Kids who grew up watching these three animated films and TV cartoons were exposed to the varied talents and infectious humor of three significant country music legends. Hopefully, young viewers who watched these films and television shows eventually delved into the real music of one of their favorite fictitious characters.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Glen Campbell in Rock-a-Doodle (1991)
Campbell's talents as an Elvis and chicken impersonator carry this overlooked animated feature film. The "Rhinestone Cowboy" singer lacked the mainstream stardom he enjoyed in his True Grit-era prime, but he still served as a nice nod to the past for parents dragged to the theaters. Plus, the character is slightly autobiographical, as Campbell was a once-in-a-generation talent hidden away on an Arkansas farm.
Roger Miller in Disney's Robin Hood (1973)
The 1973 cartoon fox version of Robin Hood has aged quite well as a visual and storytelling spectacle. A huge part of the film's sustained charm is the voice acting and singing of Roger Miller, who plays the minstrel rooster Alan-a-Dale. Miller recorded some of the best family-friendly tunes ever, and his entry into the Disney canon helped guarantee he'd be discovered by young fans for decades to come.
Jerry Reed in The New Scooby-Doo Movies Episode "Phantom of the Country Music Hall" (1972)
Jerry Reed was the ideal performer for the golden age of variety-television shows. The picking-and-singing great's personality made him the perfect new pal for Scooby and the gang, back when a series relaunch included celebrity guests. Reed and Shaggy hit it off well, although the latter seems to have more in common with Willie Nelson. There's even a nod to the Opry, as that week's monster troubled the Grand Old Country Music Hall.
