Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

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BOYD, Bill

(b 29 April '10, Fannin County TX; d 7 Dec. '77) Singer, bandleader. Formed group with younger brother Jim called Alexander's Day Breakers '25, based in Greenville; changed name '28 to Bill Boyd's Cowboy Ramblers: daily radio show on WRR (Dallas) for about 30 years; more than 300 records for Bluebird '34-50 incl. "The Strawberry Roan' '34, "Spanish Fandango' '39, "Lone Star Rag' '49, many instrumentals; biggest hit was '35 fiddle/guitar version of German march "Under The Double Eagle', which became a country classic. Bill released six cheaply-made singing cowboy films '42 incl. Texas Manhunt and Along The Sundown Trail, but thought better of it and went back to Dallas. Jim also worked in other bands (Light Crust Doughboys) and made films. Bill should not be confused with actor William "Hopalong Cassify' Boyd, or William "Stage' Boyd, none of them related.