Biography

Country & western entertainer. Born December 15, 1914. Died 2002. Real name: David McEnery. Radio performer, movie actor and composer. His songwriting credits include the country-folk standard “Amelia Earhart’s Last Flight.” During the 1930s a regular radio performer. After World War II appeared in several low-budget Western movies. During the 1950s and 1960s a popular San Antonio area television performer.

Interview Summary

1975 May 5
(1 hour, 30 minutes)
Western entertainer Red River Dave gives an overview of his career. Discussion includes his childhood and family history; his early musical influences and the start of his musical career; his start in radio in 1932; the origin of the “Red River Dave” name; his career travels during the 1930s, including his travels to California and New York; working with Rex Griffin at WQAM -Miami; the growth of his career and his experiences as a traveling performer during the late 1930s; his audition for WOR-New York and his show for the Mutual Network; his recording career; memories of Vernon Dalhart; his 1939 television performance for RCA at the World’s Fair; his recording career; working with Decca Records executive Dave Kapp; his movie career; his songwriting, including “I Won’t Care A Hundred Years From Now,” and “Amelia Earhart’s Last Flight”; his television show in San Antonio, Texas during the 1950s; his 1946 songwriting stunt; and comments on his career.