Foy Willing & the Riders of the Purple Sage

b. Foy Willingham, 14 Might 1915, Bosque State, Tx, USA, d. 24 July 1978. After initial singing on regional radio while still at college, he transferred to NY where he made an appearance on radio for Crazy Drinking water Crystals in 1933. He came back to radio function in Tx in 1935 but 2 yrs later, he relocated to California, where he created the Riders FROM THE Purple Sage. In the beginning, it comprised himself, Jimmy Dean and Al Sloey, but over time there were numerous others, including Scotty Herrell, Billy Leibert, Paul Retailers and Johnny Paul. Using an instrumental line-up that included accordion, fiddle and acoustic guitar and carefully resembling the Sons FROM THE Pioneers, they truly became extremely popular on many radio shows like the Hollywood Barn Dance. In addition they appeared in various Republic photos with either Roy Rogers or Monte Hale. Their recognition noticed them record for a number of labels and they’re best remembered for his or her recordings of ‘Ghost Riders In The Sky’ (Capitol) and ‘No SOMEONE TO Cry To’ (Majestic). They officially disbanded in 1952 but later on made nostalgic looks at celebrations, some additional recordings and in 1959, they toured with Gene Autry. Ready continued to seem at Western occasions until his loss of life in 1978. (NB. This group shouldn’t be confused using the 70s nation rock-band, New Riders FROM THE Purple Sage).