Gene Durnal and His Rio Grande Rangers Born:  December 20, 1901 Died:  December 31, 1956

About The Artist Little is known at this time about Gene Durnal and his Rio Grande Rangers other than an advertisement in a Mankato, Minnesota newspaper for a personal appearance at the Grand Theatre in April of 1939. Back then, movie theatres would often book other entertainment as part of the movie billing. On this occasion, Gene Durnal's Rio Grande Rangers were going to appear on Friday and Saturday, April 21 and 22 in 1939. They were going to do three shows at 2:30pm, 7:00pm and 9:00pm. On the screen, the audiences were to see Gene Autry in his film, "Home On The Prairie" as well as a serial series, "Lone Ranger Rides Again". Gene was billed as "The Shootinest Man of the West". Also appearing with him was Hefty and Mable and the Utah Cowboys, an act stated to be from Hollywood's Famous Western Pictures. Matinee and evening prices were 10 cents and 25 cents. Credits & Sources Hillbilly-Music.com wishes to express its appreciation to Ron Affolter (Lonesome Ron) for sharing the results of his research in local musical history and the copies of the articles and ads. On Stage In Person Wor'ds Greatest Cowboy Entertainment; Advertisement; Mankato Free Press; April 20, 1939; Mankato, Minnesota (copy provided by Ron Affolter)

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