Whitley, Ray, 1901-1979

Cowboy singer, songwriter, and movie actor. Born December 5, 1901. Died February 21, 1979. Full name: Raymond Otis Whitley. Successful dual career in music and movies. Starred in sixteen singing cowboy shorts for RKO and appeared in sixty feature films overall, including his final film role in the 1956 epic, Giant. Wrote several western standards, including "Back in the Saddle Again," and "Lonely River" (co-written with Fred Rose). Worked with Gibson Guitar to develop the J-200 model guitar, a prototype of the guitar model popularized by the singing cowboy films. Member, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

From the description of Oral history interview with Ray Whitley; 1974 May 10; interview conducted by Douglas B. Green. 1974 May 10. (Country Music Foundation, Library & Media Center). WorldCat record id: 58841365

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