The Singing Cowboy (1936 film) The Singing Cowboy (1936 film) The Singing Cowboy is a 1936 American Western film directed by Mack V. Wright and starring Gene Autry, Smiley Burnette, and Lois Wilde. Based on a story by Tom Gibson, the film is about a cowboy who decides to sing on television in order to raise money for the orphaned daughter of his former boss who was murdered. Ranch owner Steve Stevens (John Van Pelt) is shot by his greedy partner, Martin (Lon Chaney, Jr.), who then sets fire to Stevens' barn. Stevens' last request is for cowboy Gene Autry (Gene Autry) to look after
The Cadillacs group's first recording came in July 1954, with Josie Records #765, featuring "Gloria" and "Wonder Why." In 1955, Willingham and Clark left the group and were replaced by Earl Wade and Charles Brooks. At this time, the group first began to experiment with choreography, suggested by manager Esther Navarro. Later that year came the group's biggest hit, "Speedoo", Carroll's nickname. Lavern Drake left the group in 1956 and was replaced by J. R. Bailey. That same year the Cadillacs released a doo-wop version of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer that peaked at No. 11 on "Billboard" magazine's Rhythm & Blues Records