Rex Allen Voice Of The West

Rex Allen

Knock Knock Rattle

World famous Western star Rex Elvie Allen was born in Willcox on December 31, 1920, and learned to ride a horse almost before he learned to walk. His early days were on the family ranch 40 miles from town, then at age five the family moved into town after his older brother died from a snake bite.  His father, who played fiddle, bought Allen a small mail-order guitar so the two could play together at local dances. Later known as 'the Arizona Cowboy,' his talent, warmth and friendliness made him a perennial favorite with country music fans everywhere.

After several false starts, his radio career really started nationally in 1945 on Chicago radio station WLS' 'National Barn Dance.' Allen also started recording in that same year, first with Mercury Records and later moving to Decca, Buena Vista and other labels. In the early 1960s he resigned with Mercury and had another hit with Don't Go Near The Indians. In 1950, he made his first motion picture, 'The Arizona Cowboy,' and would star in 18 more in the next few years. He also had his own successful 1960s television series, 'Frontier Doctor.' Younger generations will recognize Allen's unmistakable voice as the narrator of many Walt Disney movies and commercial voiceovers.

Allen died on Dec. 17, 1999, at age 78 and at his request his ashes were spread at the same small park in Willcox where his horse Koko is buried. This Allen sleeper track, Knock Knock Rattle, was recorded in Nashville and came out on Decca in 1956 and has been a favorite for years. It apparently was the only time that Allen decided to cross over the line from country to Rock 'n' Roll. Great job, Rex! Rrrrooof!

Various Rockin' And Boppin' In The Desert Vol.2

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