There’s a tradition in pop culture in which the hero is a wealthy man who dons a secret identity–that of a crusader of vigilante justice, taking on villains that attack helpless civilians.

These secret superheroes include The Scarlet Pumpernickel, Zorro, The Green Hornet, Batman, Iron Man. The type also applies to Paladin, an Old West soldier-of-fortune as adept with classical literature, fencing and philosophy as he is with his custom-made six-shooter and derringer pistol. Richard Boone played the character in Have Gun, Will Travel, a CBS TV series that lasted six seasons, from 1957 to 1963. Among the show’s writers: Gene Roddenberry, creator of Star Trek.

Paladin’s theme was played during the show’s end credits, composed by a fellow appropriately named Johnny Western. Have a listen:

Lyrics:

“Have Gun Will Travel” reads the card of a man.
A knight without armor in a savage land.

His fast gun for hire heeds the calling wind.
A soldier of fortune is the man called Paladin.

Paladin, Paladin
Where do you roam?
Paladin, Paladin,
Far, far from home.

He travels on to wherever he must.
A chess knight of silver is his badge of trust.
There are campfire legends that the plainsmen spin.
Of the man with the gun, of the man called Paladin.

Paladin, Paladin
Where do you roam?
Paladin, Paladin,
Far, far from home.

Far from home,
Far from home.

More facts about the show can be found on this video:

The character’s origin was explored in the first episode of the sixth season, colorized in this video: