[SYN-070]
24 music tracks with bonus DVD of feature film Bells of San
Angelo!
The recordings on King Of The Cowboys are culled largely from Rogers'
stint with the Sons of the Pioneers, commonly regarded as the greatest western
vocal group in history. The cascading cowboy reverie "Tumblin' Tumbleweeds,"
written by primary Pioneers songwriter Bob Nolan, is not only the group's key
recording, but one of the greatest cowboy songs ever. And many tracks aren't far
behind: "Dust" describes the substance plaguing every cowboy, and "One More Ride"
has a slight swing feel that would soon be adapted by the likes of Bob Wills'
Texas Playboys.
Rogers would cut solo recordings, represented here by the sprightly "You Waited
Too Long" and others, well into the 1970s. By the time of his death in 1998, he
was a true American icon, and the songs collected here are no small part of why
that is.
— Rob Kemp
Bells Of San Angelo - 1947 - Directed by William Witney
This color western co-stars Dale Evans, Andy Devine, Trigger and Roy's singing
group, the Sons of the Pioneers. Roy plays a (singing) border guard on the Mexican
border who discovers a smuggling operation. Some consider this film one of Roy's
best, and one with more "edge" than most of his other films &ndash it included
realistic fight scenes where Roy actually loses. Andy Devine adds some nice
humorous touches and Dale Evans proves the better actor in this married couple.
Also included is bonus footage of a 60-minute NBC Chevy Show Easter Special from
April 2, 1961 hosted by Roy and Dale with guests Charley Weaver, Eddie Arnold,
George Maharis, The Limeliters and others. |