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Happy Trails: The Story of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans
Happy Trails is not just another Hollywood nostalgia book, although it abounds with anecdotes from two show business 's most successful careers. It is not a sermon, although it carries a strong Christian witness. Happy Trails is the deeply personal story of a man and woman whose off-screen lives have been every bit as exciting and interesting as those they portrayed on movies, radio and television---a couple who has supplied three generations with examples of talent, integrity, and faith.
213 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1979
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96 people want to read
About the author
Roy Rogers
60 books9 followersRoy Rogers was a cowboy actor and singer. he was more commonly known as "The King of the Cowboys". His wife Dale Evans (The Queen of the West) also acted in western movies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 9, 2019
Well, the writing isn't brilliant but the story is interesting. The book is constructed using a format whereby Roy provides a chapter about his life's journey, Dale provides a chapter detailing her background, and then the co-authors Jane and Michael Stern chip in with a chapter on the Roy Rogers/ Dale Evans team. It's a good approach and very effective in a situation like this where both people involved can lay claim to at least some celebrity status before they met.
I've always liked Roy Rogers, in spite of the fact that he was a phoney,or at least portrayed a phoney. Even as I enjoyed his movies and television shows I knew that real stockmen didn't dash about in fringed shirts while sporting fancy boots with jinglebob spurs and fist-fighting four bad guys at once. I still watched, partly because it was the only show in town and partly because Roy exuded a good guy aura that caused you to believe that maybe assholes won't win in the end, after all!
I was pleased to find that the good guy in Rogers (born Leonard Slye) was not phoney. He started from nothing and had hungry years during the depression, touring with a band and sometimes playing for a sandwich. It took him a long time to work his way into film, but his ability as a singer and yodeler eventually turned the trick for him Dale was an actress who had appeared in a couple of flops and whose career was in a downward spiral when she was introduced to Roy, whose star was in ascendance.
Together, they made a great team in spite of the fact that superstardom did not shield them from tragedy, and together they endured the loss of three of their children in separate accidents/illnesses. They never forgot that it was their fans who were their bread and butter, and Roy in particular was keen on answering fan mail personally and in meeting members of the public. Even after they were wealthy they didn't hide away from their fans and, surprisingly, took it in stride when descending the stairs one morning to find a family of yokels in their living room wanting to meet the King of the Cowboys. Burly men were known to break down in tears at meeting Roy, just like teenyboppers at a Beatles concert.
I can see where some folks will get the vapours on reading this. Roy was a hunter and liked to eat meat, so get out the smelling salts. He doesn't dwell on it much more than saying that he likes to hunt and had hunting dogs, but even that will be too much for some folks (trust me on that). And, horror of horrors, both Roy and Dale were perfectly willing to give an erring child a whap on the backside if behaviour got out of line. On the one hand, it's not in line with what some folks preach today, but on the other hand I never hear anything about the Rogers kids being in rehab or penitentiaries.
I did have some reservations about this one...I do think some of the past was glossed over. I know both Roy and Dale were married multiple times before they met; some of these unions are mentioned and others not, and I'm not sure that I understand why. If someone hides something, the reader wonders what else is being concealed, or at least this reader does. And Dale could tone down the whole Christian thing. When a girl just into puberty runs off with a guy and later tries to come across as being someone who can fill a berth with the Holy Ghost through power of prayer, it's going to cause some heads to shake. I have nothing against Christianity or any other religion but come on, just be a cowgirl already!
Even Dale couldn't spoil this for me. Recommended for all the '50's cowboys and cowgirls. Happy Trails!
I've always liked Roy Rogers, in spite of the fact that he was a phoney,or at least portrayed a phoney. Even as I enjoyed his movies and television shows I knew that real stockmen didn't dash about in fringed shirts while sporting fancy boots with jinglebob spurs and fist-fighting four bad guys at once. I still watched, partly because it was the only show in town and partly because Roy exuded a good guy aura that caused you to believe that maybe assholes won't win in the end, after all!
I was pleased to find that the good guy in Rogers (born Leonard Slye) was not phoney. He started from nothing and had hungry years during the depression, touring with a band and sometimes playing for a sandwich. It took him a long time to work his way into film, but his ability as a singer and yodeler eventually turned the trick for him Dale was an actress who had appeared in a couple of flops and whose career was in a downward spiral when she was introduced to Roy, whose star was in ascendance.
Together, they made a great team in spite of the fact that superstardom did not shield them from tragedy, and together they endured the loss of three of their children in separate accidents/illnesses. They never forgot that it was their fans who were their bread and butter, and Roy in particular was keen on answering fan mail personally and in meeting members of the public. Even after they were wealthy they didn't hide away from their fans and, surprisingly, took it in stride when descending the stairs one morning to find a family of yokels in their living room wanting to meet the King of the Cowboys. Burly men were known to break down in tears at meeting Roy, just like teenyboppers at a Beatles concert.
I can see where some folks will get the vapours on reading this. Roy was a hunter and liked to eat meat, so get out the smelling salts. He doesn't dwell on it much more than saying that he likes to hunt and had hunting dogs, but even that will be too much for some folks (trust me on that). And, horror of horrors, both Roy and Dale were perfectly willing to give an erring child a whap on the backside if behaviour got out of line. On the one hand, it's not in line with what some folks preach today, but on the other hand I never hear anything about the Rogers kids being in rehab or penitentiaries.
I did have some reservations about this one...I do think some of the past was glossed over. I know both Roy and Dale were married multiple times before they met; some of these unions are mentioned and others not, and I'm not sure that I understand why. If someone hides something, the reader wonders what else is being concealed, or at least this reader does. And Dale could tone down the whole Christian thing. When a girl just into puberty runs off with a guy and later tries to come across as being someone who can fill a berth with the Holy Ghost through power of prayer, it's going to cause some heads to shake. I have nothing against Christianity or any other religion but come on, just be a cowgirl already!
Even Dale couldn't spoil this for me. Recommended for all the '50's cowboys and cowgirls. Happy Trails!
January 2, 2020
Inspirational tales of how Roy and Dale came from hard scrabble beginnings to becoming enduring icons of the silver screen. Very optimistic, and a picture of the American Dream.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
March 2, 2012
Written by Roy and Dale themselves, with the help of Jane and Michael Stern, this is not just two the story of two remarkable people, though it is that. It is also a story of love, faith, and family. Roy and Dale were not just the King of the Cowboys and the Queen of the West, they were giving, caring people who never succumbed to the narcissism of Hollywood, but instead lived their life by a moral code that is nearly extinct in our "modern" society. They were unashamed Christians who loved their family, their associates and their fans. They gave of themselves constantly and willingly and always kept in mind the example they were setting for their millions of fans.
Be prepared to be moved to both laughter and tears by this story. We need more of these kinds of people, patriotic, moral, hardworking and admirable. Sadly, there are few and fewer of them every year.
Probably not a book you would enjoy if you are a secular liberal. You just wouldn't get it.
Be prepared to be moved to both laughter and tears by this story. We need more of these kinds of people, patriotic, moral, hardworking and admirable. Sadly, there are few and fewer of them every year.
Probably not a book you would enjoy if you are a secular liberal. You just wouldn't get it.
May 17, 2020
Wow. These two famous actors hid nothing in their book. They showed you what they went through and didn't try to cover it. You saw the trials before becoming Christians and the testing of faith afterwards. And all they did for their fans. And advice they offered. This book endeared me to them even more.
September 3, 2015
This iconic couple have now nearly faded completely out of memory, while in their heyday they were public favorites and even rated hero status -- right up there with Abe Lincoln and FDR.
I gained a great appreciation for both of them, especially Roy Rogers, as I read their life stories (shared in his, hers, and ours alternating chapters). It is good for someone like me who has grown up in comfort and privilege to see the price paid by the generation or two before me.
For instance, Roy's mother had polio (it was then called the "white Swelling") at the age of two and was crippled for life. She had to bend down and hold her weak leg tight around the knee for support. And yet she married and raised four children. Roy's father's brother was blind and yet he helped build a make-shift boat to transport him and Roy's family by river to carve out a life in Portsmouth, Ohio. Later the family was among the many to load all their belongings into their rickety vehicle and go to California. They found little work and much hardship there but the weather was better.
Dale Evans, who became Roy's wife, began life in Texas and became a mother herself at the tender age of 15.
Both Dale and Roy worked their way into stardom and that alone makes for a fascinating story of the studios of the day. However, as a couple they chose to adopt children and also chose to bring their own Downs Syndrome baby home rather than institutionalize her as was the practice of the day. Their story is truly inspirational. They took their roles as heroes to young people to heart and behaved both on and off set with their young enthusiasts in mind.
I gained a great appreciation for both of them, especially Roy Rogers, as I read their life stories (shared in his, hers, and ours alternating chapters). It is good for someone like me who has grown up in comfort and privilege to see the price paid by the generation or two before me.
For instance, Roy's mother had polio (it was then called the "white Swelling") at the age of two and was crippled for life. She had to bend down and hold her weak leg tight around the knee for support. And yet she married and raised four children. Roy's father's brother was blind and yet he helped build a make-shift boat to transport him and Roy's family by river to carve out a life in Portsmouth, Ohio. Later the family was among the many to load all their belongings into their rickety vehicle and go to California. They found little work and much hardship there but the weather was better.
Dale Evans, who became Roy's wife, began life in Texas and became a mother herself at the tender age of 15.
Both Dale and Roy worked their way into stardom and that alone makes for a fascinating story of the studios of the day. However, as a couple they chose to adopt children and also chose to bring their own Downs Syndrome baby home rather than institutionalize her as was the practice of the day. Their story is truly inspirational. They took their roles as heroes to young people to heart and behaved both on and off set with their young enthusiasts in mind.
June 25, 2018
Not finished yet, but review won't change. Gotta be honest--this is not a great book. This is a book for those people--like me--who are old enough to remember Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. I watched their TV show as a kid--it was on until 1965. I went to the (Barnum and Bailey?) circus in about 1963 and SHOOK ROY ROGERS HAND! (Or maybe it was Dale's--my sister shook one or the other, too.) Memory is foggy now--what a thrill to be there with all the other kids around the ring as they rode out after the act and reached out and shook hands. My sis and I were there in our little cowgirl shirts which we had gotten special just so we could go to that circus. So this book is fun to read, because it tells all the things you never knew about a couple who were larger than life heroes when I was a kid. The show was NOT TO MISS on Saturday morning TV. And we all sang that song... "Happy Trails to you.... until we meet again...."
March 1, 2012
As a kid, I couldn't wait for Saturday mornings when Roy Rogers and Trigger would come galloping into my living room via the tv screen then I wanted to cry when Roy and Dale rode off into the sunset, signing off until the next week by singing "Happy Trails to You.....until we meet again.." Like all kids of the time, I thought they were singing and waving directly to me. They made life feel so good and safe because the good guys always won, they always come to the rescue and foiled the bad guys. I enjoyed this book, especially learning about their lives before they became my childhood hero and heroine. They were very special people on and off the screen. An easy read. Happy trails to you ......
April 19, 2013
My family and I are big Roy Rogers fans, it was neat to read about Roy and Dale's personal family life.
February 27, 2014
I Loved this book. Very well written and I Love the People the that wrote it. I even cried. I will read over and over again.
January 5, 2009
Since much of the time (1938-1962) that was covered the most by this book, was time when I was very young or coming of age, I could almost see the events and personalities forming before my eyes as I read. The style was straightforward and often anecdotal. Much of the storytelling was obviously and self admittedly subjective. I liked the book and would read it again if given the choice of whether or not to have ever read it. The main thing that I learned was how naive and basic as a society that we all were over the period prior to 1960. Some of that same flavor seems to pervade the current atmosphere of "hoping for the best" as we as a country are moving into being a brave new world that gives lip service to old values while taking up compromising practices that are directly contradictory to them. I found it hard to sort through what was really the movie stars and what was really the persons. I don't know if as individuals or as a couple that they could have made it through to becoming the "King of the Cowboys" or the "Queen of the Range" in today's world. Inquiring minds and the news networks would have indeed made it hard for "Roy" and "Dale" to morph from "Len" and "Francis".
January 20, 2010
I read this book when I was quite young (about 8 or 9?) and really enjoyed it. I still remember much of their story, and remember what lovely people they both seemed to be, back at at time when being a truly decent, good, and just plain nice person, was what people aimed to be - more so than today perhaps. Theirs was a world that seemed more decent, in a way that I remember as being very attractive. I've always remembered that when Will was sweet on Dale but hadn't yet 'declared himself', he would sign his notes to her: '143, Will'. He finally admitted that it was his way of saying, 'I love you'.
August 7, 2011
I first read this book in 1992 and had forgotten much of it. The stories of Rogers' and Evans' early lives were interesting. I guess the stories of their successes were too, but the Evangelical Christian goo got so thick I could hardly continue to the end. Dale Evans has written seventeen other books, but they won't be added to my reading list. This was one of many books I was given by a friend when he moved away — he was into celebrity biographies and born-again Christian literature, so this one was doubly pleasing for him.
July 27, 2016
This book has been sitting in my book case for over 5 years. I guess I thought it would be somewhat boring, however it has become one of the best books I've read all year. Of course, the nostalgia affected me as well as the highs and lows of their lives. The last paragraph, that I chose to read aloud to a friend, caused me to choke up and slowly finish the final sentence. They were wonderful people who loved children in particular, and their fans absolutely. I cannot recommend this book enough.
October 23, 2017
We read this for book club and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Their love for family and children was wonderful. How refreshing to see a “Hollywood” couple who promoted value-based living. ❤️⭐️ I especially liked the “Roy Rogers” code of conduct that little ones everywhere could commit to to be part of the club. I wish we saw more of this today.
November 3, 2014
The story that calls me back time and time again. I love both of these people, they have been my heroes all of my life. This is the story of how they spent their lives and became STARS through hard work and God's blessings.
January 28, 2015
Fast-paced and very entertaining. There are also many interesting memories about all of the horses who played Trigger. It's a short book and so is short on details. It's also amazing how many times Roy and Dale mention that either they had to beat their children or that they got a whuppin'.
November 12, 2018
Interesting lives they led. So many challenges, heart-breaks, deep sorrows. Such open and loving hearts. Their stories are told, sometimes by Roy, sometimes by Dale, and sometimes with commentary by Carlton Stowers. Engaging and well-written. Nice photos too.
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February 22, 2008782.42
August 31, 2011
Inspiring autobiography of the famous couple.
July 5, 2017
Such inspiring people with an amazing life story.
March 3, 2014
love this
January 10, 2016
My sister Ellen gave me this book. She knows what I like.
April 29, 2016
Nice book about Roy and Dale's lives. Tells of their happy and sad times.
June 3, 2016
Haven't finished yet, but enjoying it... Finished!!!! Very Good Biography.. Should say Autobiography......
March 27, 2017
A nostalgic, fun-filled romp through the past with the King of the Cowboys and his Queen.
September 18, 2018
Having grown up watching Roy and Dale it was interesting to read about their backgrounds and their time in show biz. Not an easy life losing three of their children.
December 6, 2024
I grew up without TV or movies, but I received a fiction story of Roy Rogers and Trigger when I was about ten years old. From then on, I read anything I could get my hands on about Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. My appreciation of Roy and Dale was only heightened by reading their life story. Obviously, this book is a capsulized recitation of some of the highlights of their lives. Much of it is in first person with alternating chapters by Roy and Dale. Each part includes a short commentary by Jane and Michael Stern. Reading about their road to becoming King of the Cowboys and Queen of the West was quite interesting. However, I believe their stories about events in their personal lives with their birth families and then with their own children was more touching. I had only heard bits and pieces of the story about their children before delving into this book. The values that they sought to instill in their children are values that many parents today really need to read and instill in their own children. Roy Rogers and Dale Evans seem to have done their best to shine a bright light into some really dark corners of this old world.
November 5, 2023
This book gave me a great bit of insight into one of my most favorite, television couples. I knew of Dale and Roy‘s daughter that was born with down syndrome. However, the other two tragic losses, that they experienced way before they should’ve was news to me, and Just jaw dropping. Sometimes while reading stories like this one, I find it hard to fathom how God could let such things happen. I know that there is a purpose for each and everything that happens. It just causes me to wonder and waiver for a brief moment in time. Just as Dale and Roy, I hold true to my faith, and am deep rooted now, but wasn’t way back then
November 25, 2023
What an amazing and inspiring book! I grew up with Roy Rodgers films, but I never knew too much about him or his wife Dale. They are such an amazing couple and parents with such big hearts for their family! What they've been through, the losses they've endured and their strong faith is just incredible. 5 stars y'all
October 5, 2023
I loved watching Roy and Dale on television as a kid. This book, written by them, is full of love and laughter, heartbreak and happiness. It is an insightful look into their personal and professional lives. Thanks go to my daughter who picked it up for me at a resale store.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews