Champion the Wonder Horse to 1953, and in the television series during the 1950s. Several other "Champion" horses were used as stunt doubles and for personal appearances throughout the years. There were three official Champions that appeared in Gene Autry films. The original Champion was a dark sorrel with a blaze face and white stockings on all his legs except the right front. The original Champion first appeared on screen with Autry in "Melody Trail" (1935) and went on to co-star in 51 additional Autry films. The horse was previously owned by Tom Mix and was used during the filming of "The Phantom Empire"
Autry Inman 1988 at age 59. Autry Inman Robert Autry Inman (January 6, 1929 – September 6, 1988) was an American country and rockabilly musician. Inman was born in Florence, Alabama, and was performing on local radio station WLAY by age 14. He used his middle name "Autry" (or "Autrey") as his stage name. After completing school he worked as a reporter for the "Lauderdale Co. Law & Equity Court". Shortly thereafter he was tapped to join Cowboy Copas's band, the "Oklahoma Cowboys", as a bassist. Aside from this he also played in George Morgan's Candy Kids until 1952. He released his