Cowboy singer and actor Roy Rogers died in his sleep early this morning at his home in Apple Valley, Calif. He was 86. Known as the "King of the Cowboys," Rogers was hailed by President Clinton for preserving and championing true American values.
Born Leonard Slye in Cincinnati, he moved in 1929 to California, where he formed the group Sons Of The Pioneers and recorded the classic "Tumbling Tumbleweeds." He replaced Gene Autry as Republic Pictures' cowboy star in the late '30s, and the studio gave him his new name. He went on to star in dozens of westerns and continued recording into the '90s. He was twice elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame, as a member of Sons Of The Pioneers and as a solo singer. Dale Evans, his wife of 51 years, was with him when he died.
Born Leonard Slye in Cincinnati, he moved in 1929 to California, where he formed the group Sons Of The Pioneers and recorded the classic "Tumbling Tumbleweeds." He replaced Gene Autry as Republic Pictures' cowboy star in the late '30s, and the studio gave him his new name. He went on to star in dozens of westerns and continued recording into the '90s. He was twice elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame, as a member of Sons Of The Pioneers and as a solo singer. Dale Evans, his wife of 51 years, was with him when he died.
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