Relayer
Member
I grew up on these programs and could have answered, honestly, with just about any one of them. But I voted for Rawhide because when I was a kid, I thought Rowdy Yates was the COOLEST guy I'd ever seen.
Not to muddy the water, but I met Ken Curtis, otherwise known as "Festus" at the Wilbarger Rodeo when I was a kid. I didn't think you could meet a bigger star.
Similar experience for me. I liked to watch Gunsmoke (once I got old enough to stay up that late )
I went to the Rodeo in Montgomery Al and saw Festus there and he brought along and sang with (some version of) The Sons of the Pioneers. When they sang "Tumbling Tumbleweeds" it was fantastic. Many who recognize Festus (Curtis) may not know that he got his start as a singer and was an early member of the Sons of the Pioneers for about 4 years.
(Festus' visit was only surpassed when Daniel Boone (Fess Parker) came to town with rodeo.I went down to the edge of the arena and touched his hand as he rode by. I was a kid in heaven.)
Check out the youtube video below: Ken Curtis (in full Festus attire) singing "Tumbling Tumbleweeds" (give it a few seconds to load)... A fantastic job!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWR6FLnPack&feature=related