[2] The recording by Autry was one of the big Hillbilly (Country and Western) hits of 1941, and was nominated for the 1942 Academy Award for Best Original Song.

Autry recorded it on August 20, 1940 at CBS Columbia Square Studios, Hollywood, California.

Later in the year, it was decided the song would be included in the singing cowboy's latest film, 'Ridin' on a Rainbow', directed by Lew Landers.

The film received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Be Honest with Me"[7] Despite his enormous success, Autry dutifully enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942.

He and Rose wrote their last numbers together when he returned in 1944, including their biggest hit, "At Mail Call Today".