b. Edward Merle Kirk, 21 March 1919, on a ranch near Greeley, Colorado, d. date unknown. The ranch hands taught him cowboy songs and he was singing and tap-dancing with a small band at the age of nine. In 1934, he relocated to California where, for a time, he worked with the Beverly Hillbillies. He was National Yodelling Champion in 1935 and 1936 and between 1933 and 1937, he earned a reputation as an amateur boxer. He worked in films and made personal appearances until 1943, when he joined the navy. He returned to California in 1945, appearing in films, and directed the Hollywood Barn Dance choir. In the late 40s, he appeared on Gene Autry’s radio show and also on theTown Hall Party in Compton. He made his recording debut for Capitol Records in 1947 and in 1948/9, he registered Top 10 country hits with ‘The Gods Were Angry With Me’ (which included a recitation by Tex Ritter) and ‘Candy Kisses’. He later developed a fondness for flying.