[Do Not Make Fun Of His Ears]

Since the great James Arness died, I thought some fun trivia was in order.

Ken Curtis (Festus) was actually a great singer, who was hired by Tommy Dorsey to replace Frank Sinatra. But when Sinatra didn't leave, Curtis' contract was sold to Big Band leader Shep Fields.

Festus could SING!

[FrankR]

Ken Curtis was a member of the “Sons of the Pioneers” for a time as well.

[traderrob6]

Saw him in “The Searchers” yesterday, hard to believe it’s him.

Actually he was in several movies with John Wayne.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v517yhi3yms

[greene66]

Heck, Ken Curtis even ‘starred’ in a series of little musical/western b-films for Columbia in the mid-1940s, alongside the Hoosier Hot Shots.

[blam]

Terry Bradshaw: I'm So Lonesome I could Cry

[prisoner6]

Well, now you went and did it. I knew about Ken's singing and acting roles other than in Gunsmoke. Then I decided to check his bio, There was tons of stuff I knew about but had forgotten!

The foremost was that he co-starred in one of my fav shows when I was growing up..."RIPCORD." Also starring in that was Larry Pennell who played Dash Riprock in the Beverly Hillbillies!

Wife is sick of me trying to tell her about Ripcord, Whirlybirds and Stagecoach. All three were must sees for a 10 year old, LOL!

Another bit I found was that Ken's dad was a sheriff in Colorado.

[Jack The Knife]

[Virginia Ridgerunner]

Here's another one...

Ken Curtis "Tumbling Tumbleweeds" Festus Country

[brityank]

Two guys that had amazing voices - Gomer Pyle and Festus.

Found this one of Festus doing Tumbling Tumbleweeds solo in Germany.