Texas Matters: Gene Autry — The New Deal cowboy crooner
Texas Matters: Gene Autry — The New Deal cowboy crooner  
Podcast: Texas Matters
Published On: Fri Aug 15 2025
Description: The first singing cowboy of the movies—Gene Autry —was one of America’s most popular stars. As the Texas native sang "Back in the Saddle Again" he was also promoting ideas that supported the New Deal and friendly relations with Mexico. His messages rang true with his fans during the Great Depression. On this episode, we unpack the ways this western folk hero, Gene Autry, used his talents to support a positive pro-America agenda.