Expert: Mel Priddle - 6/24/2008

Question
QUESTION: how many movies did john wayne make as singing sandy?

ANSWER: Hello Mark,

John Wayne appeared as Singin' Sandy Saunders in just one film, "Riders Of Destiny" in 1933. His singing voice was provided by Bill Bradbury and Smith Bellew for the two songs in the film.

Although he did not actually sing himself in this film, he does have a dubious claim to having been the first of the "singing cowboys", pre-dating Tex Ritter, Gene Autry, Roy Rogers and all the others.

Glad to be of help. Cheers.........Mel.




---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you Mel, I thought I had read where he had made three movies as Singing Sandy, but I thank you for the correct response.

Answer
You're most welcome, Mark.

Just as a footnote, I believe Monogram Studios had planned on more "Singin' Sandy" films, but Wayne became embarrassed when, at personal appearances after "Riders Of Destiny", the fans would ask him to sing. He protested to the studio and, apart from a little warbling in "The Man From Utah" and "Westward Ho", that was the end of his singing career. Shortly after that, Monogram hired hillbilly singer Gene Autry and promoted him as a singing cowboy, with very profitable results.

Cheers.......Mel.