Born in poverty, Leonard Slye hardly ever wore shoes until he was almost grown. After working as a dentist, truck driver and peach picker, he became a cowhand on a farm, then learned to sing and play the guitar. He changed his name to Dick Weston, formed a band called The Sons of the Pioneers, and later changed his name again to Roy Rogers.

His horse, Trigger, became almost as famous as he was. He married Dale Evans, amassed a fortune, and was a devout evangelical. His last words: “Well, Lord, it’s been a long, hard ride.” Two hours later, he died at the age of 86. In a packed church in Apple Valley, California, some people wore cowboy hats and spurs as the congregation listened to “Happy Trails To You,” one of his songs.