Al Dexter and His Troopers — Music Videos

Texas dance-band country

Al Dexter and His Troopers was the recording and performing ensemble led by Texas singer, guitarist, and songwriter Al Dexter, born Clarence Albert Poindexter. Dexter developed his music in the bars, clubs, and dance halls of East Texas during the 1930s. His repertoire helped connect early honky-tonk country with the lighter swing of a working dance band, drawing on the practical experience of entertaining audiences who came to dance.

Pistol Packin’ Mama

The ensemble is most closely associated with Dexter’s “Pistol Packin’ Mama,” released in 1943. The record paired that song with “Rosalita” and carried his name well beyond the Southwest. Producer Art Satherley arranged the Hollywood session using musicians from Gene Autry’s backing band. The resulting recording became a major wartime crossover success, reaching listeners who did not otherwise follow country music. Dexter followed it with material including “Too Late to Worry,” “Wine, Women and Song,” and “Calico Rag.”

Leader and ensemble

Dexter supplied the voice, songs, and public identity, while the Troopers provided the instrumental setting behind him. Their music belongs to the period when country recording, jukebox play, touring dance bands, and popular radio overlapped. His later recognition included induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1971.