The Early Life
•Leonard Franklin Slye was born on 1911, November 5th in Cincinnati, Ohio. His father worked at a shoe factory and didn’t make that much money. He lived on a small farm out of Portsmouth, Ohio. Roy said that "We were so far back into the woods, they almost had to pipe in sunlight".
When Leonard started his 2nd year of High School at the age of 17 he had to drop out so he could help his dad at the shoe factory. In the late 1920’s, the Slye family relocated to California in 1929 where Leonard held various jobs. During the years of the Great Deppression he worked as a truck driver and a fruit picker.Roy said that "you couldn't beg, borrow, or steal a job in 1931, 1932.... it was really tough". Roy Rogers was referring to the time during the Great Depression.
He started music businesses with his cousin Stanley. He played at square dances and local theaters. Roy said "I did pretty good for a guy who never finished high school and used to yodel at square dances". Leonard and his band went through several names like the Pioneer Trio, and the Sons of Liberty, and even appeared in several motion pictures.
When Leonard started his 2nd year of High School at the age of 17 he had to drop out so he could help his dad at the shoe factory. In the late 1920’s, the Slye family relocated to California in 1929 where Leonard held various jobs. During the years of the Great Deppression he worked as a truck driver and a fruit picker.Roy said that "you couldn't beg, borrow, or steal a job in 1931, 1932.... it was really tough". Roy Rogers was referring to the time during the Great Depression.
He started music businesses with his cousin Stanley. He played at square dances and local theaters. Roy said "I did pretty good for a guy who never finished high school and used to yodel at square dances". Leonard and his band went through several names like the Pioneer Trio, and the Sons of Liberty, and even appeared in several motion pictures.