Andy Parker was born near Mangum Oklahoma March 17, 1913. He began his radio career at the age of 16 on KGMP radio in Elk City, Oklahoma. From 1937 to 1941 he was the singing cowboy on NBC’s “Death Valley Day.” By 1947 Parker had formed The Plainsmen, and they were performing on KNX in Hollywood. The group appeared in eight PRC films with Eddie Dean. The band, consisting of lead guitarist Charlie Morgan, Clem Smith on bass, accordionist George Bamy and the great steel guitarist Joaquin Murphy, began recording for Capitol in 1947. Two other outstanding members of the band include fiddler Harry Simms and Leroy Kruble on accordion.

Andy Parker died in the fall of 1977, but the music of The Plainsmen lives on through their many recordings, radio shows, and motion pictures.

Awards:

• 1991 Hall of Fame Inductees