Born 115 Years Ago Today in Ohio, the “King of the Cowboys” Who Became the Only Person Inducted Into the Country Music Hall of Fame Twice

Leonard Slye, later known as Roy Rogers, was born in Cincinnati on 5 November 1911 and became a celebrated singing cowboy, country performer and Hollywood star. He remains the only person inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame twice, recognised first as a member of the Sons of the Pioneers and later as a solo artist.

After moving with his family to Los Angeles during the Great Depression, Slye worked driving a gravel truck and picking fruit before pursuing music. The Sons of the Pioneers had a pop hit with “Tumbling Tumbleweeds” in 1934, and Rogers began starring in films under his new name in 1938 after Republic Pictures sought a replacement for Gene Autry. He went on to star in dozens of films and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1980 and 1988.