Daniel Paregien
Daniel Paregien, fiddle and mandolin and guitar player, was born in Oklahoma City, OK. His parents are Becky and Stan Paregien, Jr.
Daniel first became interested in the fiddle when he attended a Byron Berline concert in Guthrie, OK., in December of 2000. Byron Berline is, of course, one of the finest fiddle players in the world. That, plus Berline's easy-going and friendly style, really attracted Daniel to the fiddle.
Daniel began taking fiddle lessons from an 80+ year old man near his home in Missouri. And one year later he stood on the stage with Byron Berline and played four fiddle tunes with Byron and his band. And when he finished, he received a standing ovation from the enthusiastic crowd. That was at the ripe old age of nine.
Daniel Paregien (left) with John Hickman, Byron Berline, Richard Sharp and Jim Fish
Since then Daniel Paregien has also learned to play the mandolin, the guitar and the bass fiddle. He regularly performs at school functions, nursing homes, VA hospitals, churches, local theatres and other venues.Daniel's father, Stan Paregien, Jr., usually accompanies his fiddle playing on the guitar.
Stan Paregien
"Cowboy Stan" Paregien, humorist and storyteller, was born Stanley Eugene Paregien on Oct. 2, 1941 in Wapanucka (Johnston County), OK. His family moved to Santa Paula, Calif., when he last less than a year old.He grew up in southern California, spending many of his formative years living on the historic Newhall Ranch just north of Los Angeles. He graduated from Fillmore (Calif.) High School in 1959. He received his B.A. from David Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tenn. in 1965. And he received his M.A. from the University of New Mexico in 1968. He completed all of the course work for the Ph.D. in Speech Communication at the University of Oklahoma, but did not complete the degree.
Stan in 2000
Over the years he has raised both horses and cattle, usually losing money on each of 'em. That's why he has made his living doing other things. He has worked as a minister, a newspaper reporter and editor; director of mental health facilities in Texas and Oklahoma; and as a radio talk show host.
He has been a freelance writer since 1967. His articles and poetry have appeared in scores of magazines, including The Saturday Evening Post, Southwest Art, Christianity Today, The Lutheran Hour, Christian Standard, Life Insurance Selling, The Star, The Lookout, The Roundup, The Tombstone (Ariz.) Epitaph, Sunday Digest, Farm and Ranch Living, American Cowboy Poet Magazine, Rope Burns, and Rural Heritage.
His newspaper articles have appeared in the Woodward (Ok.) News, The Amarillo Globe, The Daily Oklahoman, The San Antonio Light, and The Fort Worth Star Telegram.
His nonfiction books include The Day Jesus Died (Firm Foundation, 1970), Thoughts on Unity (Mission Messenger, 1971), and Twenty-six Lessons on the Gospel of John (College Press, 1976). The second book, Thoughts on Unity, may now be found online in its entirety and for free at www.unity-in-diversity.org.
Cowboy Stan Paregien became a member of the Western Writers of America in 1986 and, from 1988 to 1992, served as both historian and publicist of that professional group of writers. In 1988 he earned the prestigious “Stirrup Award” from WWA for a series of articles he wrote profiling Western writers.
He spends most of his free time as a storyteller, either writing stories and poetry or performing them both with and without his guitar -- often using the stage name of "Cowboy Stan".
Stan Paregien has made many appearances at major Western events across the country, from the Oklahoma Cowboy Poetry Gathering at the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City and the National Cowboy Symposium in Lubbock, Texas, to the Great Pikes Peak Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the Santa Clarita (Calif.)Cowboy Poetry Festival, The Western Music Association International Festival in Tucson, AZ., and the Charlie Russell Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Great Falls, Montana.
He has self-published two cassette tapes and three books of his poetry and storytelling. And he has developed this COWBOY DIRECTORY, as well as his personal web site, Paregien.Net . He can also be found on both YouTube (singing a few songs) and Facebook by a simple search of his name.
Stan created this web site, www.cowboydirectory.com, in 1999 because he could find nothing like it online. So he set out to build one, single database where information and photographs could be found for a wide range of Western writers and entertainers. This web site, therefore, is as inclusive as possible. You'll find information about novelists and historians, musicians and singers, cowboy poets and storytellers, movie stars and trick ropers. It is, in fact, the world's largest database of Western writers and entertainers. And it is getting bigger all the time.
Cowboy Stan may be reached at P.O. Box 3937, Edmond, OK 73083. Phone 405-348-0403 or email him at cowboystan@live.com . He is available to perform his stories and poetry and music, or to act as an emcee for your next event.
CLICK HERE to hear Stan singing that great love song, "Snuff Dipper".
CLICK HERE to hear Stan singing that old Ernest Tubb song, "Waltz Across Texas".
CLICK HERE to hear Stan singing "Snowklahoma," soon to become as famous as "White Christmas".
Or not.
Billy Parker
Billy Parker, radio personality and singer-musician, is a native Oklahoman who grew up in country music, playing guitar and singing since age 11 (professionally since age 14). With many nationally charted records to his credit, he has played and sung with the best of them: Bob Wills, Red Foley and Ernest Tubb. He has appeared on the "Grand Ole Opry," "Hee Haw," and on the Nashville Network’s "Nashville Now."
Billy In radio, Billy has come up through the ranks at KVOO as disc jockey, program director and now, executive director. He has built a solid reputation as one of the most respected radio men in the business. The Country Music Association recognized Parker as the
nation’s "DJ of the Year" in 1974, and the Academy of Country Music gave him the title of "DJ of the Year" in 1975, 1977, 1978 and in 1984.
Billy received a top honor from the country music industry on March 8, 1992 when he was inducted into the Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Fame in Nashville. Billy was honored for his radio and television work over the years. In 1995, the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters gave Billy the "Lifetime Achievement Award."
He and John Wooley hosted the "Still Swingin' Show" on Saturday mornings from 7 until 9 and Sunday afternoons from 5 until 7 for several years. That show featured the best of Western swing music. Both it and Billy are now retired.
The three strongest influences in his career have been (1) Ernest Tubb, who Billy says "has helped me understand all aspects of the music business--both professionally and emotionally"; (2) record producer Bart Barton, who "has always believed in me and has given me several chances to prove myself"; and, (3) his mother, who "supported and encouraged me from day one." He adds, "My wife Jerri stood by me in the good times and the bad times."
Billy loves to spend time with his wife and two sons. His hobbies are fishing and golf and, of course, his music, which remains his number one "spare time" activity.
Captain Jack Parker
Captain Jack Parker, cowboy comedian and poet, lives in Mountain View, Oklahoma. He performs at cowboy events and for schools, corporate banquets, etc.
One of his most famous skits, shown at left, is explaining just how cowboy and country folks are likely to wave at you as you drive down a lonely road and exactly what that means.
He also does a skit in which he educates the audience on the meaning of certain words that seem to be foreign to folks on each coast of our great country.
He was born out in West Texas, but he repented of that and moved to God's country. That is the wide open spaces near Mountain View, Oklahoma. He lives on a cow/calf ranch owned by his father and in which he also is involved.
CLICK HERE to go to Captain Jack Parker's own web site for contact information.
Cecilia Parker
Cecilia Parker, actress, was born on April 26, 1905 in Fort William, Ontario, Canada. She was educated at the Toronto Academy of Music (opera singing) daughter of a British army officer leading lady of Hollywood films of the 30s appeared mostly in Westerns and action pictures before sharing the popularity of the Andy Hardy series, in which she became a fixture as Mickey Rooney's older sister, Marion
Cecelia Parker appeared in 50 films, mostly Westerns, from "The Unholy Tree" in 1930 to "Pudd'nhead Wilson" in 1984. Her Westerns included "The Rainbow Trail" (1932), "The Gay Caballero" (1932), "Mystery Ranch" (1932), "Tombstone Canyon" (1932), "Riders of Destiny" (1933), "Honor of the Range" (1934), "Hollywood Cowboy" (1937) and "Roll Along Cowboy" (1937).
Cecelia Parker died on July 25, 1993 in Ventura, CA.
CLICK HERE to see the complete filmography of Cecilia Parker.
Fess Parker
(Deceased)
Fess Parker was born on Aug. 16, 1925 in Fort Worth, Texas. He grew up "Texas sized" at 6' 5". He graduated from high school in San Angelo, Texas. And after graduation, he joined the Navy. He wanted to fly, but he was far too tall to be an aviator. So the Navy made a mechanic out of him.
However, he had enough time on his hands in the Navy that he began participating in shows for the other servicemen. And after his stint in the Navy he became a solid athlete at the University of Texas. But his main interest, even back then, was drama. He received his Masters in drama at the University of Southern California.
He made his movie debut in "Springfield Rifle" (1952).
Fess Parker's big break came, though, when he was signed by Walt Disney to star in the Davey Crockett series in the mid-1950's. The guy he beat out for the role was another tall fellah, a gent by the name of James Arness. Arness later found steady work in Dodge City as Marshal Matt Dillon.
Fess Parker's appeal with children was enormous, thanks to his coon-skinned hat and the hit song "Davey Crockett". In 1955 producers combined the first three episodes of the TV show and came out with a big screen film called, "Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier".
But the Davy Crockett craze had run it's course by 1956. And, unfortunately, Fess Parker was typecast. Fess would appear in other Disney movies dealing with the early years of Davey and he would appear in non-Crockett parts such as 'Old Yeller (1957)'. By 1959, unable to achieve the success that he had gained as Crockett, his career had leveled off.
Unable to procure the rights to play Crockett from Disney, Fess would try the frontiersman role once again with the Television Series "Daniel Boone (1964)". He would play this role for six years and the fact that he had a beautiful red-headed wife in a color series did not hurt him at all.
After "Daniel Boone", Fess Parker retired from the screen and went into real estate, which was profitable. He has been responsible for major developments in Santa Clara and Santa Barbara counties in California.
He would later be forced to sue his Daniel Boone producers to get his share of the profits generated by the television series.
Later, under contract for Paramount, Parker made three films. Then he filled in for Howard Keel as Curly in the musical "Oklahoma!" in a tour of summer theaters on the East Coast. Yes, of course, that was a singing role. Parker was both a songwriter and singer who made recordings for Columbia, Disney and RCA record labels.
A third career began in 1987, when Parker purchased a 714-acre ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley, where he established Fess Parker Winery and Vineyard. It is located at 12860 Grand Ave., Los Olivos, CA 93441. The family enterprise released its first wine in 1989, and Parker’s son Eli (Fess III) is now winemaker. His wines have won many top awards over the years.
Parker was a member of many national and local civic organizations. He and his wife, Macella were residents of Santa Barbara County for more than 40 years. They raised two children and have 9 grandchildren.
Fess Parker's Western films included "Untamed Frontier" (1952), "Thunder Over the Plains" (1953), "Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier" (1955), "Westward Ho the Wagons" (1956), "Alias Jesse James" (1959), "The Hangman" (1959), and "The Jayhawkers" (1959).
He played the part of Tom Conrad in the "Annie Oakley" Western TV series in 1954. And his signature role was as the star of the "Daniel Boone" TV show from 1964 to 1970. He left Hollywood in 1973.
Fess Parker died of natural causes at his home in the Ynez Valley of California on March 18, 2010. That was his wife's 84th birthday.
CLICK HERE to see the complete filmography of Fess Parker.
CLICK HERE to visit the website for Fess Parker's Winery & Vineyards, where you can purchase various wines . . . and even a coonskin cap.
Eugene Paullette
Eugene Paullette, actor, was in several cowboy films.
Eugene Paullette, Louise Fazenda and Charles Winninger
in the 1931 Western movie, "Gun Smoke".
John Payne
(Deceased)
John Payne was born on May 23, 1912 in Roanoke, VA. His father, George, was a wealthy farmer and real estate developer. His great uncle, John Howard Payne, wrote the classic song, "Home Sweet Home."
John attended the Mercerburg Academy in Pennsylvania after finishing high school in Roanoke. He also attended briefly the Episcopalian School in Washington, D.C. when he thought he might become a minister. Though a calling to the ministry never developed, John held strong religious beliefs that stayed with him the rest of his life.
In October 1929, the family's fortunes changed overnight. The Wall Street crash almost wiped out the wealth of John's father, and in January of 1930 Mr. Payne died. There was barely enough money to keep his mother in a modest style and also to provide education for John and his brothers.
John Payne enrolled at Columbia University in New York. To support himself he took various jobs. He was a male nurse, a telephone operator, and he wrestled professionally. In his first taste of show business, he sang in a burlesque show. During two summers he took the job of steward on various oceangoing vessels and visited Europe, the Caribbean, and South America at a young age.
At college he excelled in athletics. He was a star swimmer, played varsity football and joined the track team. He joined the college dramatic society and also studied at Julliard School of Music. It was while he was appearing in a college play that a talent scout for the Schubert theatrical organization saw him and offered him a job as a stock player. After graduation from college he toured with several Schubert shows and also sang as a solo vocalist on a number of radio shows.
He obtained the role of understudy to Reginald Gardiner in "At Home Abroad" on Broadway in 1936. When Gardiner left the show to go to Hollywood, John took his place, playing alongside star Beatrice Lillie. One night during the run, Samuel Goldwyn was in the audience. Impressed with the young man, he went backstage and introduced himself. John laughed aloud thinking it was a joke. Goldwyn managed to convince him he was in fact genuine and did not take offense at the young man's reaction. He was signed to a contract without a test and left for Hollywood when the show closed. However, once in the film capital he drew a regular salary but worked very little.
At a cocktail party in 1937 he had met Anne Shirley, the 19-year-old actress who made an enormous hit that year as the daughter in Stella Dallas. Within two months, on August 22, 1937, they were married. Anne and John made their only professional appearance together on Lux Radio Theater and were heard supporting W. C. Fields in a version of his film Poppy, when they returned from their honeymoon.
He freelanced and obtained the lead opposite Linda Darnell in Star Dust , the story of Hollywood hopefuls. Darryl F. Zanuck at Fox was so pleased with John that he offered him a seven-year contract. John accepted. His next film, Maryland, went into production at once, followed closely by Tin Pan Alley, his first of several with both Alice Faye and Betty Grable.
John and Anne Shirley had a daughter, Julie, born on August 10, 1940, and he was devoted to the child. However, the marriage was not going well, and eventually the couple divorced in 1942. Anne said in her court statement that while she had become domestic, John still liked to go out and enjoy the nightlife of Hollywood. This was odd since Anne herself during this period was well-known on the social scene and was seen almost every night with the likes of Eddie Albert, Robert Stack, Edmond O'Brien and Victor Mature, all of whom were linked with her in gossip magazines. The court awarded them joint custody of their daughter, Julie.
The United States had entered World War II; and John, after completing Hello Frisco Hello in late 1942, joined the Army Air Corps and was assigned to the ferry command, where he was a flight instructor. At one time John wanted to become a pilot and had sat for examinations at the Aeronautical Institute of Technology in Massachusetts but failed in mathematics. However, he remained a lifelong lover of flying. The ferry command was disbanded in 1944, and on September 1 of that year John was honorably discharged, along with 5,000 other men from the service.
John returned to his studio, Fox, in Hollywood and immediately was cast with Betty Grable and June Haver in The Dolly Sisters. During production of this film, he met actress Gloria de Haven on an arranged date. Two months later they married. A daughter was born to them on January 1, 1946, named Kathleen Hope. In 1948 they had another child, a son, Thomas, born on February 25.
In 1947 came the role he is probably best remembered for, that of the lawyer who defends Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle in the classic Miracle on 34th Street. It was his last film under his Fox contract.
John was extremely well read and wrote a number of short stories which were published in magazines. He particularly liked reading biographies. He pursued hobbies such as skin diving, flying, horseback riding, playing the guitar and cooking exotic foods. H
e was practical, always attentive to his financial security, witty and amusing, with a great interest in his fellow man.
He freelanced during 1948 and in 1949 accepted the lead in his first western, El Paso, filmed at Paramount by the Pine-Thomas company. The reviews complimented John on his appearance in the genre, one critic saying he was much more at home in the saddle than many actors known for their western parts. He signed a contract with the Pine-Thomas division at Paramount and a whole new career opened up to him as the hero of westerns and highly colored adventure films requiring lots of action on the part of the star. He was athletic and in his element in this sort of film, and they all made money.
His marriage to Gloria de Haven ended in divorce in 1950. John was linked with several women, including Arleen Whelan, whom everyone expected him to marry. It was not to be for in 1953 he married socialite Alexandra Crowell Curtis, who had been formerly married to actor Alan Curtis.
In 1958 he signed to appear in a western TV series, The Restless Gun. John was executive producer as well as star. The series ran first on NBC, then on ABC through 1960. It was popular and was expected to be renewed for the following season; however, John demanded a bigger share of the profits, and the show was then cancelled.
On March 1, 1961, while in New York discussing future projects, he was crossing Third Avenue at 61st Street, against the light, when he was struck by a car. His body was hurled into the air. He landed on the hood of the vehicle, his head shattering the windshield. He was rushed to Roosevelt Hospital in very serious condition and was not expected to live. However, doctors were able to pull him through, and he was hospitalized for well over a month with a leg broken in three places, multiple fractures, and a face which required 150 stitches and extensive plastic surgery. There was a long period of recuperation. He returned to acting in a stage production, Calculated Risk, which toured the summer theaters in 1964.
His last acting was done in a sequence for the Columbo detective series in 1975. The episode was entitled "Forgotten Lady," and he and Janet Leigh played former stage stars.
Like his father, John Payne devoted his last years to developing real estate. And he was good at it and made a pile of money. But there were rumors of ill health during those years.
John S. Payne died on on December 6, 1989, at 1:25 a.m. at his home, 6363 Delaplane Road in Malibu, CA. His wife and three children were with him when he died. The immediate cause of death was given as heart failure. It was also revealed that John suffered from hypertension and liver and renal failure during the preceding five years. His body was cremated.
CLICK HERE to see the complete filmography of John Payne.
Dan Parkinson
(Deceased)
Dan Parkinson, author of more than forty Western, fantasy, and seafaring novels, died in May, 2001. His westerns included Calamity Trail, The Slanted Colt, Drifter's Luck, The Texians, Gunpowder Wind, Blood Arrow, Way to Wyoming,and Thunderland.
Dan Parkinson also wrote four books about the tall ships: The Fox and the Flag, The Fox and the Faith, The Fox and the Fortune, and The Fox and the Fury, and many fantasy novels.
Dan Parkinson was survived by his wife, Wilma Jean, seven children and "a flock of grandchildren."
[NOTE: My thanks to novelist Terry Burns for sharing this information]
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind."
This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it:
"Love your neighbor as your self."
-- Jesus the Christ (Bible: Gospel of Matthew: 22:37-38)
Check out Stan Paregien's other web site, Paregien.Net
© 1999-2010 by Stan Paregien, Sr.
[ This page last revised on July 10, 2010 ]
