He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. His first success was as a radio singer with the popular western cowboy music group, the Sons of the Pioneers[?], but his greatest renown came in western films. From his first film appearance in 1935, he worked steadily in film and TV until his death. Most of his films were in color in an era when almost all other B-movies were black and white.
The Sons of the Pioneers continued their popularity through the 1950s. Although Rogers was no longer a member, they often appeared as Rogers' backup group in films and on TV.
Rogers and Evans were also well known as advocates for adoption and as founders and operators of childrens' charities. They lost a child, which Evans wrote about in her book Angel Unawares but adopted several children.
Search Encyclopedia
|
Featured Article
|