Estelita Rodriguez, Roy Rogers, Pat Brady, Dale Evens
Signed by Roy and Dale
When Andy Slye was told of a shoe factory hiring in Los Angeles and asked his son Leonard (the future Roy Rogers) to join him in applying there for work, Leonard, having seen the joy that his guitar and singing had brought to the destitute around the campfire, hesitatingly told his father that he was going to pursue a living in music. And the rest, as they say is history!
Leonard moved to California to become a singer. After four years of little success, he formed the Sons of the Pioneers with Bob Nolan and Tim Spencer. A lucky break occurred in 1938, when Gene Autry temporarily walked out on his movie contract, and Leonard was suddenly renamed "Roy Rogers" and assigned the lead in Under Western Stars.
Roy first met Dale in 1944, and by 1947 they were married at the Flying L Ranch in Davis, Oklahoma.
With money from not only his films, but from his public appearances going to Republic Pictures, Roy brought a clause into a 1940 contract with the studio where he would have the right to his likeness, voice and name for merchandising. There were Roy Rogers action figures, guns and play sets,
This, of course led to the Popular Saturday afternoon TV series, The Roy Rogers Show.
Roy and Dale were well known as advocates for adoption and as founders and operators of children's charities. They, themselves adopted several children. In Apple Valley, where they made their home, numerous streets and highways, as well as civic buildings have been named after them in recognition of their efforts on behalf of homeless and handicapped children.
Roy left us in July 8, 1998, and Dale followed, less than three years later, on February 7, 2001. Thanks Roy and Dale! You will be missed. It is so good that the movies live on!
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