Chuck Norris Reveals Recording Walker, Texas Ranger Theme Song, Shares 25 Life Facts

Chuck Norris: the name brings to mind roundhouse kicks and an unyielding stare. But did you know the legendary action star once took a surprising turn as a singer, belting out the theme song for his iconic TV show, Walker, Texas Ranger? It’s true, and it’s just one of the many unexpected tales Norris shared recently.

The 85-year-old actor revealed this little-known fact in a recent interview with a prominent entertainment magazine. He confessed that he really wanted country music star Randy Travis to sing "The Eyes of a Ranger." However, the network, CBS, had other ideas. They insisted that Norris himself take on the vocal duties. It wasn’t an easy task. Norris spent two full days in the recording studio, figuring out how to deliver the song. He even had to "rap it" in a style reminiscent of Johnny Cash. The network was so pleased that they booked him to perform the song live. He sang it at Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth, Texas, on New Year’s Eve. Norris, who also champions his pet food brand, Lone Wolf Ranch, joked about how nervous he was. He mentioned the old saying, "Every singer wants to perform and every actor wants to sing." He certainly proved the actor part of that saying.

Beyond his unexpected musical debut, Norris opened up about more personal stories. He shared insights into his life, career, and what truly matters to him. Here are some of those candid revelations:

1. His favorite Chuck Norris fact that always gets a laugh? “Chuck Norris was bitten by a king cobra and after five days of agonizing pain, the cobra died!”
2. He proudly recalls his time in the Air Force from 1958 to 1962. It was his most cherished military experience, helping him find direction and building discipline.
3. Carlos Ray Norris is his birth name. The nickname “Chuck” actually started during his military days.
4. While he doesn’t own any props from *Walker, Texas Ranger*, he did receive a special gift: a Walker Mini Jeep. He still uses it today to get around his Texas ranch.
5. His martial arts journey began at Osan Air Base in South Korea. There, he first learned judo and Tang Soo Do, a Korean art much like karate.
6. He doesn’t point to any single martial arts move as especially tough. For him, mastering anything takes hard work and steady effort.
7. Starting “Kickstart Kids,” his nonprofit foundation and life mission, alongside his wife Gena, is his proudest career moment.
   

   

8. His favorite principle from the Chuck Norris Code of Ethics is number one: “I will develop myself to my maximum potential in all aspects.”
9. At 85, he says he’s achieved more than he ever imagined.
10. He and Gena recently launched Lone Wolf Ranch, their pet food and nutrition brand. Their goal is to give dogs healthy, nutrient-rich food they naturally need and deserve.
11. His most valuable possession is a gift he gave his mother when he was just 11. He saved his money to buy her a framed portrait of Jesus.
12. In the late 80s and early 90s, he raced offshore powerboats. He even set a world record by racing from Chicago to Detroit.
13. He visited Iraq twice to boost the morale of US troops. Shaking hands with thousands of these brave service members was one of his greatest honors.
14. He loves spending time in his home movie theater. There, he watches old Westerns featuring stars like John Wayne, Jimmy Stewart, and Audie Murphy.
    

    

15. His alternate career choice? Police work, without a doubt. When he joined the US Air Force in 1958, he actually served as an air policeman.
16. Any meal Gena cooks is comfort food to him. His absolute favorite is turkey meatloaf with mashed potatoes and okra. He also can’t say no to vanilla ice cream.
17. He keeps all his awards and black belts right at home on his Texas ranch.
18. Yes, he recorded the *Walker, Texas Ranger* opening song. It took two days, and he had to “rap it” in a Johnny Cash kind of way.
19. As a kid in Wilson, Oklahoma, he used to “patrol” the streets after school. He’d collect soda bottles to return them to the store for a refund.
20. After a busy day, a good workout helps him unwind. He enjoys a flurry of punches and kicks on his heavy bag.
21. In Wilson, there was a movie theater where he could spend a whole Saturday afternoon watching a double feature. All for just ten cents.
22. He didn’t start collecting challenge coins. Instead, people who served in law enforcement and the military have given them to him as gifts.
23. Growing up in Southern California, his neighbors gave him and his brothers a hen for Easter. They raised her into a full-grown chicken and named her Bitty.
24. He really likes the joke: “Chuck Norris completed his bucket list when he was 14. He retired that same year.” But he adds that while he’ll never stop growing, his calling is making a difference in others’ lives.
25. He and Gena love visiting the beautiful Hawaiian island of Kauai. They’ve been going for 25 years and consider it a second home.