U.S. Stamps

OKLAHOMA CITY (SPECIAL) — Four legends of the silver screen get their first-class stamps of approval tomorrow when the Postal Service issues the Cowboys of the Silver Screen stamps and stamped postal cards. The stamps honor four extraordinary performers who helped make American Westerns a popular form of entertainment — Gene Autry, William S. Hart, Tom Mix and Roy Rogers.

The 10 a.m. dedication ceremony takes place at the National Cowboy & Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, OK, when the 44-cent first-class stamps and 28-cent stamped postal cards go on sale nationwide April 17. The ceremony coincides with the museum’s 2010 Western Heritage Awards Weekend, honoring the legacy of those whose works in literature, music, television and film reflect the significant stories of the American West.

“The Postal Service has a long-standing tradition of honoring men and women who have helped define our great nation,” said James C. Miller III, of the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors. “Today, we continue that tradition by celebrating the ‘Cowboys of the Silver Screen’ — William S. Hart, Tom Mix, Gene Autry and Roy Rogers — four extraordinary performers who helped make the American Western a popular form of entertainment. They rode the silver screen nearly a century ago, and decades from now, our grandchildren and great-grandchildren will talk about them when discussing the history of film, radio and television.”

Stamp artist Robert Rodriguez of Los Angeles, CA, created the artwork under the direction of art director Carl Herrman of North Las Vegas, NV.

Scheduled to join Miller in dedicating the stamps will be National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum President Charles Schroeder; National Recording Artist and Balladeer Don Edwards; Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee Chairman Jean Picker Firstenberg and Postal Service Oklahoma District Manager Julie Gosdin. Also scheduled to attend will be relatives of Tom Mix and Roy Rogers.

“We are delighted that the Postal Service selected these popular stars for the ‘Silver Screen Cowboys’ series,” said National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum President Charles Schroeder. “Each of these fine actors took seriously the values they would model in their film careers. Collectively, they used their considerable talents to make the American Western movie a popular and inspirational form of entertainment. We at the National Cowboy Museum believe they did something of lasting importance, and we hope these beautiful stamps remind folks everywhere to revisit their message. It surely remains relevant to our culture today.”

Gene Autry

A successful radio performer prior to becoming the silver screen’s first singing cowboy star, Gene Autry (1907-1998) is known for his distinctive singing style and easygoing personality. Autry entertained countless fans in nearly 100 films and recorded more than 600 songs, including the popular hits, “Back in the Saddle Again,” and “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” He is a 1969 Country Music Hall of Fame inductee.

William S. Hart

Before making his first appearance on the silver screen in 1914, William S. Hart (1864-1946) starred on Broadway and in theatrical productions nationwide. During his cinematic career, the acclaimed actor insisted on authentic depictions of the Old West and its people. He frequently played a stalwart, tough-as-nails cowboy.

Tom Mix

As one of the most popular stars of silent Westerns, Tom Mix (1880-1940) made his movie debut in 1909. In his action-packed movies, he displayed athleticism, fearlessness and expert riding and roping abilities. In 1922’s Sky High, for example, he climbed the steep walls of the Grand Canyon, leaped deep chasms, dropped from a plane into the Colorado River, lassoed villains and rescued a damsel in distress.

Roy Rogers

Often remembered for his signature hit song, “Happy Trails,” Roy Rogers (1911-1998) sang his way to silver screen stardom in the late 1930s, and by 1943 Republic Pictures was calling him “King of the Cowboys.” For millions of fans, Rogers was the essence of the Western hero — the good guy with the white hat, warm smile — and exemplary character. Rogers is an 1980 inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame.