Ritter, Tex (1905-1974), was an American country music singer and songwriter. Ritter also gained popularity as a radio actor and as a singing cowboy in motion-picture Westerns. His most popular recording was the theme song from the movie High Noon (1952).
Ritter was born Jan. 12, 1905, on a farm in Panola County, Texas. His full name was Maurice Woodward Ritter. He became a radio actor in New York City in 1929, and eventually performed on such Western shows as “The Lone Ranger” and “Death Valley Days.” He also appeared in several stage plays.
Ritter moved to Hollywood, California, in the mid-1930’s. He made his first movie in 1936 and appeared in approximately 80 Western films. Ritter spent the final years of his life in Nashville, where he often appeared on the “Grand Ole Opry” radio program. He was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1964. He died on Jan. 2, 1974. John Ritter, Tex’s son, became a popular television and motion-picture actor.
See also Country music (Cowboy music) ; High Noon .
