A friend and I accidentally ran into him when we were in high school. We were fifteen. He was not only very sweet to us, but was absolutely shocked that we knew who he was. Such a wonderful person. This was in downtown Colorado Springs, 1977 or 1978.
I really like this series and miss the old western movies that I had grown up with. I was surprised when I first saw Festus sing on Gunsmoke. Then when I learned that he was a Son of The Pioneers singer, I remembered him in the Roy Roger's and John Wayne movies.
That was my first thought watching this is how young his voice sounded for his age. I knew he could sing. I saw him sing as a young man in movies, but hadn't heard him sing when he was older.
Yes; back then we were a free country where everyone drew a decent pay check, Not just the rich and CEO's that live off the consumers and employees backs! We were at that time a CHRISTIAN NATION not the DEVILS domain???
Absolutely! All these good old shows Gunsmoke Andy Griffith Ma and Pa Kettle Green Acres Etc these were the good old days and the world's a better place for all of these good old time Comedians and actors and actresses I wish we could have some feel-good moments like this again on TV...
How true. TV was such a great family past time. Lots of today's TV is pure junk. So I watch the old westerns, Andy. griffin, etc and anything I can find with ken Curtis in the cast.
@@carolannmarcucci7640 .. I also watch this several times daily. I love it. Takes me back to good times when my family members were still on earth. Especially my husband and daughter! I miss them so much. But I’will see them before long since I now am 83.
Jeremiah 17:5 New Living Translation 5 This is what the Lord says: “Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the Lord." 1 Corinthians 12:11 New Living Translation 11"It is the one and only Holy Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have."
But he never offered to die on a cross to save the world from their Sins. Only by God's Grace of the Free gift of Jesus Christ can we be saved. You can't earn your salvation or sing for it or by making people happy or being a veteran or a hero or a firefighter. It is a free Gift from God. It's yours for the asking. Free Free Free. for all eternity. Jeremiah 17:5 New Living Translation 5 This is what the Lord says: “Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the Lord." 1 Corinthians 12:11 New Living Translation 11"It is the one and only Holy Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have."
I miss him and the Sons of the Pioneers so much! Most of what passes for "country music" now isn't worth listening to! What a true talent and a fine gentleman! .
Festus has stolen my heart, I try never to miss Gunsmoke!! I watch everyday, he and Matt Dillon, since I’m retired now these are my best shows. Good moral shows with great actors!!! I love them💞 no foul language, a pure love story!! ❤️ it doesn’t get any better!!! Thank you Festus, Matt and Kitty!!! We must never forget Bananza and the Cartrights!!!!!!We need a lot more like these for adults and the children and take the trash off of TV!!!
The characters were so distinctly developed that we Felt they were absolutely Real Life People. !! Great writers and directors helped that series Allot to be Great!!
I so love hearing Ken Curtis sing this oldie… takes me back to my years of youth…when friends and I played cowboys with play guns!! Those were great memories.. I am now 83 and the world has drastically changed… to me not for the better nor for our children 😥😥
I'm in my 20s, almost 30, and I can even tell how much has changed. I'm thankful that my parents and grandparents introduced me to the classics they grew up with. They got me into Gunsmoke, the Andy Griffin show, Wagon Trail, John Wayne and much more.
As a kid I got to shake his hand at the stock show & Rodeo in San Antonio. He showed up in character and riding his mule. My favorite character growing up.
Peter Humphrey the thing is not everybody knew that! I for one loved Gunsmoke when I was 9 and 10 years old and thought Ken Curtis was great as Festus! But I never heard him sing or knew that he did until many many years later here on UA-cam... And I was completely shocked! The one that really got me was the footage of him singing I'll take you home again Kathleen and a film dressed as a member of cavalry!
Yep......I saw an interview an interview that he did with Bette Rogge a while back, and in real life he is NOTHING like Festus Hagen. Still hard for me to imagine that the Festus character that he played was all just a "put on"......just pretend! Do a youtube search for......Bette Rogge interviews "Gunsmoke" actors Ken Curtis and Buck Taylor.........to watch the interview.
I accidentally came across Ken singing tumbling tumbleweeds while I was trying to learn how to play the song on guitar…how lucky was I to discover this remarkable performance… rest in peace Ken Curtis.
I always loved Ken Curtis. His portrayal of Festus was flawless. I always knew he had a beautiful soul. I never suspected that he had such a beautiful voice, too.
I was just about to post the same thing about the Sons of the Pioneers, My mother still has my fathers originals of that band. They came in a box because the records were so thick then lol
Just a much better time when those Shows came out. Gunsmoke , Andy Griffith, I still watch them every day. Really not any True talent out there. I’m almost 80 years old and boy to go back in time just for a week to show this younger generation how things really were. Our little town had so many businesses. Coffee shops, Factories everywhere, our downtown area was always busy , people window shopping, kids selling pop bottles, penny candy. Sure is a sad time today. Most the time I’m 20 on the inside and in my mind but to start getting up moving around and wanting to do things it isn’t happening. Many people feel the same way. When we were kids, I felt like I had my whole life, seemed like I would be here forever and here I am. Nearly over. That’s all of our fate. Try to be ready, 🇺🇸👍🏻
Frank Allen: Thank you for your post. I know exactly what you mean. Dont forget the small pleasures that come your way everyday...sometimes it is just the small stuff that matters most. I enjoy Andy Griffith, Sons of the Pioneers from that time period too. Takes me back to such a simpler time....life in a slower lane
Ken Curtis was in many John Wayne movies and one of the original Sons of the Pioneers, which also appeared in those movies. He was also a great actor as well as a singer.
My favorite is Rio Grande where Ken is one of the Regimental Singers (Sons of the Pioneers) They serenade Maureen O'Hara (and John Wayne) with I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen. I have Xfinity here in San Rafael, California. Rio Grande is a free movie choice on Xfinity. And, you can bet that I've been watching it a lot. Harry Carey, Jr. and Ben Johnson are wonderful in it. Fantastic stunt riding with two horses apiece by each of them! Fantastic.
Back in about 62-63 in Odessa Tx. Festus and Doc (Milburn Stone) were the stars at the county rodeo. After their part was done, 8 yr old me ran to their limousine and extended my program, which had their pictures on it, and said “sir may I have your autograph?” Ol Doc didn’t even acknowledge me, but Festus took my program and signed his picture and handed it back to me with a wink. Big moment for a kid. 58 years ago🙂
I meet him in Montgomery, Alabama at the fair grounds in back 1977. He had such beautiful blue eyes, I was 18 & just married but oh how I was blown away by him & my husband was laughing. Hey 70 now is alright in my book! Still makes my heart beat, keep healthy & living. ❤
He had exceptional experiences !!! Was part of many well known and successful movies,and worked with legendary actors..He himself was a highly underrated talent...
Ken Curtis was the featured speaker at the Future Farmers of America National Convention in KC in 1963.. We FFA kids loved Festus and Gunsmoke.. don't think anyone knew he could sing!
RIP, Ken. Your voice was amazing! To have a voice like that and be the actor that you were says volumes! Your eyes expressed the feeling that you had singing this song. Love ❤ you and miss you. We are watching you right now on MeTV. Gunsmoke is the best when you are on. Watch it every single day!!!!❤❤❤
I met Ken Curtis when I was in my teens at the international amphitheater in Chicago. I held on to his autograph for years. That had to be in the late 60's.
Ken Curtis who played festus was a very wonderful actor,i really truly honestly didn't know that he was a wonderful singer as well . I love the songs,music he made . I really truly honestly do admire him as well . The times that festus and doc Adams got into issues with each other it seemed funny at times . I know that they (meaning festus and doc Adams got along well it really truly honestly does hurt when all of your favorite movie stars from certain shows die . I know what's it's like to lose someone who I love dearly . May you all rest in peace . All of your fans,friends love you dearly,miss you so very much .
He was lead singer for the Sons of the Pioneers and before that with the Tommy Dorsey band. You can hear him do a lot of solo's in John Fords Western Fort Apachie with John Wayne.
You should check out ScottyMonts Youtune tribute to ken Curtus and it has many of his Sons of the Pioneers and movie performances. His voice was much better when he was younger. He began as a Big Band singer.
Ken Curtis was part of a singing group called the Sons of the Pioneers as a lead singer from 1949 to 1952. His big hits with the group included "Room Full of Roses" and "(Ghost) Riders in the Sky".
I met him in the early 70's in Sikeston, Mo. One of the most talented singers ever. Such a humble and nice man, too. Our whole family talked about that meeting for years
Ken was in many shows and movies but Festus Hagan was the best. People who have watched gunsmoke didn't know he was an excellent singer . RIP Ken and Festus.
@@joannmcleod2439 that movie was Rio Grande and Curtis was in the Regimental Singers. He was the main singer. I've known Curtis was a singer for years since my father loved the Sons of the Pioneers and I grew up on their music.
It was only Festus who was rather rough. Ken was a very intelligent, well educated and multi-talented man who liked to dress well and be perfectly turned out. Amazing really when you consider his quite straightened circumstances as a youngster. He had a beautiful voice and Tumbling Tumbleweeds is probably my favourite.
There was a Gunsmoke episode where his lookalike was causing trouble, played by him of course, and he goes and finds him. He gave a deep and powerful performance there.
I've heard a lot of our favorite old "cowboys" sing this song but I think our hero Festus did it best. Why can't we get talented stars like this any more?
This is nov. 2023. I came across this video of Ken singing tumbleweed. Amazing singing voice. I loved him in Gunsmoke when I was younger and wish Gunsmoke was on TV. I have Shaw Satellite, they do not broadcast it. When we had TV Guide internet sixties and seventies, that's where we seen Google actors. Bygone era
One of the original episode he was in, before he was a main charater, he sits up in the jail with a friend going to be hung. The friend plays harmonica and he sings for real. It's so haunting.
Since Gunsmoke and Andy Griffith became part of TV Land, I’ve been captivated with both. It’s also further blossomed the beautiful relationship I have with my 70yo mom. Festus is played masterfully, and at 70 my friends, this man is showing us the full range of his talents! Thank you for all the memories Ken Curtis aka Festus. God rest his soul 🙏🏻
This is one song that stirs one to keep going regardless of one's situation - makes one appreciate the wonderful world we all live upon - thank you Ken Curtis across all time you will never be forgotten by 'Country Lovers'........
I start every morning with my Festus Playlist: (1) Tumbling Tumbleweeds, (2) Don't Fence Me In (duet with German star Freddy Quinn), and (3) Noah's Dove (a clip from Have Gun Will Travel). This man had the voice of an angel.
Little brother and I saw him sing on Have Gun, will Travel when it first aired. My mother laughed at the stunned expressions on our faces, because she already knew who he was from his days with Tommy Dorsey.
Here’s Ken Curtis singing the Gunsmoke theme song Old Trail, Years before joining the cast. How spooky and not just the lyrics miss you Ken under appreciated talent. www.bobnolan-sop.net/Biographies/The%20Story%20of%20SOP/Ken%20Curtis/Ken%20Curtis%20audio/Old%20Trail.mp3
I worked for a while when I was young in the hospitality business where celebrities would do shows. This man was so nice and gracious. One of the special ones.
I am a big fan of Ken Curtis and I absolutely love him singing this song. I play it every morning and read the new comments. It is so nice to read your reminiscences of Ken Curtis. As a fan, I always had the feeling that Ken Curtis was a human being I would like to have met. Very warm, human feeling about him. Thanks for letting us know he was "one of the special ones."
A friend and I accidentally ran into him when we were in high school. We were fifteen. He was not only very sweet to us, but was absolutely shocked that we knew who he was. Such a wonderful person. This was in downtown Colorado Springs, 1977 or 1978.
Born in Lamar, CO, I believe.
I always loved Festus. Ken Curtis was great in John Wayne movies too. Such a talent.
I'am according to you.
This is one of the most impressive voices i have ever heard. And to be 70 years old makes him even more impressive
I wish there were more folks around like this today. I miss the 60’ & 70’s and a more simpler, much friendlier World.
Me too. My heart is broken.
I agree with you. I miss the good ole days.
Me too
@@drlucy1137 So do I.
Possibly the best tv character ever created. He did such a good job as Festus.
Festus is Excellent ! I never knew that he was a great singer when I was a Kid watching Gunsmoke.
In agreement 100%.
@@nicholasstiso8790
Yes. Pleasant surprise to learn that Festus had a good singing voice.
Yes totally agree ☺️
I really like this series and miss the old western movies that I had grown up with. I was surprised when I first saw Festus sing on Gunsmoke. Then when I learned that he was a Son of The Pioneers singer, I remembered him in the Roy Roger's and John Wayne movies.
This man, Ken Curtis and Marty Robbins. I could listen all day. Real voices.
Yes!!!!!
Everyone comments about his voice, no one seems to mention that he was 70 years old here. That makes it even more impressive.
Great voice, it's amazing he's 70years he aged well
Pupil pkkhpkp44fpfpfppmp
That was my first thought watching this is how young his voice sounded for his age. I knew he could sing. I saw him sing as a young man in movies, but hadn't heard him sing when he was older.
I wonder if he dyed his hair for this performance? I'm 70 now and way more gray than black, lol.
@@SR-iy4gg , just as beautiful as when he was in his 20's and his looks had not changed that much. Matured as they say.
The world was a better place with Ken Curtis in it. There are none like him. Rest in peace Mr Curtis.
Yes; back then we were a free country where everyone drew a decent pay check, Not just the rich and CEO's that live off the consumers and employees backs! We were at that time a CHRISTIAN NATION not the DEVILS domain???
Absolutely! All these good old shows Gunsmoke Andy Griffith Ma and Pa Kettle Green Acres Etc these were the good old days and the world's a better place for all of these good old time Comedians and actors and actresses I wish we could have some feel-good moments like this again on TV...
100 percent agree
How true. TV was such a great family past time. Lots of today's TV is pure junk. So I watch the old westerns, Andy. griffin, etc and anything I can find with ken Curtis in the cast.
@@donnatyner4674 I’m with you about not watching the programs that now are on.. I watch Insp all the time plus ID
His eyes are dancing as he is singing with his heart! That smile is real not acting. What an accomplished person he was.
I agree I watch it 3 times a day
@@carolannmarcucci7640 .. I also watch this several times daily. I love it. Takes me back to good times when my family members were still on earth. Especially my husband and daughter! I miss them so much. But I’will see them before long since I now am 83.
Jeremiah 17:5 New Living Translation
5 This is what the Lord says:
“Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans,
who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the Lord." 1 Corinthians 12:11
New Living Translation
11"It is the one and only Holy Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have."
Festus is one of the greatest characters ever and Ken played him PERFECTLY.
Yes he did!
PERFICKLY*
No Book Learning, but I tell you something he would not get mad if you fart on him. Not like today, I don't like to get farted on.
The Alamo, Captain Dickinson...
Wow he can sing beautiful
❤ Ken Curtis is my favorite on Gunsmoke. I used to watch it with my dad as a kid.
I love Festus! He was age 70 here! What a voice! What a wonderful, generous, God fearing man! We will miss you Ken Curtis❤️Godspeed…..
Hello how are you doing..?
Wow he looked great at 70
@but by can 😢blackpillfitness91😅😮😢🎉36
But he never offered to die on a cross to save the world from their Sins. Only by God's Grace of the Free gift of Jesus Christ can we be saved. You can't earn your salvation or sing for it or by making people happy or being a veteran or a hero or a firefighter. It is a free Gift from God. It's yours for the asking. Free Free Free. for all eternity.
Jeremiah 17:5 New Living Translation
5 This is what the Lord says:
“Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans,
who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the Lord."
1 Corinthians 12:11
New Living Translation
11"It is the one and only Holy Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have."
@@JohnSmith-uy7sv God is the One Creator. Jesus Christ was a prophet of God and a human being. Stop confusing people. God bless you.
Ken Curtis and Jim Nabors are 2 singing voices that their TV personas completely hide. Shocked every time I hear them sing
💯
People seem to forget he was lead for the Sons of the Pioneers. Beautiful voice.
well maybe some people did not know that fact
And foster brooks brother
And don't forget Bob Nolan
He also replaced Frank Sinatra in the Tommy Dorsey band.
Ive been watching gunsmoke for years! I had no idea that ken was part of this! Unbelievable
Anyone listening to Ken Curtis in 2024 i am !
Yes he was great
Sure miss music like this 10/17/24
@@ConnieMullins-ey6ge
This was the best music to bad this new country don't sound as good !
@@victorjeffers1993Agreed!!
It's amazing how versatile Ken Curtis actually was.
I miss him and the Sons of the Pioneers so much! Most of what passes for "country music" now isn't worth listening to! What a true talent and a fine gentleman!
.
My dad sang a nd
Even blake Sheldon said similar on the voice about today's country music.
My Dad played them when I young. I miss hearing them sing.
I gave up on country music after the Willie and Waylon era, and can't forget Johnny Cash
My daddy Joe loved that band & Ken's voice
Beautiful voice you in heaven singing 🎵 happy thank you 😊 🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵
Just seeing this in 2022... I watch gunsmoke all the time. I love Festus & Doc's banter back & forth... Fantastic
Hello how are you doing?
Festus has stolen my heart, I try never to miss Gunsmoke!! I watch everyday, he and Matt Dillon, since I’m retired now these are my best shows. Good moral shows with great actors!!! I love them💞 no foul language, a pure love story!! ❤️ it doesn’t get any better!!! Thank you Festus, Matt and Kitty!!! We must never forget Bananza and the Cartrights!!!!!!We need a lot more like these for adults and the children and take the trash off of TV!!!
Totally agree.I'm addicted to Gunsmoke.
Love Gunsmoke ! Watched one today from the 9th Season. Makes it even more fun that my Great Uncle is in over 50 episodes.
I agree he's a great actor and now I know he's a great singer I love watching gunsmoke
The characters were so distinctly developed that we Felt they were absolutely Real Life People. !! Great writers and directors helped that series Allot to be Great!!
Pluto TV has a channel just for gunsmoke. 24/7 every episode
What a great talent! He had the looks, the voice to be the lead in movies. He was a true professional. RIP
Would have NEVER put the voice with Festus. Amazing!
Heard him sing in a gunsmoke episode recently, still am surprised lol
He was an incredibly talented entertainer. Multi-faceted and brilliant. I really miss the days when people were hired for their talent.
My father took the family to Burmingham Al. every year in the 60s.Ken Was one of the main attractions at the annual rodeo.
I love it when people find out how good a singer he was.
violet2048 yes I shocked how he good he was
I just found out and I'm amazed and awed!
@@lovelybutterfly32 When he sings ballads or cowboy campfire songs, they sound like a lullabye.
@@violet2048 I can just imagine how enchanting it must sound. His voice is so calming.
@@violet2048 yes, very warm and yet hauntingly so.
I so love hearing Ken Curtis sing this oldie… takes me back to my years of youth…when friends and I played cowboys with play guns!! Those were great memories.. I am now 83 and the world has drastically changed… to me not for the better nor for our children 😥😥
I agree I am 80 and it seems like another world I am living in
Amen. A sad world for young children😥😭
I'm in my 20s, almost 30, and I can even tell how much has changed. I'm thankful that my parents and grandparents introduced me to the classics they grew up with. They got me into Gunsmoke, the Andy Griffin show, Wagon Trail, John Wayne and much more.
You’d never know from the Festus character that Ken had legit skills like this. So versatile.
What can I say? I love you Festus. Ken Curtis was such a great actor, singer and person. I still watch Gunsmoke. RIP old friend.
One of the most tender hearted characters of all time. He was truly a blessing to Gunsmoke fans.
As a kid I got to shake his hand at the stock show & Rodeo in San Antonio. He showed up in character and riding his mule. My favorite character growing up.
Anybody who can play Festus and sing like that is a GREAT Actor !!!!
He was lead singer for the Sons of the Pioneers from 1944 to 1958
Peter Humphrey the thing is not everybody knew that! I for one loved Gunsmoke when I was 9 and 10 years old and thought Ken Curtis was great as Festus! But I never heard him sing or knew that he did until many many years later here on UA-cam... And I was completely shocked! The one that really got me was the footage of him singing I'll take you home again Kathleen and a film dressed as a member of cavalry!
He sung with the sons of the pioneers.
Yep......I saw an interview an interview that he did with Bette Rogge a while back, and in real life he is NOTHING like Festus Hagen. Still hard for me to imagine that the Festus character that he played was all just a "put on"......just pretend! Do a youtube search for......Bette Rogge interviews "Gunsmoke" actors Ken Curtis and Buck Taylor.........to watch the interview.
agree
I accidentally came across Ken singing tumbling tumbleweeds while I was trying to learn how to play the song on guitar…how lucky was I to discover this remarkable performance… rest in peace Ken Curtis.
I always loved Ken Curtis. His portrayal of Festus was flawless. I always knew he had a beautiful soul. I never suspected that he had such a beautiful voice, too.
I'm 75 so I can remember a lot of what the "young people" hear about today. Such a soothing, wonderful voice. God love you Ken. Best wishes to all.
Hello How are you doing today my name is Eric Moore and how is the weather over there's
@@carolgarber5209 the weather over there is good
@@carolgarber5209 so where are you from
@@carolgarber5209 good night 🌉
I just love this man and the way he sings this song. Simply beautiful!! ❤
I love this SONG!
Here is another Country Singer and Western Move star that has a voice that touches your soul. But would never guess that, watching Gunsmoke.
Yes he is good singer
@Clark WILLIAMS From her last husband.
Oh man! Ken Curtis! This is lovely! Such a gorgeous voice and such a great actor! RIP Festus.....I still love you after all these years! :')
ME TOO...LOVE, RESPECT, GOD ALWAYS BE WITH HIM!!!!!
See YT clip: Ken Curtis sing "Noah's Dove"
Ken's beautiful voice shines again.
dtrix10kc my hero,want this song at my funeral
tribes of affraica
dtrix10kc him and his Mule...👍👍
You little Scudder you! I didn't know you had such a beautiful singing voice. 🤷😁❤.
He was in the group, Sons of the Pioneers. He married John Ford's daughter. loved Festus.
I didn't know he was JF son in law
I was just about to post the same thing about the Sons of the Pioneers, My mother still has my fathers originals of that band. They came in a box because the records were so thick then lol
Just a much better time when those Shows came out. Gunsmoke , Andy Griffith, I still watch them every day. Really not any True talent out there. I’m almost 80 years old and boy to go back in time just for a week to show this younger generation how things really were. Our little town had so many businesses. Coffee shops, Factories everywhere, our downtown area was always busy , people window shopping, kids selling pop bottles, penny candy. Sure is a sad time today. Most the time I’m 20 on the inside and in my mind but to start getting up moving around and wanting to do things it isn’t happening. Many people feel the same way. When we were kids, I felt like I had my whole life, seemed like I would be here forever and here I am. Nearly over. That’s all of our fate. Try to be ready, 🇺🇸👍🏻
Frank Allen: Thank you for your post. I know exactly what you mean. Dont forget the small pleasures that come your way everyday...sometimes it is just the small stuff that matters most. I enjoy Andy Griffith, Sons of the Pioneers from that time period too. Takes me back to such a simpler time....life in a slower lane
@David Erickson Thanks
Ken Curtis was in many John Wayne movies and one of the original Sons of the Pioneers, which also appeared in those movies. He was also a great actor as well as a singer.
+terry haugen Ken was not an original member of The Sons Of The Pioneers. He was a latter day member, as was Pat Brady.
My favorite is Rio Grande where Ken is one of the Regimental Singers (Sons of the Pioneers) They serenade Maureen O'Hara (and John Wayne) with I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen.
I have Xfinity here in San Rafael, California. Rio Grande is a free movie choice on Xfinity. And, you can bet that I've been watching it a lot. Harry Carey, Jr. and Ben Johnson are wonderful in it. Fantastic stunt riding with two horses apiece by each of them! Fantastic.
he was in the sons of the pioneers but not one of the originals. he joined them in the 50s
@@bruiser He was their lead singer from 49 to 52
Was a big band singer before everything.
Mr Ken Curtis.."Festus", see you later..Galloping pass those tumbling tumbleweeds in the sky..yours very truly Alfonso Cantu
He was 70 years old when he sang this...excellent pipes for that age!
Or any age.
Are you kidding??? 70 - wow - just think how wonderful when he was younger.
bobwayne911 Just check out his days with the Sons of the Pioneers. Fantastic voice!
Wow, he looks great.
He looked a lot younger for his age.
Had no idea he could sing like that! What a surprise. I really like him in Gunsmoke. Shame they don't make simple shows like that anymore.
Michael Kern watch the movie "Rio Grande" & you'll get inkling of his singing prowess.
Amen to that Michael .
Gunsmoke💜💜💜
He sang in the "Irish Pub" scene in John Wayne's movie "The Quiet Man".
@@pamh.5705 he also sang with a famous big band during the Big Band heyday.
That's an oldie, awesome 👍
His voice has such a calming effect. At least for me anyway
Yes I feel the same way.
Well, he Was in the Sons of the Pioneers!
Same!!! ❤🧡💛💚💙💜
You get my vote on that
Me too
Im 62 yrs. old ,watched gunsmoke since i can remember, and never knew Ken could sing! RIP KEN.
I also am 62 and only found a couple of years ago about his singing. I just couldn’t believe it. What a treat!!!
Back in about 62-63 in Odessa Tx. Festus and Doc (Milburn Stone) were the stars at the county rodeo. After their part was done, 8 yr old me ran to their limousine and extended my program, which had their pictures on it, and said “sir may I have your autograph?” Ol Doc didn’t even acknowledge me, but Festus took my program and signed his picture and handed it back to me with a wink. Big moment for a kid. 58 years ago🙂
What a fine singer!! Love Ken Curtis! What a character, what a voice!!
I remember seeing him in one of John Wayne's movies, he was one of the cavalry, and he sang in that. His voice is beautiful.
I meet him in Montgomery, Alabama at the fair grounds in back 1977. He had such beautiful blue eyes, I was 18 & just married but oh how I was blown away by him & my husband was laughing. Hey 70 now is alright in my book! Still makes my heart beat, keep healthy & living. ❤
He had exceptional experiences !!! Was part of many well known and successful movies,and worked with legendary actors..He himself was a highly underrated talent...
I know that he was a very excetional person. The different typyes of people that he played!! And the voice!! Such a wonderful sinjger ❤️❤️🦅🦅🦅🦅
He was one of the most under appreciated singers and actors EVER. VERY TALENTED.
I wish he was still here...
Ken Curtis was the featured speaker at the Future Farmers of America National Convention in KC in 1963.. We FFA kids loved Festus and Gunsmoke.. don't think anyone knew he could sing!
By far, the best "side kick" in the 20 years of gunsmoke
That's what you call a good actor. His Fester voice and his natural. So awesome at both 🎶🎼🎵
Ken , Sons off the Pioneers. Fantastic voice.
🌹🌹🌹
How are you doing today my name is Eric Moore
All I can say is AMAZING voice, We love Festus.
Fantastic singer and actor.
RIP, Ken. Your voice was amazing! To have a voice like that and be the actor that you were says volumes! Your eyes expressed the feeling that you had singing this song. Love ❤ you and miss you. We are watching you right now on MeTV. Gunsmoke is the best when you are on. Watch it every single day!!!!❤❤❤
I agree Gunsmoke is much better when Ken was on it!!! However, I
watch whoever is on it!!! Fetus is my
favorite!!
Me too
"The law's gonna creep up on you like ugly on a ape" - one of my favorite lines from Festus.
His voice is wonderful!+ he played a humorous side kick always fun to watch his acting. But wow his voice!! Plus he was an older fella there.
Who wouldn't like this??? Festus sings great...
I just love this man and his voice. He is a great person
Fantastic
We miss Festus, but not this junk on TV now. After the News, we turn the old Boob Tube off that is how bad TV has gotten rotten LOL.
He was one of the early Sons of the Pioneers.
@Montana fishing Fun hh
WOW, i'm blown away like a Tumbling Tumbleweed, lol. What a wonderful voice!
You know I could listen to him sing this song all day so beautiful and peaceful
Hello how are you doing today?
A true American icon!! Thank God for Ken Curtis!! I remember when Gun smoke was prime time tv.. The longest running Western ever..
It's still on !It's on my tv!
@@stevenrobinson1379 mine too! I love it!
I watch Gunsmoke evey weeknight, 3 episodes. Startimg at 10:00pm.
When I started watching it from the very beginning it was called Gunlaw.
@@John-ob7dh love it hi
WOW-Love him. What a talent. They don't make western's like they use too.
I met Ken Curtis when I was in my teens at the international amphitheater in Chicago. I held on to his autograph for years. That had to be in the late 60's.
Ken Curtis who played festus was a very wonderful actor,i really truly honestly didn't know that he was a wonderful singer as well . I love the songs,music he made . I really truly honestly do admire him as well . The times that festus and doc Adams got into issues with each other it seemed funny at times . I know that they (meaning festus and doc Adams got along well it really truly honestly does hurt when all of your favorite movie stars from certain shows die . I know what's it's like to lose someone who I love dearly . May you all rest in peace . All of your fans,friends love you dearly,miss you so very much .
My brother saw this and sent it to me, when he saw it he was shocked Festis could sing
@@paulacarson157 who knew? Gave me chills ... I secretly wanted to marry him.. secrets out. Lol
He was lead singer for the Sons of the Pioneers and before that with the Tommy Dorsey band. You can hear him do a lot of solo's in John Fords Western Fort Apachie with John Wayne.
You should check out ScottyMonts Youtune tribute to ken Curtus and it has many of his Sons of the Pioneers and movie performances. His voice was much better when he was younger. He began as a Big Band singer.
And a Great Actor to boot.? R.I.P. Ken Curtis. for you are sadly missed by all of your Fans.
Absolutely
Loved Festus! Never knew he sounded so good!
Ken Curtis was part of a singing group called the Sons of the Pioneers as a lead singer from 1949 to 1952. His big hits with the group included "Room Full of Roses" and "(Ghost) Riders in the Sky".
I met him in the early 70's in Sikeston, Mo. One of the most talented singers ever. Such a humble and nice man, too. Our whole family talked about that meeting for years
Ken Curtis was one of my all time favorite actors. His singing is awesome. Rest in peace my friend.
Hey how are you doing today..?
Ken was in many shows and movies but Festus Hagan was the best. People who have watched gunsmoke didn't know he was an excellent singer . RIP Ken and Festus.
I did ❤️.
He played a character similar to Festus on an episode of Have Gun Will Travel. He also sung straight in that episode as well.
I knew!
Go festus I didn’t know you were a singer you did a great job great voice too. I’m flabbergasted.
He was also a member of the group sons of the pioneers with Roy Rogers and they was in one of John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara movies
He took Frank Sinatra's place when he left the Tommy Dorsey Band. Later on he took Roy Roger's place when he left the Sons of the Pioneers.
@@joannmcleod2439 that movie was Rio Grande and Curtis was in the Regimental Singers. He was the main singer. I've known Curtis was a singer for years since my father loved the Sons of the Pioneers and I grew up on their music.
Oh my goodness!!! Thank you for sharing this. What a beautiful voice!
Hello How are you doing today my name is Eric Moore and how is the weather over there's
People now dont realize that he was one of the original sons of the pioneers a long with Roy Rogers.
Proof of the saying 'a diamond in the rough'.Never judge a book by its cover! Wow..amazing voice.
amazing voice
It was only Festus who was rather rough. Ken was a very intelligent, well educated and multi-talented man who liked to dress well and be perfectly turned out. Amazing really when you consider his quite straightened circumstances as a youngster. He had a beautiful voice and Tumbling Tumbleweeds is probably my favourite.
He left a wonderful memory in my heart by his talent and testimony for the Lord!!! He also loved children!!! ❤️
Did you ever meet him Patsy? I would've loved to have seen him in person.♥
He talked so different in his shows, he is refined and has a wonderful voice! Wonderful!
There was a Gunsmoke episode where his lookalike was causing trouble, played by him of course, and he goes and finds him. He gave a deep and powerful performance there.
B Davis saw that 👍👍
He sang I will take you home again Kathleen in a old John Wayne film .Absolutely beautiful rendition of that old song .
Son’s of the pioneers is the best country music band’s forever including ken Curtis! Great job Festus..
Wasn't their music classified as western??? I like both kinds of music, country AND western!!!
I was a child when Festus appeared as the guest star at a rodeo we attended ... he sang Cool Water.
My father introduced me to "The Son's of the Pioneers" as a young girl. Thank you daddy for sharing your love of good music.
My Daddy did, too.
WoW, who would have thought!! What GOD given talent!!!!!
I still watch Gunsmoke wit Festus. Ken also was a member of the Sons of the Pioneers. He had an amazing voice!
I've heard a lot of our favorite old "cowboys" sing this song but I think our hero Festus did it best. Why can't we get talented stars like this any more?
because nowadays it is more about looks than actual TALENT!!!
This is nov. 2023. I came across this video of Ken singing tumbleweed. Amazing singing voice. I loved him in Gunsmoke when I was younger and wish Gunsmoke was on TV. I have Shaw Satellite, they do not broadcast it. When we had TV Guide internet sixties and seventies, that's where we seen Google actors. Bygone era
This man was incredible with his range of talents that is so rare to find these days.
Wow festus singing 👍👍👍😊😊😊great singer
Oh I loved this guy! Never knew he was older than my dad. Beautiful voice,
AFTER ALL THESE YEARS AND I JUST FOUND OUT FESTUS COULD SING.
In Rio Grande he was the lead singer of I'll Take You Home Kathleen and had such a beautiful, clear voice.
check this out: ua-cam.com/video/5jwPVe_sWa8/v-deo.html
He was a singer first
I just found that out too! I feel like a boob, lol. I should have know this.
One of the original episode he was in, before he was a main charater, he sits up in the jail with a friend going to be hung. The friend plays harmonica and he sings for real. It's so haunting.
When I was young, my family and I watched Gunsmoke every week. A great show.
He had a truly remarkable voice!!
Since Gunsmoke and Andy Griffith became part of TV Land, I’ve been captivated with both. It’s also further blossomed the beautiful relationship I have with my 70yo mom. Festus is played masterfully, and at 70 my friends, this man is showing us the full range of his talents! Thank you for all the memories Ken Curtis aka Festus. God rest his soul 🙏🏻
This is one song that stirs one to keep going regardless of one's situation - makes one appreciate the wonderful world we all live upon - thank you Ken Curtis across all time you will never be forgotten by 'Country Lovers'........
Miss this man.
A gentleman, through and through.
Smooth voice and acting talent - miss him very much
Hello How are you doing today my name is Eric Moore and how is the weather over there's
I start every morning with my Festus Playlist: (1) Tumbling Tumbleweeds, (2) Don't Fence Me In (duet with German star Freddy Quinn), and (3) Noah's Dove (a clip from Have Gun Will Travel).
This man had the voice of an angel.
Susie. Susie. ,,u r so great.the best with mat. Dillon. and. Ruth. ha ha! i would love. to hug. u.my friend.
We end every day with the first two, not "news" broadcasts!
Little brother and I saw him sing on Have Gun, will Travel when it first aired. My mother laughed at the stunned expressions on our faces, because she already knew who he was from his days with Tommy Dorsey.
There will never be another Ken Curtis. I watch Gunsmoke everyday just to see "Festus".
UNBELIEVABLE! Festus! Are you kidding? What an incredibly beautiful voice!
INCREDIBLE IS RIGHT I ALWAYS LOVED HIM IN T.V. SERIES GUNSMOKE !!!!!
Jennifer Bynum true....
Ken Curtis sang in the 1950 movie Rio Grande and in The Searchers as well.
Sons of the pioneers. Look up some old John Wayne movies. The searchers for one. It’s him.
Here’s Ken Curtis singing the Gunsmoke theme song Old Trail, Years before joining the cast. How spooky and not just the lyrics miss you Ken under appreciated talent.
www.bobnolan-sop.net/Biographies/The%20Story%20of%20SOP/Ken%20Curtis/Ken%20Curtis%20audio/Old%20Trail.mp3
I worked for a while when I was young in the hospitality business where celebrities would do shows. This man was so nice and gracious. One of the special ones.
I am a big fan of Ken Curtis and I absolutely love him singing this song. I play it every morning and read the new comments.
It is so nice to read your reminiscences of Ken Curtis. As a fan, I always had the feeling that Ken Curtis was a human being I would like to have met. Very warm, human feeling about him. Thanks for letting us know he was "one of the special ones."
What a beautiful voice.Never would have guessed it was you.What else does he sing?
Ken Curtis was the Sons of the Pioneers lead singer, he also was a vocalist in the Tommy Dorsey Band
Omg what a great voice. Just started rewatching old Gunsmoke shows while (caring for a client in his home who loves the tv show).