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Jimmy Wakely
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Role
Actor
Name
Jimmy Wakely
Years active
1939-1970s
Instruments
vocals, guitar
Born
February 16, 1914Howard County, Arkansas, U.S. (
1914-02-16
)
Genres
country music, Western movies
Occupation(s)
vocalistmusiciansongwriteractor
Labels
Decca, Capitol, Coral, Dot
Died
September 23, 1982, Mission Hills, California, United States
Spouse
Dora Inez Miser (m. 1935–1982)
Movies
Arrow in the Dust, The Old Chisholm Trail, Money - Women and Guns
Birth name
James Clarence Wakeley
Jimmy wakely sings the call of the canyon
James Clarence Wakely (February 16, 1914 – September 23, 1982), was an American actor and country Western music vocalist, and one of the last singing cowboys. During the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, he released records, appeared in several B-Western movies with most of the major studios, appeared on radio and television and even had his own series of comic books. His duet singles with Margaret Whiting from 1949–51 produced a string of top seven hits, including 1949's number one hit on the US country charts and pop music charts, "Slippin' Around." Wakely owned two music publishing companies in later years and performed at the Grand Ole Opry until shortly before his death.
James Clarence Wakeley was born in Howard County, Arkansas but his family moved to Rosedale, Oklahoma by 1920. As a teenager, he changed his surname to Wakely, dropping the second "e".
Country Western musician
In 1937 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma he formed The Bell Boys, a country Western singing group named after their Bell Clothing sponsor. The group performed locally, made some recordings, and did frequent radio broadcasts over Oklahoma City's WKY. Johnny Bond, Dick Reinhart, Scotty Harrell and Jack Cheney were members of the Bell Boys and later groups. Over time, Wakely's groups were known as The Jimmy Wakely Trio, Jimmy Wakely and His Saddle Pals, Jimmy Wakely Trio and James Wakely.
During a tour through Oklahoma, Western movie star Gene Autry invited Wakely to come to California. Autry felt the group might be a good addition to his new Melody Ranch radio show which debuted on CBS in January 1940. The Wakely Trio joined the show in mid-1940. He stayed for a couple of years, then left because of movie commitments and a recording contract with Decca Records that ran from 1941–1942 through 1947. Johnny Bond stayed with the show for most of its run (the show left the air in 1956).
Personal life
Wakely married Dora Inez Miser on Friday the 13th, December 13, 1935. They had four children: Deanna, Carol, Linda and son Johnny. Their marriage lasted until his death in 1982.
Western movie actor
In 1939, Wakely made his screen debut (with the Jimmy Wakely Trio) in a Roy Rogers Western, Saga of Death Valley. In the 1940s, Wakely groups provided songs and musical support for several B-western movies, including appearances with:
the Range Busters at Monogram Pictures
Don "Red" Barry at Republic Pictures
Johnny Mack Brown and Tex Ritter at Universal Pictures
Charles Starrett at Columbia Pictures
Hopalong Cassidy at Paramount Pictures
Wakely made only one film with Autry, Heart of the Rio Grande, at Republic in 1942. He was sometimes referred to as a low-budget Autry in films. His response was, "Everybody reminds somebody of someone else until they are somebody. And I had rather be compared to Gene Autry than anyone else. Through the grace of God and Gene Autry, I got a career." He appeared in 28 Westerns at Monogram between 1944 and 1949.
Wakely also appeared in some non-Westerns, including I'm from Arkansas in 1944, a showcase for country and hillbilly performers who bring their comedy, tunes and yodeling to Pitchfork, Arkansas.
Recording career
About 1941–1942, Decca gave Wakely a recording contract that ran until 1947. After leaving films, he continued to record, switching to the Capitol label. Though most of his songs were country Western, some crossed over to the pop charts, including collaborations with singer Margaret Whiting and Karen Chandler, and for the Christmas song "Silver Bells". He had a number one country hit with "One Has My Name (The Other Has My Heart)", a song originally released by Western singer Eddie Dean.
Comic books
Like other Western film stars of the era, Wakely had his own comic book series. DC Comics published 18 issues from Sept/Oct 1949–July/Aug 1952, billing him as "HOLLYWOOD'S SENSATIONAL COWBOY STAR!"
Radio and television appearances
In addition to Autry's Melody Ranch, Wakely had his own CBS Radio show and co-hosted other programs. He also made several appearances on television variety shows; and in 1961 he was one of five rotating hosts on the NBC-TV program Five Star Jubilee.
He also had one of the last live network radio programs at the NBC radio studios at the corner of Sunset and Vine in Hollywood, California in 1958. Excerpts of the program appear on Wakely's albums and CDs.
Recording company
In the 1960s and 1970s, Wakely developed Shasta Records and owned two music publishing companies. He converted part of his California ranch into a recording studio, producing recordings for himself as well as for other country Western performers, including Tex Williams, Merle Travis, Eddie Dean, Tex Ritter and Rex Allen. For his recording work, Wakely has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Vine Street.
Later years
Later in life, Wakely performed at the Grand Ole Opry and National Barn Dance. His nightclub act visited Las Vegas, Reno and other venues. He did a Christmas USO Tour with Bob Hope. He made a few recordings on the Coral, Decca/Vocalion and Dot labels. He made appearances at Western film nostalgia conventions and continued personal appearances and stage shows, often with his daughter Linda and son Johnny in the act.
Death
After contracting emphysema, Wakely died of heart failure at Mission Hills, California on September 23, 1982. He and his wife, who died in 1997, are interred next to each other in the Court of Remembrance at Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Hollywood Hills), Los Angeles, California.
Awards and honors
Wakely was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1971 and the Western Music Association Hall of Fame in 1991.
Radio
The Jimmy Wakely Show (1952–1958)
Melody Ranch (1940–1942)
CBS Hollywood Barn Dance (1945–1947)
Filmography
Actor
1959
Shotgun Slade (TV Series) as
The Marshal
- The Safe Crackers (1959) - The Marshal
1954
Arrow in the Dust as
Pvt. Carqueville
1953
The Marshal's Daughter as
Jimmy Wakely - Poker-Game Player
1949
Lawless Code as
Jimmy Wakely
1949
Roaring Westward as
Jimmy Wakely
1949
Brand of Fear as
Jimmy Wakely
1949
Across the Rio Grande as
Jimmy Wakely
1949
Gun Law Justice as
Jimmy Wakely
1949
Gun Runner as
Jimmy Wakely
1948
Courtin' Trouble as
Jimmy Wakely
1948
Outlaw Brand as
Jimmy Wakely
1948
Silver Trails as
Jimmy Wakely
1948
Cowboy Cavalier as
Jimmy Wakely
1948
Range Renegades as
Jimmy Wakely
1948
Partners of the Sunset as
Jimmy Wakely
1948
The Rangers Ride as
Jimmy Wakely
1948
Oklahoma Blues as
Jimmy Wakely - Posing as The Melody Kid
1948
Song of the Drifter as
Jimmy Wakely
1947
Ridin' Down the Trail as
Jimmy Wakely
1947
Song of the Wasteland as
Jimmy Wakely
1947
Six-Gun Serenade as
Jimmy Wakely
1947
Rainbow Over the Rockies as
Jimmy Wakely
1946
Song of the Sierras as
Jimmy Wakely
1946
Trail to Mexico as
Jimmy Wakely, aka Jimmy Jones
1946
West of the Alamo as
Texas Ranger Jimmy Wakely
1946
Moon Over Montana as
Jimmy Wakely
1945
Lonesome Trail as
Jimmy Wakely
1945
Riders of the Dawn as
Jimmy Wakely
1945
Saddle Serenade as
Jimmy Wakely
1945
Springtime in Texas as
Jimmy Wakely
1945
Rough Ridin' Justice as
Jimmy Wakely
1945
Sagebrush Heroes as
Musician Cowhand Jimmy Wakely
1944
Git Along Little Pony (Short) as
Jimmy Wakely - Member, Jimmy Wakely Trio (uncredited)
1944
Saddle Leather Law as
Singer - Cowhand Jimmy
1944
Montana Plains (Short) as
Jimmy Wakely
1944
Song of the Range as
Jimmy Wakely
1944
Cyclone Prairie Rangers as
Jimmy Wakely
1944
I'm from Arkansas as
Jimmy Wakely
1944
Cowboy from Lonesome River as
Jimmy Wakely
1944
Swing in the Saddle as
Jimmy Wakely - Bandleader (uncredited)
1944
Sundown Valley as
Jimmy Holman, Steve's Foreman
1944
Cowboy Canteen as
Jimmy Wakely (uncredited)
1943
Cowboy in the Clouds as
Glen Avery
1943
The Lone Star Trail as
Jimmy - Singer Jimmy Wakely Trio (uncredited)
1943
Robin Hood of the Range as
Jimmy, Jimmy Wakely Trio
1943
Raiders of San Joaquin as
Jimmy Wakely - Member, Jimmy Wakely Trio (uncredited)
1943
Cheyenne Roundup as
Guitar Player Jimmy (as Jimmy Wakely Trio)
1943
Tenting Tonight on the Old Camp Ground as
Jimmy - Guitar Player (as The Jimmy Wakely Trio)
1942
The Old Chisholm Trail as
Jimmy Wakely (uncredited)
1942
Strictly in the Groove as
Jimmy Wakely (uncredited)
1942
Little Joe, the Wrangler as
Jimmy Wakely (as Jimmy Wakely Trio)
1942
Deep in the Heart of Texas as
Guitar Player - Jimmy Wakely Trio (uncredited)
1942
Come on Danger as
2nd Banjo Player (uncredited)
1942
Heart of the Rio Grande as
Guitar Player - Jimmy Wakely Trio (uncredited)
1941
Twilight on the Trail as
Guitar Playing Cowhand (uncredited)
1941
Stick to Your Guns as
Pete (as Jimmy Wakely Trio)
1941
Red Skins and Red Heads (Short) as
Guitar Player (uncredited)
1941
Bury Me Not on the Lone Prairie as
Jimmy Wakely - Singing Cowhand (uncredited)
1941
Six Lessons from Madame La Zonga as
Jim
1940
Pony Post as
Guitar Player (uncredited)
1940
Texas Terrors as
Guitarist (uncredited)
1940
Give Us Wings as
Fish Fry Musical Trio Member (uncredited)
1940
Trailing Double Trouble as
Band Leader (uncredited)
1940
The Tulsa Kid as
Guitar Player (uncredited)
1939
Saga of Death Valley as
Guitar Player (uncredited)
Soundtrack
2022
Dahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story (TV Mini Series) (performer - 1 episode)
- The Good Boy Box (2022) - (performer: "Away In A Manger" - uncredited)
2021
Hawkeye (TV Mini Series) (performer - 1 episode)
- Partners, Am I Right? (2021) - (performer: "Away in a Manger")
2021
Clean (performer: "Away in the Manger")
2020
The Wolf of Snow Hollow (performer: "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear")
Tales of the Wild West (TV Series) (performer - 1 episode)
- Gunfight at Osage Station (2017) - (performer: "Along the Santa Fe Trail")
2017
Ingrid Goes West (performer: "My Heart Cries for You")
2016
Grace and Frankie (TV Series) (performer - 1 episode)
- The Party (2016) - (performer: "I Love You a Bushel and a Peck")
2007
American Masters (TV Series documentary) (performer - 1 episode)
- Les Paul: Chasing Sound (2007) - (performer: "You Are My Sunshine")
2005
Shadowboxer (writer: "I Want To Ride That Glory Train")
1998
Clay Pigeons (performer: "Moon Over Montana") / (writer: "Moon Over Montana")
1996
Mars Attacks! (writer: "I'm Casting My Lasso Towards The Sky")
1959
Country Style, U.S.A. (TV Series short) (writer - 1 episode)
- Episode #3.4 (1959) - (writer: "I'll Never Let You Go")
1957
Ranch Party (TV Series) (performer - 2 episodes)
- Episode #1.21 (1958) - (performer: "Life of the Party")
- Episode #1.1 (1957) - (performer: "Take Me Back to My Boots and Saddle" (introduced as Boots and Saddles), "You Are My Sunshine")
1958
Money, Women and Guns (performer: "Lonely Is The Hunter") / (writer: "Lonely Is The Hunter")
1957
Slim Carter (writer: "Cowboy", "Ride Cowboy, Ride")
1956
The Steve Allen Plymouth Show (TV Series) (performer - 1 episode)
- Tony Bennett, Doretta Morrow, Mel Torme, Frances Faye, Guy Madison, Kathryn & Arthur Murray (1956) - (performer: "His Name Was Dean")
1956
A Day of Fury (writer: "Vote for Emily Morgan" - uncredited)
1955
The Silver Star (performer: "The Silver Star") / (writer: "The Silver Star")
1954
Dawn at Socorro (writer: "Vote for Emily Morgan" - uncredited)
1954
Arrow in the Dust ("THE WEARY STRANGER")
1954
Jimmy Wakely's Jamboree (Short) (performer: "Cattle Call", "Cimarron", "I've Had My Share of Sorrow")
1953
The Marshal's Daughter (writer: "My Heart Has Room For You")
1950
Twilight in the Sierras (writer: "Rootin' Tootin' Cowboy")
1949
Lawless Code (performer: "I'll Be A Cowboy 'Till I Die", "Home On The Range")
1949
Brand of Fear (performer: "Rainbow Over the Range", "Cool Water", "I Don't Care")
1949
Across the Rio Grande (performer: "Across the Rio Grande", "I'm Lonely and Nobody Cares") / (writer: "Across the Rio Grande", "I'm Lonely and Nobody Cares")
1949
Desert Vigilante (writer: "I'll Never Let You Go, Little Darlin'")
1949
Gun Law Justice (performer: "Rose Of Old Santa Fe", "I Have Looked the Whole World Over") / (writer: "I Have Looked the Whole World Over")
1949
Gun Runner (performer: "Paradise Trail", "Gonna Build A Little Home In Oklahoma")
1948
Courtin' Trouble (performer: "Moon Over Montana", "A New Thrill From An Old Flame") / (writer: "Moon Over Montana")
1948
Silver Trails (performer: "Silver Trails", "Serenade", "For the Sake of Days Gone By") / (writer: "Silver Trails", "Serenade")
1948
Cowboy Cavalier (performer: "Mine, All Mine", "That Old White Mule of Mine", "Night After Night" - uncredited) / (writer: "Night After Night" - uncredited)
1948
Range Renegades (performer: "Easy To Please", "Arizona Sunset", "Hifalutin' Cowboy", "I'm An Old Cowpoke Just A-pokin' Along") / (writer: "Hifalutin' Cowboy")
1948
Partners of the Sunset (performer: "It's a Beautiful Day", "Your Bouquet of Roses", "Telling My Troubles To My Old Guitar", "Press Along To the Home Corral") / (writer: "It's a Beautiful Day", "Your Bouquet of Roses")
1948
The Rangers Ride (performer: "The Yodeling Ranger", "Are You Ashamed to Call Me Darlin?", "Casting My Lasso to the Sky") / (writer: "Are You Ashamed to Call Me Darlin?", "Casting My Lasso to the Sky")
1948
Oklahoma Blues (performer: "Oklahoma Blues", "Judy", "On the Strings of My Lonesome Guitar") / (writer: "Oklahoma Blues", "On the Strings of My Lonesome Guitar")
1948
Song of the Drifter (performer: "I'll Hold You In My Heart", "It's Been So Long, Darling", "Gonna Go Fishing (By the Riverside)") / (writer: "Gonna Go Fishing (By the Riverside)")
1947
Ridin' Down the Trail (performer: "I'm Out to See Texas", "Ridin' Down the Trail With You", "Cowtown, U.S. A") / (writer: "I'm Out to See Texas", "Ridin' Down the Trail With You", "Cowtown, U.S. A")
1947
Song of the Wasteland (performer: "Bury Me Not on the Lone Prairie", "Cimarron", "Hi Lo, Hi O", "I Hear You Talking", "Somebody's Rose") / (writer: "I Hear You Talking", "Somebody's Rose")
1947
Six-Gun Serenade (performer: "You Are Always On My Mind", "Blue, Blue Eyes", "Headin' Up the Santa Fe Trail")
1947
Rainbow Over the Rockies (performer: "Lonesome Trail", "A Song To Remember You By", "Rainbow Over the Rockies", "Git Along Little Dogies (Whoopie Ti Yi Yo)", "Cowboy's Dream") / (writer: "Lonesome Trail", "Rainbow Over the Rockies")
1947
Last Frontier Uprising (writer: "You're the Sweetest Rose in Texas")
1946
Song of the Sierras (performer: "Detour", "Song of the Sierras", "Texas Tornado") / (writer: "Song of the Sierras", "Texas Tornado")
1946
Rustler's Round-Up (writer: "Vote For Cal Dixon")
1946
Trail to Mexico (performer: "Trail To Mexico", "Little Rose of the Rancho")
1946
Moon Over Montana (writer: "Rose of the Prairie", "Moon Over Montana")
1945
Lonesome Trail (performer: "Lonesome Trail", "Goodbye, Good Luck My Darling", "Too Bad, Little Girl, Too Bad" - uncredited) / (writer: "Strings of My Lonesome Guitar" - uncredited)
1945
Riders of the Dawn (performer: "Shame on You", "Tomorrow Never Comes", "I'll Never Let You Go Little Darling", "Sleep, Baby, Sleep", "Saddle Pals") / (writer: "I'll Never Let You Go Little Darling")
1945
Saddle Serenade (performer: "Cool Water", "Stay Away From My Door", "Saddle Serenade", "I've Got Nuggets In My Pocket", "Saddle Pals") / (writer: "Stay Away From My Door", "Saddle Serenade", "Saddle Pals")
1945
Springtime in Texas (performer: "Saddle Pals", "You're the Sweetest Rose in Texas", "Good Bye, Good Bye")
1944
Song of the Range (performer: "Saddle Pals", "Keep Rolling On", "When the Sunset Bids the Desert Goodnight", "Too Bad, Little Girl, Too Bad", "Good Morning Mr. Sunshine", "Goodbye, Old Pal") / (writer: "Saddle Pals")
1944
I'm from Arkansas (performer: "You Are My Sunshine", "Don't Turn Me Down Little Darlin'", "Whistlin' Down the Lane With You") / (writer: "Whistlin' Down the Lane With You", "If You Can't Go Right, Don't Go Wrong")
1944
Riders of the Santa Fe (lyrics: "Little Sweetheart of the Rio Grande")
1944
Trigger Trail (writer: "Trail Dreamin'")
1944
Cowboy Canteen (writer: "Walking Down the Lane With You" - uncredited)
1943
Rhythm Serenade (writer: "Bye and Bye" - uncredited)
1943
The Lone Star Trail (writer: "I Gotta See Texas Just Once More")
1943
Raiders of San Joaquin (writer: "A Carefree Cowboy")
1943
Cheyenne Roundup (writer: "Ain't Got Nothin' and Nothin' Worries Me")
1942
The Old Chisholm Trail (writer: "Little Sweetheart of the Rio Grande")
1942
Little Joe, the Wrangler (writer: "I'll Saddle My Pony")
1942
Deep in the Heart of Texas (writer: "Out On The Lone Star Trail")
1942
Boss of Hangtown Mesa (writer: "Ain't Got Nothin'" (uncredited), "Trail Dream" (uncredited), "Nothin' Worries Me")
1942
The Silver Bullet (writer: "My Gal, She Works In A Laundry", "Sweetheart of the Rio Grande", "Vote For Emily Morgan")
1942
Stardust on the Sage (lyrics: "I'll Never Let You Go, Little Darlin'" (1943?) - uncredited) / (music: "I'll Never Let You Go, Little Darlin'" (1943?) - uncredited)
1941
Six Lessons from Madame La Zonga (lyrics: "Rootin' Tootin' Cowboy") / (music: "Rootin' Tootin' Cowboy") / (performer: "Rootin' Tootin' Cowboy")
1940
Give Us Wings (performer: "Happy Jubilee", "On a Blue Ridge Mountain Trail" - uncredited)
Self
1963
The Lawrence Welk Show (TV Series) as
Self / Self - guest star
- Guest: Jimmy Wakley (1964) - Self
- Live Show - Guest Star: Jimmy Wakely (1964) - Self - guest star
- Guest Star: Jimmy Wakley (1964) - Self - guest star
- Country & Western Show - Guest: Jimmy Wakley (1964) - Self
- Easter Show - Guest: Jimmy Wakley (1964) - Self - guest star
- Country Jamboree - Guest: Jimmy Wakely (1963) - Self
1961
Here's Hollywood (TV Series) as
Self
- Episode #1.222 (1961) - Self
- Episode #1.221 (1961) - Self
1961
Five Star Jubilee (TV Series) as
Self
- Episode dated 12 May 1961 (1961) - Self
1957
Ranch Party (TV Series) as
Self - Singer
- Episode #1.21 (1958) - Self - Singer
- Episode #1.1 (1957) - Self - Singer
1954
Jimmy Wakely's Jamboree (Short) as
Self
1953
Your Chevrolet Showroom (TV Series) as
Self
- Episode #1.3 (1953) - Self
1953
The Arthur Murray Party (TV Series) as
Self - Singing Cowboy
- Episode #4.22 (1953) - Self - Singing Cowboy
- Episode #4.20 (1953) - Self - Singing Cowboy
1951
The Milton Berle Show (TV Series) as
Self - Singer
- Episode #3.32 (1951) - Self - Singer
1951
The Ed Sullivan Show (TV Series) as
Self
- Episode #4.19 (1951) - Self
1950
The Bob Hope Show (TV Series) as
Self
- The first overseas tour show - guest stars: Marilyn Maxwell, Jimmy Wakely, Judy Kelly (1950) - Self
1950
The Colgate Comedy Hour (TV Series) as
Self - Singer
- host: Bob Hope; guest stars: Jimmy Wakely, Marilyn Maxwell, The Taylor Maids, the High Hatters, Judy Kelly (1950) - Self - Singer
1950
The Ken Murray Show (TV Series) as
Self
- Robert Sterling/Bonita Granville/Jimmy Wakely (1950) - Self
- Raymond Massey/Jimmy Wakely (1950) - Self
Archive Footage
1992
Action Heroes of the Wild West (Video documentary) as
Self
1984
Cowboys of the Saturday Matinee (Video documentary) as