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Roy Rogers, Singing Cowboy of 1940s and 1950s Hollywood. Known for his affable characterizations and, both on and off screen, “traditional values” stance, the King of the Cowboys – step aside, John Wayne & Gene Autry – toplined the “subversive” 1938 musical Western Under Western Stars. Sound bites: Remembering Roy Rogers & 'subversive' singing cowboy movie 'Under Western Stars' It is a typically hot day in Palm Springs on May 5, 2001, as I sit outside the Palm Springs Museum at the invitation of Roy Rogers' oldest daughter, Cheryl, while a star in his remembrance is placed on the sidewalk in front of the building. I am seated next to Ruth Terry, a lady with whom I am totally unfamiliar, but who, it transpires, was a leading lady to both Roy Rogers and Gene Autry. As we talk, it is obvious that she is also a very sensible and charming lady. I express my vote for Roy Rogers over Gene Autry, and...

Yodelling country singer best known for Rose Marie and Indian Love Call

The singer Slim Whitman, who has died aged 90, was a noteworthy figure in country music, since, although he was hugely popular outside the Us, for most of his career he was almost forgotten in his own country. In the 1970s, two decades after his American heyday, he still commanded enough of a following in the UK to be voted the No 1 international star in a music poll – four times.

Much of the reason for his success outside the Us was his high, clear, strong singing and almost operatic yodelling, characteristics that several generations in Britain, Australia and South Africa have assimilated into their notions and fantasies of the old west of America. One of Whitman's chief models was Wilf Carter, a Nova Scotian yodeller and singer of cowboy songs who was popular throughout north America in the 30s...

Every year, the Library of Congress chooses 25 sound recordings to preserve in its National Recording Registry. This year's batch is a diverse group of America's best and brightest, including the song that best represents America's favorite pastime: baseball. Yes, "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" by Edward Meeker (not Billy Corgan's version) is now in the Library of Congress. Other additions include "Tumbling Tumbleweeds," by Roy Rogers, Tim Spencer and Bob Nolan a.k.a. The Sons of the Pioneers, Al Green's "Let's Stay Together," Henry Mancini's "The Music From 'Peter Gunn'", "Stand by Your Man" by Tammy Wynette, Captain Beefheart and His Magic Band's "Trout Mask Replica," and Steely Dan's 1977 album "Aja". Guess the library needed to fill their jazz flute quota. The registry also included some less musical recordings including the songs of humpback whales and the Gopac Strategy and Instructional Tapes...