NASHVILLE, TN — Stamp images honoring two Country Music Hall of Fame® inductees and two silent screen stars were previewed here today during the nation’s largest mailing industry trade show, the National Postal Forum.

The Cowboys of the Silver Screen stamps go on sale this weekend and immortalize four extraordinary performers who helped make American Westerns a popular form of entertainment — Gene Autry, William S. Hart, Tom Mix and Roy Rogers.

The first-day-of-issue dedication ceremony takes place in Oklahoma City, OK, April 17, when the stamps become available nationwide. Advance orders for the 44-cent stamps and 28-cent stamped postal cards can be placed now at this link for mail delivery early next week.   

“These exceptional performers, whose on-screen characters exemplified chivalry, honesty, integrity, self-reliance and individualism, made the American Western a popular form of entertainment,” said Deputy Postmaster General and Chief Operating Officer Patrick Donahoe. “Along the way, they served as role models for generations of aspiring cowboys and cowgirls. America’s long love affair with cowboys is evoked through these stamps and since two of our cowboys — Gene Autry and Roy Rogers — were singing cowboys, it seems fitting that we should unveil these images in Music City.”  

 Stamp artist Robert Rodriguez of Los Angeles, CA, created the artwork under the direction of art director Carl Herrman of North Las Vegas, NV.

Gene Autry
A successful radio performer prior to becoming the silver screen’s first singing cowboy star, Gene Autry (1907-1998) is known for his distinctive singing style and easygoing personality. Autry entertained countless fans in nearly 100 films and recorded more than 600 songs, including the popular hits, “Back in the Saddle Again,” and “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Autry was President of the Board of Directors of the Country Music Association in 1963, and is a 1969 Country Music Hall of Fame inductee.

William S. Hart
Before making his first appearance on the silver screen in 1914, William S. Hart (1864-1946) starred on Broadway and in theatrical productions nationwide. During his cinematic career, the acclaimed actor insisted on authentic depictions of the Old West and its people. He frequently played a stalwart, tough-as-nails cowboy.

Tom Mix
As one of the most popular stars of silent Westerns, Tom Mix (1880-1940) made his movie debut in 1909. In his action-packed movies, he displayed athleticism, fearlessness and expert riding and roping abilities as he chased down villains and rescued damsels in distress.

Roy Rogers
Often remembered for his signature hit song, “Happy Trails,” Roy Rogers (1911-1998) sang his way to silver screen stardom in the late 1930s, and by 1943 Republic Pictures was calling him “King of the Cowboys.” For millions of fans, Rogers was the essence of the Western hero — the good guy with the white hat, warm smile — and exemplary character. Rogers is the only performer to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame twice; first as an original member of the Sons of the Pioneers singing group in 1980, and later as a solo artist in 1988.  

Saturday’s 10 a.m. dedication ceremony takes place at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, OK, and coincides with the museum’s 2010 Western Heritage Awards Weekend, honoring the legacy of those whose works in literature, music, television and film reflect the significant stories of the American West.

The Postal Service receives letters from about 50,000 Americans each year who submit stamp ideas.  Just as in the movies, these icons habitually beat the odds by being selected over thousands of others to become stamp subjects. 

Have stamp idea?  Visit this link to learn the criteria for submitting your ideas in writing.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses, and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.