Pat Brady

b. Robert Ellsworth O’Brady, 31 December 1914, Toledo, Ohio, USA, d. 27 February 1972, Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA. An important member of the Sons Of The Pioneers and a successful film actor. His parents, who were vaudeville performers, separated when Robert was 12 years old and he moved to California with his father. He was inspired by western films, and from an early age had a natural flair for comedy, no doubt inherited from his father, who had regularly played the clown’s role in vaudeville. Brady was also interested in pop and jazz music and by 1935, having learned to play stand-up bass, he was playing in a local band. In October 1937, although not at the time appreciating their music, he was invited to play bass for the Sons Of the Pioneers. Since the group already had one Bob (Bob Nolan), he became Pat. A naturally funny man, he also began to sing a comedy song or two, and generally imparted some humour into the Pioneers’ act. He first appeared in films with Charles Starrett in 1937. In 1943, he was drafted and served with the US Army in Europe during World War II, but returned to the Pioneers early in 1946 and remained a regular group member until 1949, when his friend Roy Rogers featured him first in B-movie Westerns and then later in his popular long-running television series. He returned to the Pioneers, to replace Shug Fisher, in 1959, and played with them until 1967. He then retired and made his home in Colorado Springs.
© TiVo