Doie Hensley “Tex” Owens (1892-1962)

Country Musician, Songwriter. A native of Killeen, Texas, he is best remembered for his hit recording, "Cattle Call." The song which was inspired by a snow storm was later recorded by the likes of Eddy Arnold, Riders In The Sky, and Slim Whitman. A former deputy sheriff, ranch hand, and auto mechanic, he began his music career in 1931 when he became a radio disc jockey for the an early morning radio farm show on the Kansas City, Missouri, based KMBC Radio Station. His other radio work includes performing at the Boone City Jamboree in Cincinnati, Ohio, on August 24, 1939, performing at KOMA in Oklahoma City in 1944, working on the Silver King Ranch Show in 1947, and performing at KOAM in Pittsburg, Kansas. Known as The Original Texas Ranger, Owens was the lead singer of the popular early country western band, The Texas Rangers, and a popular songwriter in his own right. His other compositions include, "Bow Down Brother", "Good Old Turnip Greens", "Porcupine Serenade", "By The Rushing Waterfall", "Get On The Right Road", "When I Visit My Mother In Heaven", "Whisperin' Winds", and "Be Ready To Go." He was the brother of Grand Ole Opry member Ruby Agnes "Texas Ruby" Owens Fox who was married to Arnim L. "Curly" Fox (the Curly Fox and Texas Ruby country duo), and the father of Laura Lee Owens who was the first female vocalist for Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys. He died in New Baden, Texas, in 1962, and was buried in the family plot. He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1971.

Bio by: The Silent Forgotten