Singing Cowboy: Born in Georgia in 1901, Ray Whitley’s main claim to fame was that he wrote the original version of the song “Back in the Saddle Again” which became Gene Autry’s theme song. Gene Autry “rewrote” the song, so he is listed on the sheet-music as co-writer.
Whitley had a singing group, the Six Bar Cowboys who were signed by RKO in 1937, and he made approximately 24 of the 15-minute musical shorts.
He also made several pictures with George O’Brien and Tim Holt, but in spite of his talent and good looks, he never made it above just playing supporting roles.