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The legacy continues as Roy and Dale’s grandson takes the stage.
WEB EXCLUSIVE
Although one might expect the grandson of one of history’s greatest cowboy singers to continue the family tradition, it didn’t happen overnight.
“I went to college to become a fireman ... and if you would have told me six years ago that I would have been out there singing, I would have said, ‘There’s no way,’ ” says Dustin Rogers, now 35. Back then, he says, “I would’ve much rather gone into a burning building than get up there on stage and sing.”
Part of what changed his mind was an early encounter with a fan. Rogers says that he was in the middle of helping out with some chores at the Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Museum when he was unexpectedly embraced in a bear hug. The fan, a retired police chief, tearfully explained that Roy Rogers had been the man he patterned his life after, and that Roy had affected his life in a way like nobody else.
“I can hardly imagine having that kind of an impact on anybody. You do your best with your own family, with your own kids if you have ’em,” Dustin says. “But to do that to millions of kids?” Although meeting devoted fans of his grandfather wasn’t a new experience for Dustin, that particular encounter made clear to him the importance of continuing his grandfather’s legacy and preserving his memory.
You can see Dustin perform regularly along with Roy “Dusty” Rogers Jr. and the High Riders at the Mickey Gilley Theatre in Branson, Missouri. For more information, call 866.769.7643 or visit www.royrogers.com.
- Read the C&I feature on the Roy Rogers Centennial in the December issue.
- Read about the current Sons of the Pioneers.
- Listen to an original Sons of the Pioneers playlist.
- Check out Roy and Dale’s film gems.
