Cowboy songs are out of fashion now, and most of the performers long forgotten. For music fans today, Gene Autry’s run of hits from the 1930s to 1950s might as well have happened between the 1830s and the 1850s.
Autry’s story doesn’t only encompass his own career, but also the rise and development of the music industry, both technologically (when Autry started out, recordings were still being made on wax) and culturally. He was also smart enough to diversify once the money started rolling in, using the income from his records and films to make investments in real estate, a TV production company, and a baseball team, among other endeavors.
George-Warren spent over a decade on this book, and the loving attention to detail shines on every page. Her access to Autry’s archives, as well as family members and friends, helps make this an insightful and compelling story of a fam boy from the sticks who succeeded beyond his wildest dreams. She doesn’t shy away from discussing his troubles (alcohol, womanising), but overall it’s an upbeat portrait of
