Bob Nolan spent his earliest professional years as a singer on the Chatauqua tent-show circuit. In 1933, Nolan teamed up with Roy Rogers and Tim Spencer to form a country-western harmony group known as the Pioneer Trio. Matriculating into the Sons of the Pioneers, the group rose to fame thanks to Rogers' effortless charisma and Nolan's songwriting prowess. One of Nolan's tunes, "Tumblin' Tumbleweeds," was a bonafide "crossover" hit, enchanting even non-C&W fans. In films from 1935, Nolan invariably appeared on screen with the Sons of the Pioneers, though many felt that he could have been just as big a solo western star as his old pal Roy. Nolan scored another hit-parade success in 1941 with "Cool Water." Bob Nolan continued in films until 1948, thereafter confining his appearances to live programs.
by Hal Erickson
biography
