hebrew University.
"President's Merit Award" – National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences.
"California Commendation Medal" for his patriotic support and assistance – California Air Guard.
"Suzie Award" – Eddie Cantor Charitable Foundation benefiting breast cancer research for the City of Hope.
American Classic Award from American Society of Composers, Authors & Publishers in Nashville, Tennessee.
"Grand Cross" – highest fraternal honor, at the 1989 Biennial Session of the Supreme Council of Scottish Rite – Washington, D.C. This award has only been issued 18 times in the history of the Scottish Rite.

1990

"Award of Merit" – Rancho de los Palos Verdes Historical Society.
"Entrepreneur of the Year Award" – California Travel Industry Association, Governor's Conference on Tourism.
Voted into Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
Inducted into ProRodeo Hall of Fame & Museum of the American Cowboy – Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Special award celebration the King of the Cowboys D.W. Griffith Awards.
Inducted into Orange County Walk of Stars.
"Distinguished Service Plaque" – California National Guard
Recognition trophy from Artisa Records for "Here in the Real World" – Alan Jackson.
Variety Club Salute to Gene Autry.
"President Reagan Award" – Hollywood Westerners Hall of Fame.
Tribute to Gene and Jackie Autry benefiting the Leukemia Society of America.
The Gene Autry owned publishing company Ridgeway Music Co., Inc. receives a "Citation of Achievement" from Broadcast Music, Inc. for the two millionth broadcast performance of the song "You Belong to Me."

1991

"1991 American's Star Gold Achievement Award" – U.S. Marshals Foundation.
Tribute for his 25 years of California Angels ownership. Pacifico Avenue renamed Gene Autry Way – Anaheim, California.
Inducted into Oklahoma Hall of Fame.
"Lifetime Achievement Award" – Songwriters Hall of Fame.

1992

Doheny Award, Doheny Eye Institute Los Angeles, CA
Establishment of Gene Autry—Nolan Ryan Scholarship, awarded to high school applicants.

1993

"Hall of Fame" – Broadcasting & Cable (formerly Broadcasting Magazine)
"Eisenhower Centennial Award" – Eisenhower Medical Center Foundation benefiting Eisenhower Medical Center and The Birthing Center.

1994

Gene Autry Award – Named in honor of Gene Autry, this annual award was established to honor men and women in sports who have demonstrated courage in the face of danger or adversity. Co-sponsored by the Tempe Sports Authority and "Angels Care" in Arizona.
Motion Picture and Television Fund Foundation Award – Stars Who Served. Recognition of stars who served so bravely in World War II.
Honorary Doctor of Arts and Letters Degree, University of North Texas. In recognition of his distinguished achievements in radio and film as well as in business.
Awarded Cowboy Spirit Award by the National Festival of the West in Scottsdale, Arizona.

1995

Induction into the California Tourism Hall of Fame.
Recognized by "When U Dream a Dream."
Board of Directors Lifetime Achievement Award for International Achievement in Arts presented by the Michael Bolton Foundation.
Received a Key to Hollywood in recognition of "his lifetime of professional achievement and his incredible contribution to the betterment of our community."

1996

Induction into the National Cowboy Song and Poetry Hall of Fame, South Dakota.
In front of the Autry Museum of Western Heritage, Gene Autry helps pass 1996 Olympic Torch between Sugar Ray Leonard and his son, Michael Leonard.
First of three performers inducted into the Star Trail at the 1996 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. He debuted as the Show's first star entertainer in 1942.
Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, in association with TNN and Fred Tatashore Productions, presents "An Evening of Country Greats" honoring Gene Autry and several other Hall of Famers.
Honored with the Los Angeles Area Governors Award Emmy at the 48th Annual L.A. Area Emmy Awards.
Received the Spirit of Achievement Award from Junior Achievement of Southern California.
Appointment as Vice President of the American League given permanent status.
Receives the Will Rogers Cowboy Award from the Academy of Western Artists.

1997

The Southern California Sports Broadcasters Association honors him with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Inducted into the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences for his recording of Back in the Saddle Again.
Inducted into the Jimmie Rogers Blue Yodelers Hall of Fame by the Jimmie Rogers Foundation.
The American Cowboy Culture Association in Lubbok, Texas honors him with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
First inductee into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.

1998

Receives the Presidential Citizen's Medal from President Bill Clinton.
Honored by the Economic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley at the First Annual Valley of the Stars Gala Dinner.
Honored during The Lambs Western Christmas Show, also made an Honorary Life Member.
Inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame.
The Arizona Broadcaster's Association inducts him into its Hall of Fame.
Honored on the "Texas Trail of Fame" with an inlaid marker at the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District.
Named at number 17 on American Benefactor Magazine's list of the "100 Most Generous Americans."
Bronze statue, surrounded by replicas of his five Hollywood Walk of Fame stars, dedicated at Edison Field, the home of the Anaheim Angels.

1999

For Outstanding Contributions to Texas Aviation History, inducted into the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame.
Awarded the Buck Jones Medal of Honor for Achievement as a role model for the youth of America.
Gene Autry Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) League established whose "youth baseball and softball programs offer Boys and Girls Club members the opportunity to play in organized leagues in addition to learning life skills in a prevention program." Funded by Angels Care.
The Golden State – Ventura Freeway Interchange renamed the Gene Autry Memorial Interchange.

2000

The Anaheim Angels rename the Owner's Trophy the Gene Autry Award on his birthday, September 29th.
Back in the Saddle Again included in Country Music Magazine's list of "25 Songs that Shaped the Century."
Included in Oklahoma Today Magazine's "List of the 50 Most Influential Oklahomans."
A historic building on the Sony Pictures Studios Lot in Culver City converted to a state-of-the-art digital editing facility and renamed The Gene Autry Building.
The Gene Autry Endowed Student Support Fund created to assist students with tuition and fees at the USC School of Cinema—Television.

2001

Two songs, Back in the Saddle Again and Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer, are listed on the Recording Industry Association of America and the National Endowment of the Arts' "Songs of the Century."

2002

The Western Music Association presents a tribute to Gene Autry.
- December 18, 2002 – Melody Ranch selected by the Library of Congress for Preservation by the National Film Registry. Read More

2004

Texas Monthly April issue – The 100 Best Texas songs by Jeff McCord and John Morthland #12 Gene Autry's version Deep in the Heart of Texas.
Toluca Lake Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Campo de Cahuenga Historical Memorial Association creates the Gene Autry Award to be handed out yearly at their dinner. This award honors an individual or organization that has demonstrated extraordinary devotion to the heritage of the Western United States. Gene Autry is the first honoree.

2005

Hollywood and Highland renamed "Gene Autry Square."
O'Melveny & Myers completes construction on their new downtown conference center on the 18th floor of their building, and decides to name each one of the conference rooms after a Pioneer of Los Angeles. Gene Autry is the first to be thus honored. John O'Melveny was Gene's first attorney in Los Angeles circa 1934.

2007

Gene Autry Centennial
Read More

2009

- February 7, 2009 – Gene Autry honored with National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences Lifetime Achievement Award Read More

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