Episode released on June 4, 1954. The character of the Lone Ranger was believed to have been inspired by Texas Ranger Captain John R. Hughes, to whom Zane Grey had dedicated a novel in 1915. The radio show was developed by writer Fran Striker and WXYZ station owner George W. Trendle and was a major network radio hit which led to numerous books, comic books, movie serials, a television series and major motion pictures.