Rex Allen was an American country and western singer, songwriter, and film actor, active from the 1940s through the 1960s. Known for his rich, heartwarming voice, Allen was one of the last of the singing cowboys, a group of artists who combined country music with Western themes. His most notable works include "Streets of Laredo" and "Don't Go Near the Indians," both of which were significant hits in the country and western genre. Allen's music and cowboy persona played a significant role in shaping this genre and helped to popularize it in the mid-20th century.