Did John Wayne Ever Sing?

Often remembered for his silent persistence in the role of the Patriarch, John Wayne's image as a deep-voiced, plainspoken hero has seemed invincible. But beneath this iconic persona lies an interesting episode in Hollywood history: John Wayne, the silent hero, was, in fact, once a singing cowboy. Let's delve into the truth behind this intriguing revelation.

John Wayne’s Early Career: The Singing Cowboy

In his early career, John Wayne was known to take on roles that required him to sing, positioning him as one of the early 'singing cowboys'. However, it was not his actual voice you would hear on screen. Wayne's singing voice was usually dubbed by other actors. This was not due to a lack of talent but rather, a desire to maintain his image. For instance, in the 1939 film Riders of Destiny, Los Angeles-born actor Wayne played the character "Singin’ Sandy". His singing was handled by Bill Bradbury, the son of the film's director, Robert Bradbury Sr.

Why Wayne Stopped Singing

Wayne decided to stop participating in singing cowboy roles because he could not sing. According to the reference website, in the 1940 film The Lawless Range, his singing voice was dubbed by Glenn Strange. Wayne found it embarrassing to perform singing cowboy roles, especially when fans, particularly children, would request him to do 'Singin’ Sandy' songs. In essence, he was too proud to sing—and this pride became his downfall in the genre.

The Quiet Man: A Rare Exception

One of the notable exceptions to Wayne's aversion to singing was his role in the iconic 1952 film, The Quiet Man. Here, you can hear him singing "The Wild Colonial Boy" very clearly in a couple of scenes.

More intriguingly, Wayne himself can be heard singing “Streets Of Laredo” in a brief clip, where he performs the song to an infant he is protecting as he staggers exhausted from his journey. The clip, a testament to his pleasant singing voice, showcases the other side of the iconic actor.

Other Films

It's important to note that while Wayne did not sing in most of his roles, he did lend his voice to a handful of films. In some instances, such as the 1990 film The Shootist, Wayne took on singing roles, albeit for short snippets of songs or duets. Films like Pittsburgh, In Old Oklahoma, Three Godfathers, The Fighting Kentuckian, and Rooster Cogburn are where you can find his singing, all of which were dubbed by other voices.

The Legend Perseveres: John Wayne and The Singing Cowboy

John Wayne remains a legend, his image synonymous with perseverance and silence. However, his hidden singing history adds a layer of complexity to his legacy. From Riders of Destiny to The Quiet Man, Wayne's journey as a singing cowboy is a fascinating chapter in Hollywood history. It's a reminder that even the most revered figures of cinema have their secrets and hidden quirks.

References: The Reference Website