Orvon Grover "Gene" Autry

Gene Autry, the cowboy crooner and Hollywood hitmaker who
helped popularize country-western music and became one of
the most celebrated performers in American history, was born
in Tioga, Texas, on this day in history, Sept. 29, 1907.

"In addition, his success as a singing cowboy launched an entire
genre of movies and paved the way for successful rivals such as
Roy Rogers and Tex Ritter."  (FOX NEWS)