"Festus"

[EssOne]

How many of my fellow geezers out there remember Matt Dillon's sidekick "Festus' from the Gunsmoke TV series? Well, did you know that "Festus" was an accomplished singer? Yep. His real name was Ken Curtis and he was one of the early (1949 - 53) members of the Sons of the Pioneers, Roy Rogers old alma mater.

Mr. Curtis recorded this number at a live performance in Germany in 1986, when he was 70 years old. Even in old age his really beautiful voice was still with him. Take a look.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWR6FLnPack

EssOne

[DWARREN123]

Always a bit player but he did it so well. Very good voice.

[TNWNGR]

Interesting. I recall reading something about him being a singer but didn't know he was a member of the Sons of the Pioneers.

[EssOne]

Yes he sure was. He even replaced Frank Sinatra in Tommy Dorsey's band for a time in 1941.

[hipower]

Yep, I knew that. I even have the Sons of the Pioneers albums(yeah, I'm that old). Hadn't thought about them/him for a long time.

 

Thanks for bringing it back for me.

 

PS Just spent some time watching and listening to the vids from the link. Great!

Edited July 4, 2015 by hipower

[Oh Shoot]

Hey, Matt Dillon's first sidekick sang a little too. (not nearly as well though):

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HiuPtMZvMo

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yalAKdO0rMs

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUtZu6uwdxc

 

 

- OS

Edited July 5, 2015 by Oh Shoot

[Mike.357]

Ken Curtis was in John Ford's classic The Searchers. (my fav western) Curtis's role as Charlie McCorry had him acting, playing and singing in it.  Fighting too.

[EssOne]

Ken Curtis was in John Ford's classic The Searchers. (my fav western) Curtis's role as Charlie McCorry had him acting, playing and singing in it.  Fighting too.

 

Yes, he was married to John Ford's daughter at the time.

[Spiffy]

I love the times you can find him playing the bad guy all slicked up.

[K191145]

My all time favorite western personality, Festus Haggen.

 

Here's one of his first appearances as Festus on Gunsmoke.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JC--jr4CoLk

 

Here's his 1st Appearance as Festus.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQoq6K0IG_A

Edited July 7, 2015 by K191145