Sons of the Pioneers trail boss Tommy Nallie hands over reins to John Fullerton
Revered trail boss Tommy Nallie, part of the Nallie family dynasty within the Sons of the Pioneers that dates to 1969, is handing off the reins of leadership. Stepping up is current Pioneer John Fullerton, a Missouri horseman and cowboy singer who seemed destined for leadership in a group he’s been devoted to since age 7.
“It’s time to pass it on, and nobody could be better suited for this job,” said Nallie, 77, whose affability and considerable musical abilities have made him a fan favorite since he joined in 1983. “I’m slowing down, but I think John might just be hitting full stride.”
Nallie says the Sons of the Pioneers legacy built over more than 91 years is in excellent hands. “Our fans will continue to hear those same arrangements and songs they love—and that their grandparents loved,” said Fullerton, who joined the Pioneers in 2018 and has directed several other musical groups. “You can bet we’re going to honor that Pioneer tradition and keep that unique Pioneer sound.”
Nallie took over as bandleader in 2015 from retired older brother Luther, who had joined the Pioneers in 1969. The Nallie dynasty, stretching more than half a century, also includes Tommy’s late brother Jack and nephew John.
Nallie feels confident the Sons of the Pioneers campfire will continue to burn brightly: “John’s knowledge is deep. He’s got the drive, and he’s got the heart. I figure he’ll take the group to year 100, at the very least.”
celebrating MORE THAN 91 Years in the Saddle!
Kick up your boot heels and jangle your spurs with us! This year, the Sons of the Pioneers celebrate an unparalleled milestone: more than 91 unbroken years of best-in-the-West entertainment. It’s enough to make our heads spin like we’re trying to stay on ol’ Skyball Paint.
In late 1933, three talented musicians (including the man who would soon become Roy Rogers, King of the Cowboys) were introduced on a Los Angeles radio station as the Sons of the Pioneers. Little did those young men know they were launching a juggernaut that would somehow survive the Great Depression, World War II, the advent of television, space travel, Elvis’s hips and rock ‘n’ roll, the Internet, the tech revolution, and a global pandemic.
Over the years the group’s myriad achievements in radio, movies, television, recordings, and on stage have been fueled by a steady rotation of now more than 40 talented musicians. The current group—Tommy Nallie, Ken Lattimore, John Fullerton, Paul Elliott, and Chuck Ervin—are proud to continue the Pioneer tradition and don’t take the responsibility lightly.
Tommy, who first signed on in 1983 and is now the group’s fourth trail boss, is committed to keeping those signature Pioneer harmonies pure and the musicianship top-notch. Most important, he says, is keeping the Pioneers’ musical campfire burning bright for years to come. “Ninety years is a mighty good run, but I’m betting 100 is gonna be even better!”
Meet the Sons of the pioneers
In this short video we talk a little bit about how this music developed, what makes it unique, and what this legacy means to us. Enjoy!
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“The Sons of the Pioneers are American icons known around the world for their trademark harmonies and haunting lyrics that tell the story of the American West.”
“A Living Legend in their own time... an American institution.”
“The world’s premier cowboy singing group.”