Was a notable songwriter in addition to being a singer and actor. He co-wrote several songs with his wife, Lorene, and several other writers. His songwriting credits include "'Neath Texas Skies," "1501 Miles of Heaven," "I Dreamed of a Hill-Billy Heaven," "I Was Wrong," "I'll Cry on My Pillow Tonight," "It's a Boy," "Just a While," "Let's Go Sparkin'," "On the Banks of the Sunny San Juan," "One Has My Name (The Other Has My Heart)," "One You Must Choose," "Poor Little Swallow," "This Lonely World," and "Walk Beside Me.".