Robert Horton

Biography

Of all the musicians in existence named Robert Horton, this would not be the one to have a gunfight with. Actually, Horton was simply a talented, solid, and charismatic performer in television, movies, and musical theater whose pitch was probably better than his aim. He nonetheless became strongly associated with cowboy entertainment beginning with the show that established him, Wagon Train. Later he starred in his own Western vehicle, Shenandoah, a series remembered fondly by critics and television historians despite lasting only one season -- it was literally wiped out by a time slot that put it in competition with a pair of phenomenally popular "Andy" shows, Andy Griffith and Andy Williams, respectively.

Horton's career in musical theater can be considered to be more successful than his television work, despite the larger audience watching the latter. He starred in approximately 30 different shows, garnering much acclaim in 1964 for his leading role as the character Starbuck in 110 in the Shade. This was a musical adaptation of the film The Rainmaker, in which Horton had also been featured. Horton's leading lady both on- and off-stage was Marilynn Bradley; the couple's marriage endured for more than 40 years. His major recordings are the 110 in the Shade soundtrack as well as a pair of albums in which his baritone vocal stylings carry the day. He also released several singles during the '60s. In the '80s he was back on television, this time during the day as a part of the cast for As the World Turns. ~ Eugene Chadbourne, All Music Guide