The Western Film Singing Groups

When most fans of the ol' B western think of singing groups, the first that comes to mind are the Sons of the Pioneers. Through scores of films at Columbia and Republic, they entertained us with some great music. In addition to their music, some or all of the group often portrayed helpers to Roy Rogers and Charles Starrett. Hope these photos bring back some fond memories.

Bob Nolan, Roy Rogers (Leonard Slye) and Tim Spencer formed a trio in the early 1930s, and the group matured and expanded into the Sons of the Pioneers, probably the most influential of the B western singin' groups. Some folks have asked why the SOP left the Roy Rogers films (and were replaced by Foy Willing and the Riders of the Purple Sage). Apparently, both Bob Nolan and Tim Spencer were tired of the touring, and Spencer had a publishing business to maintain. They both decided to exit at or around the time that the SOP contract with Republic was ending. The story also goes that their replacement, the Riders of the Purple Sage, were less expensive to Republic than the SOP. Of the original Sons of the Pioneers, Roy Rogers was the last surviving member, and he passed away in 1998.

Want more info on Bob Nolan (real name: Clarence Robert Nobles) and the Sons of the Pioneers --- there's a large section with lots of images off the Old Corral homepage.

(Courtesy of Ed Phillips)

Above, the Sons of the Pioneers in one of their early film appearances at Republic Pictures in THE BIG SHOW (1936) which starred Gene Autry. From L-to-R are: Karl Farr, Bob Nolan (on bass fiddle), Tim Spencer, Hugh Farr, and on the far right is a young Len Slye (who became 'Dick Weston' and was a year or so away from becoming 'Roy Rogers').

(Courtesy of Ed Phillips)

Above, the Sons of the Pioneers at Columbia with Charles Starrett --- from L-to-R are: Karl Farr, Tim Spencer, Lloyd Perryman, Charles Starrett, Bob Nolan, Pat Brady, and Hugh Farr. Their association with Columbia began around 1935 and continued until the early 1940s, when they moved to Republic to assist Roy Rogers.

(Courtesy of Les Adams)

Above, the title lobby card to MAN FROM CHEYENNE (Republic, 1942). Behind Roy Rogers from L-to-R are Karl Farr (guitar), Lloyd Perryman (bass fiddle), Hugh Farr (fiddle), Tim Spencer (guitar), George 'Gabby' Hayes and Bob Nolan.

Above, 1940s era photo of one of the permutations of the Sons of the Pioneers singing group. From L-to-R are: Tim Spencer, Bob Nolan, Ken Carson and Karl Farr. Front and center, of course, is Republic star Roy Rogers.

Over the years, there were a variety of other members (including Ken Carson, George 'Shug' Fisher, Tommy Doss, Doye O'Dell, Deuce Spriggens, and Ken Curtis ("Festus" on TV's GUNSMOKE)).

The SOP also worked on radio programs such as their LUCKY U RANCH show which aired from about 1951-53 (in early 2002, a CD titled Sons of the Pioneers - Memories of the 'Lucky U' Ranch was issued on the Jasmine label). Another example is the syndicated Dr. Pepper sponsored 10-2-4 RANCH which aired in the 1940s, and the star was Dick Foran and later, Dave "Tex" O'Brien of the PRC Texas Rangers. There's complete or abbreviated broadcasts available of this program from years 1943-44-45.

Mark Tourin sent an e-mail noting that Ken Carson was a stock member of Garry Moore's cast on his first TV show which was live, in the afternoon on WCBS-TV Channel 2, NYC. (Correct - Carson was with the SOP and he was the 'crooner' with the Moore show beginning around 1950.) But Mark also has a recollection that Carson did a kid show (live, cowboy) on channel (5) on the long-defunct Dumont Network, and the show was hosted by Bob Dixon (who began on CBS Radio as a house announcer and was the announcer for legendary Ed Murrow when Murrow did nightly radio newscasts). The Dumont show on Channel 5 (call letters at that time were WABD for Alan B. Dumont) took place on a 'general store' set and there was a female also appearing with Dixon and Ken Carson. Anybody have details on Ken Carson's DuMont TV work, including the name of this show?

Texan Doug Bruton recalls seeing the Sons of the Pioneers: "In 1950, I had moved to Houston to live with my Dad. I found out that the Sons of the Pioneers were going to be downtown at the theater with the film WAGON MASTER. I skipped school and went to see the show. After they performed on stage, I ran around to the stagedoor and followed them up the street and asked a bunch of what I am sure were silly questions. They really treated me nice, with patience and courtesy. They answered all of my queries and let me walk with them at least three or four blocks before going in to their hotel. Those are memories you always cherish. Ken Curtis was singing with them at the time and also Tommy Doss."

Calin Coburn, Bob Nolan's grandson, has created a website on Nolan with a filmography, biography ... and lots of great photos and images of posters and lobby cards: http://www.bobnolan-sop.net/