Search - Gene Autry :: Cowboy Is a Patriot (Bonus CD)

Treasure trove of Autry's WWII work

hyperbolium | Earth, USA | 12/05/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Varese continues to mine the recorded legacy of Gene Autry. Having already anthologized every scrap of music from his 1950s television program, they delve back into the '40s to capture the then-Sergeant Autry's work on behalf of the war effort. Though Autry was on active duty during the war (primarily as a cargo pilot), he still contributed mightily as an entertainer, through the Wrigley Gum sponsored "Melody Ranch."This double-disc set collects primary recordings of patriotic tunes, along with continuity such as recruiting announcements, public service spots for bond and rubber drives, CBS network IDs, and plenty of Wrigley Doublemint Gum commercials. Disc one intersperses spoken word and musical passages, while disc two presents a complete recording of Autry's July 26, 1942 "Melody Ranch" program, during which he is inducted into the Army Air Force, live on the air!Varese's not only put together another valuable chapter on Autry, but a fascinating look at how entertainment was used to fuel the war effort. This is sure to be a hit with both Gene Autry fans, as well as those interested in WWII-era songs and ephemera."

Fascinating WWII recordings

Joe Sixpack -- Slipcue.com | ...in Middle America | 11/15/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A great 2-CD collection of Sgt. Autry's wartime broadcasts, in which he lends the might of his "Melody Ranch" radio program to the tasks of selling bonds, recruiting soldiers and recycling scrap metals and rubber for the homefront mobilization. The first CD skillfully sifts through his wartime broadcasts, gathering choice radio announcements and one cheerful patriotic tune after another. Many of these tunes seem unique to Autry's program...The second disc replys one of his radio shows in its entirety -- similar material, but nice to hear how it was all put together during their live shows. For Autry fans or history buffs, this collection is a doozy!"

"America's Favorite Singing Cowboy & Patriot ~ Gene Autry"

J. Lovins | Missouri-USA | 03/16/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Varese Records brings nostalgia to the forefront with "The Cowboy Is A Patriot" featuring our favorite "Singing Cowboy" Gene Autry. His wondrously effective singing voice is warm, reassuring and patriotic. As an avid Gene Autry collector of his films, recordings and sheet music...must admit this 2-CD-Set collection is unique and well put together. Each cue is skillfully remastered as if it were only yesterday. Many selections have never been available before this release. The selling of war bonds, recycling and calling for volunteers to serve this wonderful country of ours is inspiring. The entire album is of the highest caliber, when America stood tall and the entire world had one cause. If we only had Sgt. Autry from Melody Ranch around today. Many tunes stay with you "WHEN THE LIGHTS GO ON AGAIN (ALL OVER THE WORLD)", "IT'S A LONG WAY TO TIPPERARY", "THIS IS THE ARMY MR. JONES", "COMIN' IN ON A WING AND A PRAYER", "MY BUDDY", "AMERICA, THE BEAUTIFUL" and one of my all time favorites "GOD BLESS AMERICA". Hats off to Varese Records and "America's Favorite Singing Cowboy" ~ GENE AUTRY.Total Time: 2-CD-Set ~ Varese Records 302-066-408-2 ~ (10/29/2002)"