"Happy Trails to You" is a line from the theme song to which 1950s TV western series?

In 1950s "The Roy Rogers Show" made Bullet, the dog and Nellybelle, the jeep very popular household names. It also made the song, "Happy Trails to You" as the theme song for this western show very famous and greatly appreciated. It is the song that was always sung over the end credits of "The Roy Rogers Show".

In 1951, Foy Willing wrote a song titled "Happy Trails" for the movie starring Roy Rogers by Republic Pictures, "Spoilers of the Plains". Later, Dale Evans wrote her version of "Happy Trails". She used the first three notes of Foy's song and the same title. Dale did not give any public credit to Foy Willing in helping with her version.

Dale's is the version that went on to be popularly played and sung. Today, we find that numerous notable cover versions of Dale Evans' song has been produced by some well known artists (Janis Joplin, Van Halen, and Randy Travis).

More Info: www.songfacts.com

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47 Comments

Elaine Haberkamp

Years after Roy Rogers' show was off the air, he came to Htfd and my BIL, who worked for a local radio station, interviewed him on air. My sis and their boys went to meet him. On the elevator down when they were all leaving, one of the boys started quietly singing "Happy Trails..." Roy was delighted and sang with him. By the time they got to the bottom floor, all of them were singing and just finishing up the song. A delightful memory for all of them.

scottlarock

many old people visit this site...over three quarters of us knew "the Roy Rogers Show"...I still sing that song when someone is leaving...anyone for "Sky King"?..

Larry Jones

Do you have to be old (like me) or just savvy to know this one?

Bill Coenen

The Leonard and Dale were great business people and hung in there together unlike most of today’s entertainmers, if that’s what they are. Kudos to the Sly’s

Armadillo

Chris Vander Veen, I had a car named Nelly once. I'm not all that familiar with the show so didn't know the jeep was driven by Gaby Hayes. That's interesting information. Thanks.

Armadillo

Richard S. Levine, didn't know he was born Slye.

homeducater

scottlarock, My older brother loved Sky King. I must have been super young, I don't remember the show but always thought the daughter's name was Lorna Doone. My brother said that was the cookie that was on the commercials.

tinaloflin

Larry Jones, not old, seasoned...

tinaloflin

scottlarock, Yes!! I remember Sky King!!

tinaloflin

I remember the Roy Rogers Show..,

Helen Christopulos LoBosco

I liked Roy as a child.

micky

scottlarock, Sky King and his daughter Penny. Who mentions this in a song?

pamela h

Use to watch that evry Saturday. Love the ole' western shows

jack patti go

Loved the show, and the song!

Sue Gembrini-Spataro

Met him and Triger at the Sportman Show when I was 11. They put on a show, then we formed a line and got to pet Triger and talk to Roy. My brother who six and I were so thrilled.