Dick Foran, a charismatic matinée idol of the B-movies, began his career as a band singer, eventually transitioning to radio performances. Warner Brothers discovered him as a supporting actor with a knack for crooning, and his good looks and affable personality made him a natural fit for the supporting cast.
Foran's first starring role was in the western "Treachery Rides the Range" (1936),a response to Gene Autry's popularity. In the westerns that followed, he would sing while riding his horse or romancing the leading lady, earning him the nickname "The Singing Cowboy." Whether it was "Song of the Saddle" (1936) or "California Mail" (1936),his character name may have varied, but his signature singing style remained consistent.
During his time at Warner Brothers, Foran also took on straight dramatic roles, supporting the lead actors. In 1940, he moved to Universal, where he continued to work in supporting roles, appearing in serials like "Rangers of Fortune" (1940),horror films like "The Mummy's Hand" (1940),and comedies like "Ride 'Em Cowboy" (1942). His signature theme, "I'll Remember April," was introduced in "Ride 'Em Cowboy" (1942).
After a period of sporadic film appearances, Foran made a few films in the late 1950s and worked in television. His final film role was in "Donovan's Reef" (1963),alongside his longtime friend John Wayne.
