We all know Ken Curtis (Festus) had a brilliant singing voice, but here's a song from none other than Milburn Stone (Doc Adams). | The Legacy of Gunsmoke

In Once a Haggen (S9, E18), Ken Curtis sang with Slim Pickens "Six Shiny Black Horses" - a haunting composition by Curtis himself. A shiny black carriage All draperied like snow Six shiny black horses Are pulling so slow The road to the graveyard Is lonesome and Long Who passed the last judgment Was he right or wrong | The Legacy of Gunsmoke

Here's a young Ken Curtis ("Festus") singing with the original, premiere cowboy singing group, The Sons of the Pioneers, They Formed in 1934, but as different band members step up, they're still performing. They're known for their unique harmony - the gold standard to which all other western groups aspire. | The Legacy of Gunsmoke

Ken Curtis Tumbling Tumbleweeds | Western Trails Stars of the Silver Screen

ICYMI: Here's Ken Curtis singing his own beautiful composition, "Six Shiny Black Horses" accompanied by Slim Pickens on harmonica. - Once a Haggen (S9, E18) | The Legacy of Gunsmoke

Often edited from the television versions, here's "Festus" singing an excerpt from "Shall We Gather at the River" by American poet and gospel music composer Robert Lowry. - The Other Half (S9, E35) | The Legacy of Gunsmoke

BOOM TV CHARACTER OF THE DAY: Festus Haggen (played by 7/2 birthday boy, Ken Curtis) from “Gunsmoke” | BoomUnderground.com

Some of you asked how Ken Curtis talked when he wasn't in character. In 1969, Bette Rogge interviewed him with Buck Taylor. Here's the Ken Curtis excerpt. I love how easily he can move from the Festus character to himself. | The Legacy of Gunsmoke