The Official Website of Gene Autry, America's Favorite Singing Cowboy

Fun Autry Fact:

Gene stated through the years that the only shoes he owned were golf shoes.

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I'll Trade My Horse and Saddle for a Pair of Wings
Gene Autry's Melody Ranch Radio Show
(July 26, 1942)


"Gene Autry's Melody Ranch" radio show broadcast from WBBM in Chicago, Illinois on July 26, 1942 was a very special program. During the show, Republic Pictures great cowboy star Gene Autry became Sgt. Gene Autry when he was sworn into the United States Army Air Forces.

The musical trio of Dick Reinhart, Jimmie Dean, and Eddie Dean dedicate this special song, "I'll Trade My Horse and Saddle for a Pair of Wings," to Gene Autry just before he takes his Oath of Enlistment for the United States Army Air Corps live on his popular radio show.

The very next week, the radio show changed its name to "Sgt. Gene Autry" and was part of Gene's military duties from August 2, 1942 until August 1, 1943. After the war, "Gene Autry's Melody Ranch" radio show returned to the CBS radio network on September 23, 1945.

Written by Dick Reinhart

© Autry Qualified Interest Trust and The Autry Foundation


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