Spoiler : Rex Koury was born on this day in 1911. Best known for writing the theme to radio's Gunsmoke, Koury began his career playing the organ for silent movies in local theaters. In addition to his work on Gunsmoke, he produced music for Fibber McGee & Molly and Defense Attorney.

Spoiler : Born in London, England 3/18/1911. He came to America as a child. He studied music with several tutors, including organist Jesse Crawford. Featured organist with the Keith and Orpheum Theatres (1929-1933). Pianist/arranger for the Veloz and Yolanda Orchestra (1936-1938). Koury was a staff pianist and organist with NBC (1939-1942). Served in the Army Air Corp (1942-1946).

Spoiler : Koury provided music (organ) for radio programs including The Hermit's Cave on KMPC-Los Angeles (1940-1944); The Adventures Of Ellery Queen on ABC (1947-1948); I Love Adventure on ABC (1948); The Lone Wolf on Mutual (1948-1949); We Care on ABC (1948-49); Kay Kyser's Kollege Of Musical Knowledge daytime program on ABC (1948-1949); The Croupier on ABC (1949); Defense Attorney on ABC (1951-1952). Wrote the theme, cues and underscores for Gunsmoke on CBS-Radio (1952-1961). Owner/operator of a radio station in Coeur d'Arlene, Idaho (1958-1962), then became the musical director for NBC on the West Coast (1963-1970).