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Ken Curtis, "Gunsmoke's" Festus and Big Band Singer


Cat Brules

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Most of us remember Ken Curtis as Festus on the long-running "Gunsmoke" TV series. But prior to that he played many similar roles in memorable John Wayne movies ("Rio Grande," "The Searchers," etc.) and prior to that he joined the Tommy Dorsey big band group as a vocalist, taking Frank Sinatra's place when he left. He was married to John Ford's daughter.

 

Here he is singing "Tumbling Tumbleweeds."

(Click the Link)

 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fWR6FLnPack

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If I'm not mistaken, he also sang with The Sons of The Pioneers.

 

 

He is STILL an Western Icon in Europe!!

Edited by Blackwater 53393
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He is a great singer. Another you wouldn't suspect is Jim Nabors. He did an amazing version of the Impossible Dream.

 

He not only sang The Imp Dream at special events, charities, etc..... but he also sang it in one of his 'Gomer Pyle, USMC' episodes.

 

Question: Didn't Festus also appear and sing in 'She Wore A Yellow Ribbon'?

 

 

..........Widder

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Cat...thanks for the video and the info on Curtis...a nice start to the day...Thanks...Jim

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Festus has always been one of my favorite Cowboy caricatures.

 

I have a Old 70s Harley Davidson FLH Shovelhead .

That I named Ruth .

 

Ruth is Old Trusty and Slow.

But She has always got me home .

 

Like Festus's Donkey :-)

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Cat...thanks for the video and the info on Curtis...a nice start to the day...Thanks...Jim

Happy to offer up the video, Jim. I thought it was good, too.

 

Yes, there are other Internet examples of his singing in movies and in variety shows. In the John Wayne cavalry movies he often was portrayed as a member of the "Regimental Singers" with the Sons of the Pioneers. He sometimes provided comic relief, as in "The Searchers," playing the Charlie McCorry character, fighting Martin Pawley (Jeff Hunter) over Vera Miles......("Step over thet piece of fahrwood!"). :-)

Edited by Cat Brules, SASS #14086
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