Kansas City’s KMBC was home to many country and western artists during radio’s golden age but few could match the popularity and longevity of the Texas Rangers. Debuting in 1932, the Texas Rangers entertained America by radio, records, tours, motion pictures, and television before finally disbanding in the 1950s.

​With few commercially released singles, the Texas Rangers were soon forgotten after their heyday except by the most devoted fans of the genre. Now, nearly six decades after the end of their performing years, this book provides a rare glimpse into the personalities and business dealings that kept the group performing before the public for more than twenty years.

Also includes episodes synopses of their transcribed series ​Life on the Red Horse Ranch, a discography of their transcription library, a filmography, and list of their earliest identified radio appearances.

Listen to Ellett talk about his new book on Yesterday USA with Walden Hughes, Larry Gassman, and John Gassman (aired November 16, 2014).

Ellett talked with Kansas Public Radio’s Tom Parkinson and the edited interview was broadcast January 25, 2016. Click here to listen.

Reviews

“Were it not for this 2014 publication, the Texas Rangers band might have been only a footnote in Western music and movie history. But thanks to detailed research by Ryan Ellett and noted historian Kevin Coffey, the band’s work has finally been thoroughly documented… Highly Recommended!”
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