Biography
Born on 14 May 1915 in Bosque County, Texas, Foy Willingham passed away on 24 July 1978. While still a student he began performing on local radio, after which he relocated to New York and broadcast for Crazy Water Crystals in 1933. Two years after returning to Texas radio work in 1935, he headed to California and assembled the Riders Of The Purple Sage. The original lineup featured Willingham alongside Jimmy Dean and Al Sloey, though the personnel later expanded to include Scotty Herrell, Billy Leibert, Paul Sellers and Johnny Paul. Their sound, built around accordion, fiddle and guitar, echoed that of the Sons Of The Pioneers and gained them steady exposure on programs such as the Hollywood Barn Dance. They also appeared in multiple Republic films, sometimes alongside Roy Rogers and at other times with Monte Hale. Over the course of their career the group cut sides for various labels, remaining most closely identified with the Capitol release “Ghost Riders In The Sky” and the Majestic recording “No One To Cry To.” They officially dissolved in 1952, yet members later reunited for festival shows, additional sessions and a 1959 tour with Gene Autry. Willingham himself continued performing at Western gatherings until his death. (This ensemble is distinct from the 1970s country-rock outfit New Riders Of The Purple Sage.)