JULES VERNE ALLEN
Jules Verne Allen, billed as "The Singing Cowboy" (and later "The Original Singing Cowboy"), was one of the earliest authentic cowboy singers to record commercially. Having worked as a cowboy from childhood and participated in cattle drives before entering radio, he learned his songs through the oral tradition rather than from published collections. His recordings preserve an important part of the genuine cowboy repertoire and influenced the development of western music long before Hollywood popularized the genre.
HOME ON THE RANGE
Recorded April 24, 1928 — El Paso, Texas
Matrix: 42213-2 - Victor 21627
"Home on the Range" had already become one of the best-known cowboy songs by the time Allen recorded it in 1928. His version is notable for its direct, unembellished delivery and steady guitar accompaniment, reflecting the way the song was performed by working cowboys rather than as a polished stage piece. The restrained accompaniment allows both the melody and the traditional character of the song to remain at the forefront.
