Collection 117 [March 17, 2006]
Hamblen, Stuart; 1908-1989
Ephemera; n.d.
Audio Tape, Phonograph Record
Restrictions
There are no restrictions on the use of this collection.
Biography
Stuart Hamblen was born October 20, 1908, in Kellyville, Texas, to Reverend and Mrs. J.H. Hamblen; Rev. Hamblen was a Methodist pastor. Stuart attended schools in the area later receiving his teaching certificate from McMurrey College in Abilene. Finding no real interest in teaching, Stuart moved to Hollywood as part of a touring singing group known as the "Beverly Hillbillies."
At the age of nineteen, Hamblen began a successful radio program, "Stuart Hamblen and His Lucky Stars" as a result of his singing career. The program was very popular on the West Coast and set national records for longevity. Hamblen was featured in the program singing and kidding around with his guests and other singers. Some of the songs he wrote during this period include "Remember Me, I'm the One Who Loves You," "This Ole House," and "My Mary."
He attended Billy Graham's Los Angeles evangelistic meetings of 1949 and was converted to Christianity. The decision changed his life. He gave up his radio program feeling he could no longer endorse some of the sponsor's products. Religious songs began to come from the singer. He wrote hymns and religious music such as "It Is No Secret," "His Hands," and "Until Then." He began a new radio program, "Cowboy Church," where he shared with his audience his new found faith in Jesus Christ.
In 1952 Hamblen conducted an unsuccessful bid for the presidency of the United
States on the prohibition ticket. He continued to remain active in song writing
and evangelism through the years. Hamblen married Suzy Daniels in April 1933.
The couple had two daughters and in 1980 resided in Los Angeles, California.
He died March 8, 1989 of brain cancer in Santa Monica, California.
Scope and Content
The collection contains an audio tape and phonograph record of songs sung by Hamblen. The
two songs on the phonograph album, "Golden River" and "Dream Book of Memories," were also
written by him. There are twenty-four selections on the audio tape. Songs both written and sung
by Hamblen include "It Is No Secret," "His Hands," "This Ole House," and "The Lord is
Counting on You."
*****
Provenance
Materials in this collection were received by the Center in October 1979.
Accession 79-118
May 7, 1980
Mary Ann Buffington
S. Kouns
LOCATION RECORD
Accession 79-118
Type of Material: Audio Tapes
The following items are located in the AUDIO TAPE FILE. Request by the T# at the beginning
of each entry below:
T1 - Stuart Hamblen singing twenty-three songs, some of which he wrote. Titles include "It Is
No Secret," "His Hands," "The Lord is Counting on You," "Lonesome Cowboy's Prayer," "A Few
Things to Remember," and "I Don't Know Why."
*****
LOCATION RECORD
Accession 79-118
Type of Material: Phonographs
The following items are located in the PHONO FILE. Request by the P# at the beginning of
each entry below:
P1 - Stuart Hamblen. 10 inch, produced by RCA Victor Manufacturing Company; n.d.
Side 1: "Golden River"
Side 2: "Dream Book of Memories"