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The Cowboy and the Senorita: The Biography of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans
- Roy’s Real Name Was Leonard Franklin Slye
Before Hollywood, Roy was a shoe factory worker from Ohio. He even drove a bread truck before heading west to try his luck in music.
- Dale Evans Wrote “Happy Trails” in a Single Afternoon
The iconic song that closed The Roy Rogers Show was written by Dale on the back of an envelope in about twenty minutes—just before they were set to record the episode.
- They First Met on a Movie Set—But Didn’t Hit It Off Immediately
Roy and Dale met while filming Cowboy and the Senorita (1944). Though their chemistry was clear on screen, Dale was initially cautious of Roy’s fame and fan attention.
- Roy Was a Founding Member of the Sons of the Pioneers
Before his solo stardom, Roy helped form this legendary Western singing group. Their harmonies on songs like Tumbling Tumbleweeds and Cool Water set the standard for cowboy music.
- Dale Was a Radio Star Before Hollywood
She hosted her own radio program in the 1930s, The Dale Evans Show, which helped her transition to film at Republic Pictures—where she eventually met Roy.
- Their Daughter Robin Inspired a Groundbreaking Book
Robin, born with Down syndrome, lived only two years, but inspired Dale’s deeply moving book Angel Unaware (1953). It changed public perception about children with disabilities and sold over a million copies.
- Roy Was a Licensed Pilot
He earned his pilot’s license in the 1940s and often flew himself and Dale between personal appearances, rodeos, and film locations.
- Trigger Had His Own Hollywood Contract
Roy’s famous golden palomino, Trigger, had a contract that included his own stand-in horse for stunts and even a dressing room on set.
- They Adopted Five Children Together
Beyond their biological children, Roy and Dale adopted five more, including children from different countries—long before international adoption was common in America.
- They Were Early Television Pioneers
The Roy Rogers Show was among the first Western series broadcast in color. Roy insisted on shooting in color even when most homes still had black-and-white TVs—he wanted the Western landscapes to shine.
Cowboy and Senorita 3
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