The Little-Known Story of Roy Rogers

When it comes to Western music, very few people have influenced Americans as much as Roy Rogers. The “King of the Cowboys” performed in numerous films during the ’40s and ’50s. We take a look at the life of an icon through these vintage photos.

Originally named Leonard Slye, he was born to Andrew “Andy” Slye and Mattie Slye née Womack on November 5, 1911, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Soon after Rogers’ birth, the family decided to make some changes in their lives which set Rogers’ journey in motion as well.

Soon after Rogers’ birth, the Slye family decided to seek out their fortune in greener pastures, away from the city life. In 1912, Andrew Slye and his brother Will built a 12 by 50 ft houseboat out of salvaged lumber and decided to sail their way up the Ohio River to Portsmouth, Ohio. The family purchased a plot of land in Portsmouth where they intended to build a house, but the Great Flood of 1913 forced them to live in the houseboat for a few more years. This is where Roy Rogers spent the earlier part of his childhood.

A few years after moving to Portsmouth, the Slye family relocated again in 1919, this time to Duck Run, a farm outside Lucasville, Ohio. Roy’s father, Andrew Slye took a job in a shoe factory in Portsmouth, only coming home on weekends and bringing gifts along. One of the notable gifts was a horse, on which Roy Rogers learned the basics of horsemanship. He had always possessed a love for horses, and this gift from his father was what set him up to be a true western star.

Roy Rogers’ rise to fame was no accident. Although it came much later in life, he was already popular in his neighborhood due to his extraordinary talents. Since the location of the farm was in a rural area, the sources of entertainment were limited – with no radio to listen to. The Slye family would often invite neighbors for square dances, during which Rogers would sing, play the mandolin and call the dances. He also learned to yodel during this time. These early performances helped him discover his passion for entertainment, which he soon followed.