Sons of the Pioneers

The Sons of the Pioneers produce the sound that most people think of when they think of cowboy music. The group was founded in 1932 by Leonard Slye (Roy Rogers), Bob Nolan and Tim Spencer, who worked long hours to perfect their tight harmony yodeling.



The group carried many names at the beginning. "The Rocky Mountaineers", "The International Cowboys", and "The Pioneer Trio" to name a few. During a radio show in 1934, the announcer called them "The Sons of the Pioneers", telling them later that they were too young to be the actual pioneers, but they could be their sons!



Like many bands, the group gained and lost members (Leonard Slye left to become Roy Rogers in 1937). Later members included Ken Carson, Tommy Doss, Hugh Farr and his brother Karl Farr. Pat Brady (Roy Rogers' TV sidekick on the "Roy Rogers' Show") and the actor Ken Curtis (Festus on the TV show "Gunsmoke") also served as Sons of the Pioneers.



When Roy Rogers moved to the silver screen, he took the Sons of the Pioneers with him. They served as his backup singers and for other cowboy actors, such as Charles Starrett, as well. Even after Roy Rogers left the group to make movies, he did return to make studio recordings with the band.



The group still performs today. Its long history and fine pedigree of singers makes it the biggest cowboy band in the history of the movies.