Walter Brennan - Songs

ABOUT

Walter Brennan (July 25, 1894 - September 21, 1974) was an Academy Award-winning actor and country singer best known in his later career for such roles as "Grandpa" on "The Real McCoys" TV sitcom (1957-1963). With his signature high-pitched, rustic croaking speaking voice, he became famous as a performing artist during the early 1960s for such mostly-spoken Western-themed songs as "Dutchman's Gold" (1960) and "Old Rivers" (1962).

Born in Lynn, Massachusetts, he studied acting in his teens and began performing professionally in 1925 after having served in World War I. His numerous career highlights included three Oscars for Best Supporting Actor for his roles in "Come And Get It" (1936), "Kentucky" (1938), and "The Westerner" (1940), making him one of only three male actors to win three Academy Awards and the only performer with three awards in that category. Brennan also received a nomination for his performance in "Sergeant York" (1941), and over his long career, he had acted in over 230 movie and TV roles. By 1960, in the wake of his success with "The Real McCoys," Brennan had launched his career as a performing artist, signing with Dot Records before moving to Liberty.

Walter Brennan debuted in 1960 with "Dutchman's Gold" (performed with Billy Vaughn & His Orchestra), which made the Pop/Rock Top 40. His fame on radio took off in 1962 with "Old Rivers" which became his biggest hit and crossover success, reaching #5, #3, and #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, Country, and Adult Contemporary charts, respectively. He had two more hits in 1962 with "Houdini" and "Mama Sang A Song," the latter of which earned him another Top 40 hit. Brennan's final charting song came in late 1962 with "Henry Had A Merry Christmas."

LINKS

MERCHANDISE

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SONGS

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Walter Brennan With Billy Vaughn And His Orchestra

Walter Brennan

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