Gene Austin
Born Eugene Lucas in Gainesville, Lucas later went on
to a successful singing and movie career under the name
Gene Austin. As the following account shows, Austin
occasionally visited town.
In October, 1938, the Gainesville Daily Register announced that
one of the city’s distinguished native sons, "Gene Austin, world famous
singing star, was coming to Gainesville to participate in the festivities
connected with the ‘world premier’ of his latest motion picture, ‘Songs
and Saddles’ in which he starred." This public showing of Austin’s
first movie in his hometown was arranged by the Plaza Theater located
on Commerce street in Gainesville and Roadshow Pictures of Hollywood.
In addition to Austin and his wife, the associate producer of the film,
Alfred Stern, also attended the premier. Among the festivities planned
in connection with the film, was a dinner on the Roof Garden at the
Turner Hotel, held in honor of Austin.
Newspaper reports indicate that "Austin proved himself to be a
spectacular horseman in this film and was seen riding for the first time
in his career." Gene Austin, known more for his singing ability than his
acting, composed many of the songs for the movie—"tunes that would
make you sway to their easy rhythm—tunes that enhance the melodious
quality of his voice and brings the romance and drama of the old West
right up-to-date." Following the world premier of ‘Songs and Saddles’
in Gainesville, the film was going to Oklahoma City where Austin would
also appear. At that time, it was reported that Austin had sold more
than 35 million records. His biggest hit and the song that he would be known
for was "My Blue Heaven".
Morton Museum of Cooke County