About the Author
Jay Coffin
Jay Coffin has worked in journalism, digital media, television, communications, and the media fields for the last three decades. Most of that time has been spent in the sports and golf industry, helping to raise the profile of two prominent golf websites, appearing regularly on television, creating two successful podcasts, and boosting numerous social media accounts to record engagement metrics. He lives in Orlando, Fla.
Stories by Jay Coffin
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Remembering Roger Ewing, Gunsmoke’s Thad Greenwood
Roger Ewing grew up watching Gunsmoke and was surprised that it led to an acting career that included appearing in more than 50 episodes, most notably as Deputy Marshal and handyman Thad Greenwood.
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Who was Zane Grey?
Zane Grey was a famous American Western novelist and one of the most influential writers of frontier and adventure fiction in the early 20th century.
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What Was The Virginian’s Real Name?
The decision not to give James Drury’s character a name in The Virginian was made so he would be seen as a Western hero defined by his actions more than his name.
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Was Gunsmoke’s Dodge City a Real Town?
Dodge City was made famous because of Gunsmoke’s historic run. But was it a real place led by Marshal Matt Dillon, and if so, where is it? We dig in here.
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Did Joel McCrea own a ranch?
Joel McCrea appeared in 80 films, including many historic Westerns. One of the oft-asked questions about the star was how much his off-screen life mirrored his on-screen performances.
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Was Theodore Roosevelt Shot During a Speech?
Theodore Roosevelt was shot while preparing for a campaign speech in Milwaukee on Oct. 14, 1912, during his run for a third term as president, this time on the Progressive ticket.
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Who was the first female lead in a Western film?
The story of female leads in Western films begins as early as 1908 and stretches across decades of innovation, struggle, and reinvention.
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The Highwaymen Story: Outlaws Who Redefined Country Music
By Jay Coffin Few supergroups in the history of music commanded the reverence of The Highwaymen. Comprised of Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristofferson—each a towering figure individually—they created the term and…
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The Willie Nelson Story
By Jay Coffin Key Takeaways Nelson’s early life and musical beginnings His influence on the Outlaw Country movement Personal challenges and overall legacy Willie Nelson is known not only for his distinctive voice and contributions…
