This site was created in loving memory of Bob Nolan by his only grandson Calin Coburn and archivist Elizabeth Drake McDonald. Bob was born Clarence Robert Nobles on April 13, 1908 and died Robert Clarence Nolan on June 16, 1980.

 

 

Calin's Grandparents,

Pearl & Bob Nolan

1930

 


SONS OF THE PIONEERS' SONGS BY CURRENT WESTERN MUSIC ARTISTS


 

 

PUZZLES

 


 

FAQ

 

        

 

   

 

Singer, songwriter, actor and poet, Bob Nolan was instrumental in creating "Western" music, a uniquely North American art form. Cool Water and Tumbling Tumbleweeds are two of his best-known songs but they are only the tip of the iceberg. Many of his songs were not influenced by European Folk as were the "Cowboy" songs. They were entirely original, often pure poetry set to unusual melodies. An admirer once told Bob that he painted the west and his brush was music.

 

The new sound caught the imagination of the public. Contemporary musicians began to imitate, western movies picked it up and the genre was popular for thirty years.

 

This website introduces over 150 of Bob Nolan's songs. You can also sing along with the Sons of the Pioneers and others while you read the lyrics.

 

The site also opens a very small window into the life of this private man by using slide shows, video clips from his films and hundreds of photos from his own personal collection. Learn more about his famous brother, Earl Nolan.

 

His friends and co-workers recall Bob Nolan in "Recollections". Read what his fans say about him in "Reflections".

 

Listen to Bob's solos plus some duets in Spanish with Ken Carson.

 

 

Any and all copyright laws apply. This site is provided for your private study or reference only. Thank you.

   

 

 

*NOTICE TO MAC USERS: IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTY READING THESE PAGES, WE SUGGEST YOU DOWNLOAD THE FREE FIREFOX BROWSER.

 

RADIO

1. Podcast: A musical tribute to Bob Nolan in the German language by Anne & Peter Greb

 

2. Chuckaroo The Buckaroo "Calling All Cowboys Radio"

 

3. Bob Nolan tribute on Miss Lona and Jazz Tonight.

 

4. 2006 Spirit of the West tribute to Bob Nolan with Dick Goodman and host, Hugh McLennan.

 

~ SPECIAL FEATURES ~

Song of the Month:

Who's Gonna Help Me Sing?

Photo of the Month:

At Home 

Movie of the Month:

Sunset Serenade

Spotlight:

Tim Spencer - 100 Years!

 


TIM SPENCER'S 100th

The 100th anniversary of Tim Spencer's birthday is on July 13. In your opinion, what are Tim's Top 10 songs? To let us know, you can use the Feedback link or email elizabethdrakemcdonald@gmail.com

 The results will be announced on Tim's birthday.


 

TUMBLEWEED TOPICS No 11

  (courtesy of John Fullerton)

 

 

Cool Water

&

Tumbling Tumbleweeds

 

Now you can listen to hundreds of selections and enjoy unique new arrangements by many different entertainers.

 

 

   
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Quis nos operor in vita refero in infinitio.