[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 82 (Wednesday, June 3, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1304]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        A TRIBUTE TO MONTE HALE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 3, 2009

  Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and 
accomplishments of the popular Singing Cowboy and actor, Monte Hale, 
who passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2009, at the age of 89. His career 
as an entertainer spanned over 60 years in the industry making Westerns 
and singing country tunes.
  Born Samuel Buren Ely in Ada, Oklahoma, Monte moving to San Angelo, 
Texas at an early age. He bought his first guitar for $8.50 at the age 
of thirteen and launched his musical career performing at various clubs 
around the State. It was during his performance at a War Bond Rally 
that Phillip Isley discovered him and soon the handsome, talented young 
man was headed to Hollywood for a screen test. He hitchhiked all the 
way, stopping at a gasoline station around the corner from the studio, 
just long enough to wash his face and comb his hair before making his 
appearance.
  Monte's screen test was so impressive that he was immediately signed 
to star in ``The Big Bonanza'' with Richard Arlen. Shortly after he was 
signed to a 7-year contract with Republic where he was groomed up with 
films starring Wild Bill Elliott, Sunset Carson, and such fare as 
``Steppin in Society'' (1945) with Everett Horton.
  Around this time the executives at Republic were looking for someone 
to test a new color film and they decided to team Monte with Adrian 
Booth in the Magnicolor ``Home On The Range'' (1946), thus making Monte 
Hale Republic's first western star in a color series. Monte went on to 
star in 19 of his own films.
  Monte was tall and handsome and possessed an excellent voice. With 
this in mind, Republic put his voice and his songwriting talents to 
work in the westerns. Not considered true musical westerns like those 
of Gene Autry and Roy Rogers, Monte's films were mainly dramas in which 
he stopped to sing a song now and then. He became one of Republic's 
most popular and respected singing cowboys.
  Hale made a significant splash in the international comic book market 
of the era. Six Monte Hale series of the dime picture books were 
published in 27 languages and over two million copies per month were 
sold.
  After his departure from Republic, Monte went on to do guest starring 
roles on such TV series as ``Gunsmoke,'' ``Wild Bill Hickock,'' and 
``Circus Boy.'' He was a member of the panel on ``Juke Box Jury'' and 
appeared on the ``Western Star Theatre'' radio program. In addition he 
continued his work in films, most notably as Rock Hudson's attorney in 
``Giant'' (1956) and in ``Chase'' (1966) with Marlon Brando.
  Off the screen, his most lasting contribution was helping to 
establish the Autry museum. Monte and his wife Joanne were co-founders 
of the Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum and served as members of the 
board of directors and have since the inception of the museum which is 
now part of the Autry National Center as the Museum of the American 
West.
  Hale made other contributions to the museum after its 1988 opening by 
greeting guests and enabling them to chat with a real, live singing 
cowboy. He also started encouraging fellow cowboy stars to contribute 
their signature memorabilia for permanent display in the museum's movie 
gallery.
  He donated his own white hat, guns, gun belt and other prized 
treasures--then rounded up more contributions, including Chuck Connors' 
shirt from ``The Rifleman'' TV series, Buffalo Bill's saddle and a Lone 
Ranger outfit. A permanent exhibit dedicated to Monte Hale's career is 
located in the Museum of the American West's Spirit of Imagination 
Gallery. In 2004, Monte was honored with a Star on the Hollywood Walk 
of Fame for Motion Pictures. His work for the Autry National Center of 
the American West and his legacy as an entertainer will not be 
forgotten.

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