Gene Autry was a lot more than a 'drugstore cowboy,' becoming an American icon, western lore collector and prominent business man.

He started singing on KVOO, Tulsa, at age 22, and, with an assist from Will Rogers, soon became a star. He was involved in many charities, and brought together much important material about the development of the American West. A 33rd degree Mason, he was awarded the Grand Cross of the Court of Honor.
His touring rodeo and concert sold out Madison Square Garden and other major venues.
After service in WW2, he went on to own KTLA TV of Los Angeles. He bought the Americal League Angels in 1961. He received many awards from musical, acting and business associations.
In 1988 he opened his Western Heritage Museum, which in 2004 became part of the Autry National Center, bringing together the Southwest Museum of the American Indian, the Museum of the American West, and the Institute for the Study of the American West.
He was mourned by many when he died in 1998 at age 91.
Gene Autry

A separate group operate the Gene Autry Film and Music festival, which brings together western singers and story tellers; Sept. 24-28 this year, at the Gene Autry Oklahoma Museum, Gene Autry, OK (Ardmore area).
www.geneautryokmuseum.com/