Old California Missions: Force for Good or Evil?

A few weeks ago, I visited the Autry Museum of the American West in Griffith Park, in Los Angeles. It astonishes me that I’d never been there, but better late than never. It’s an extraordinary place dedicated to the history and art of the American West and, yes, the museum is named for Gene Autry (1907–1998), the “Singing Cowboy” and movie, radio, and TV star, along with his horse, Champ.

Aside from singing and acting, Autry made a bundle as a rodeo czar, L.A. media magnate, and hotelier, owning the Mark Hopkins Hotel in San Francisco. “Back In the Saddle Again” is his signature tune, though most Baby Boomers and their juniors remember him for his Christmas carols, among them “Here Comes Santa Claus,” which he wrote and performed.

About the Author

Brian T. Allen

Brian T. Allen is National Review’s art critic.

A few weeks ago, I visited the Autry Museum of the American West in Griffith Park, in Los Angeles. It astonishes me that I’d never been there, but better late than never. It’s an extraordinary place dedicated to the history and art of the American West and, yes, the museum is named for Gene Autry (1907–1998), the “Singing Cowboy” and movie, radio, and TV star, along with his horse, Champ.

Aside from singing and acting, Autry made a bundle as a rodeo czar, L.A. media magnate, and hotelier, owning the Mark Hopkins Hotel in San Francisco. “Back In the Saddle Again” is his signature tune, though most Baby Boomers and their juniors remember him for his Christmas carols, among them “Here Comes Santa Claus,” which he wrote and performed.