Roy Rogers

Off screen as well as on screen, Roy Rogers taught a standard of behavior to countless children as the popular American singer and fifties cowboy led his many fans by example. Not only did he extol honesty and integrity on film and television, he lived the morals his characters portrayed.

Cowboy Singer

Portrait of Roy Rogers in cowboy hat and holding guitar in front of wooden fence railing
Roy Rogers
Born Leonard Franklin Slye on November 5, 1911, Rogers began his career as a western singer in 1930. In 1934 he formed a cowboy western group named The Sons of the Pioneers with their early songs "Cool Waters" and "Tumbling Tumbleweeds" becoming hit recordings.

Although he began performing in western movies as early as 1935, his first starring role was in the 1938 Republic Films movie "Under the Western Skies." He would become a major motion picture star and hold both top money making and top box office star polls for years to come.

Roy and Dale

It was after the mother of his first three children died in childbirth that Rogers met Dale Evans while they were filming "Home In Oklahoma". They married on New Year's Eve in 1947. He became known as the King of the Cowboys and she was the Queen of the West.

Completing the family Roy began with his first wife Arlene, Roy and Dale added five more children to their family. With five of their children having been adopted, the Rogers' became proponents for adoption and advocates for many children's charities.

Publicity photo of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans from film Yellow Rose of Texas
Roy Rogers and Dale Evans in Yellow Rose of Texas
1950's TV Show

With the 1951 premier of his television series, Rogers became an idol to the many children who eagerly awaited each episode and every public appearance. Realizing he was the only positive influence many of them had, Roy always maintained an honest and principled public persona.

Hoping to encourage these same characteristics in his ardent followers, these fan club rules were adopted.

Portrait of Roy Rogers in cowboy costume smiling and tipping his white hat

The Roy Rogers Riders Club Rules
Be Neat and Clean
Be Courteous and Polite
Always Obey Your Parents
Protect the Weak and Help Them
Be Brave but Never Take Chances
Study Hard and Learn All You Can
Be Kind to Animals and Take Care of Them
Eat All Your Food and Never Waste Any
Love God and go to Sunday School Regularly
Always Respect our Flag and our Country    

These are the values The King of the Cowboys lived until his death on July 6, 1998.

Special permission received for the use of images and Riders Club Rules. Copyright © 2012 Roy Rogers. All rights reserved.

Fifties Cowboys

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