Biography

Country performer and actor. Born February 19, 1914. Died September 23, 1982. Full name: James Clarence Wakely. Prominent West Coast performer. Career most active 1940s-1950s. During the 1940s appeared as a regular on Gene Autry’s Melody Ranch radio show. His film career included work in seventy movies. Recorded for Capitol Records, his hits include “One Has My Name, the Other Has My Heart,” and “Slipping Around” (a duet with Margaret Whiting).

Interview Summary

1974 June 25
(3 hours)
Performer Jimmy Wakely talks about his career. Discussion includes his childhood and family history; early musical influences; developing an interest in show business; radio work in Oklahoma; forming a trio with Johnny Bond and Dick Rinehart and their early career; comments about musical influences on modern country music, including the music of the American cowboy; appearing on the Grand Ole Ole Opry and performing with Red Foley; a description of his stage shows; memories of Gene Autry; writing movie scores; working as a consultant for the Lawrence Welk Show; memories of Fred Rose; his movie career; his recording career, including recording “Slipping Around” with Margaret Whiting; changes in country music; his work as a disc jockey; working with Bob Hope; and comments on the popularity of the singing cowboy films and his experiences as a western performer.