Very few know that America's "Singing Cowboy" began his career as the writer & performer of authentic white country blues. While working as a telegrapher for the St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad (the Frisco Line), he used a railroad pass to travel to New York in 1929, hoping to follow his dream of competing with the top pop singers of the day. Instead, on the advice of Frankie and Johnny Marvin and legendary producer Arthur Satherley, Autry used his talent to emulate Jimmie Rodgers, which he did expertly. As he recorded more, he developed his own style. Bear Family brings together 225 songs on 9cds, all of the surviving recordings from 1929-1933 for the first time ever. Most of these songs have never been on CD and many have not been available in any form since their original release 75 years ago, including more than 20 songs issued for the first time. The hardcover book has an essay by Packy Smith, a discography by Tony Russell and many rare pictures and illustrations.

Very Few Know that America's "Singing Cowboy" Began his Career as the Writer and Performer of Authentic White Country Blues. While Working as a Telegrapher for the St. Louis and San Francisco Railroad (The Frisco Line), He Used a Railroad Pass to Travel to New York in 1929, Hoping to Follow his Dream of Competing with the Top Pop Singers of the Day. Instead, on the Advice of Frankie and Johnny Marvin and Legendary Producer Arthur Satherley, Autry Used his Talent to Emulate Jimmie Rodgers, which He Did Expertly. As He Recorded More, He Developed his Own Style. Bear Family Brings Together 225 Songs on 9cds, all of the Surviving Recordings from 1929-1933 for the First Time Ever. Most of These Songs have Never Been on CD and Many have Not Been Available in Any Form Since their Original Release 75 Years Ago, Including More Than 20 Songs Issued for the First Time. The Hardcover Book Has an Essay by Packy Smith, a Discography by Tony Russell and Many Rare Pictures and Illustrations.