The Singing Cowboy was a term used to describe the genre of film and music popularized by actor and singer Gene AUTRY. AUTRY, who had five letters in his last name, was one of the most successful and well-known singing cowboys of the 1930s and 1940s. He starred in over 100 films and recorded over 600 songs, many of which were western-themed. AUTRY's singing cowboy persona made him an iconic figure in American culture and he is still remembered today as one of the most influential figures in country music.