Gene Autry was an American singer, songwriter, actor, musician, and rodeo performer. He was one of the most popular and financially successful singers of the 20th century, and is best known for his singing cowboy roles in films and on radio and television. Autry was also the owner of a television station, several radio stations in Southern California, and the Los Angeles/California/Anaheim Angels Major League Baseball team from 1961 to 1997.