Died On This Date (October 2, 1998) Gene Autry / Famous Singing Cowboy
themusicsover Orvon “Gene” Autry
September 29, 1907 – October 2, 1998
Known since the 1930s as the Singing Cowboy, Gene Autry was country singer-songwriter and cowboy actor. Signing to Columbia Records in 1929, Autry began releasing what were called “hillbilly” music in the early ’30s. Over the course of his career, Autry made over 600 records, roughly half either co-written, or written by himself. Besides his signature song, “Back in the Saddle Again,” Autry best remembered for “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” “Frosty the Snowman,” and the self-written, “Here Comes Santa Claus.” Besides making nearly 100 films, Autry successfully transitioned to television during the ’40s, starring in his own show on CBS. Autry also owned several California radio stations as well as Major League Baseball team, the California Angels. Forbes Magazine included him in annual list of the 400 richest Americans for many years. Gene Autry died of lymphoma at the age of 91.
Mary Ford was the wife and musical partner of 
Most agree that Irving Berlin was one of the greatest songwriters in history. A very prolific writer, he reportedly wrote over 1500 songs over a career that spanned some 60 years. Many of his songs became standards loved the world over. That list includes “White Christmas,” “God Bless America,” “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” and “Puttin’ On The Ritz.” He also wrote the scores to nearly 40 Broadway shows and major Hollywood films, earning him eight Oscar nominations. Irving Berlin died in his sleep at the age of 101.
