Dale Evans "Queen Of The West" |
| Dale Evans appeared in many early western films and married Roy Rogers in 1947. Dale Evans wrote Happy Trails, the closing theme song to the Roy Rogers western TV series in whith they both appeared from 1950 to 1957. |
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Frances Octavia Smith was born in Uvalde, Texas on October 31, 1912. Frances eloped with her high school sweetheart at the age of fourteen and and at the age of fifteen found herself in Memphis, a single parent and pursuing a singing career. Francis loved to sing and appeared on many radio programs.
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When Frances began singing on radio she used her married name, Fances Fox, later changing her name to Marian Lee. The station manager didn't like either name, so he decided to change it. The station manager chose the name "Dale" after a silent film actress whom he greatly admired and the last name "Evans" was just made up as he thought it would be easier for the announcers.
Dale appeard in many early films including: |
| "Orchestra Wives" - 1942 "Swing Your Partner" - 1943 "Casanova In Burlesque" - 1944 "Utah" - 1945 "Bells Of Rosarita" - 1945 "My Pal Trigger" - 1946 "Apache Pass" - 1947 "Slippy McGee" - 1948 "Susanna Pass" - 1949 "Twilight In The Sierras" - 1950 "Pals Of The Golden West" - 1951.
Dale Evans was also a well-known author of inspirational books. |
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| Dale Evans married Roy Rogers on New Year's Eve in 1947 and the seemingly fairy tale relationship began. Dale and Roy had an instant family with Dale having her son and Roy having his three children. Roy and Dale had one child together. Her name was Robin and she died of complications from Down's syndrome. Robin's death inspired Dale to write her classic book "Angel Unaware". The family lost two other children from fatal accidents. Roy and Dale later adopted four other children.
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In 1950, while preparing for a radio show Dale decided that Roy needed a theme song and scribbled the words to a song on an envelope. The name came easy, since Roy always signed his autographs with "Trails of Happiness" or "Happy Trails, Roy Rogers". Forty minutes before show time, she taught the words and medley to Roy and the Sons of the Pioneers. At the close of that radio show, our favorite cowboy had a theme song and America heard "Happy Trails" for the very first time. |
| Roy and Dale appeared together in "The Roy Rogers Show" from 1950 until 1957. These episodes have been translated into practically every major language and are probably still being shown all over the world today.
Dale Evans was honored by being presented with California Mother of the Year in 1967; The Texas Press Association’s Texan of the Year in 1970; Cowgirl Hall of Fame in 1995; and Cardinal Terrence Cook Humanities Award in 1995. Dale also has three stars on The Hollywood Walk of Fame.
At her death on February 7, 2001, Dale Evans had been an inspiration, not only to the nation, but to sixteen grandchildren and some 30 great-grandchildren. |
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