Oklahoma Music Legends

Three Oklahoman's will for ever be attached to the Country Music Icon, Johnny Cash for Three separate and different reasons. Take a few minutes and learn about these three Oklahoman's.  

Native Oklahoman's, Gary P Nunn and Ray Wylie Hubbard as you men, with very similar history, would find Music in Texas. They would both write a Texas Outlaw Anthem. Eventually turning being Texan into a Cottage Industry. They would both become leaders in the Outlaw Country Music Movement.

There maybe just a few places in this country, that are as famous, as the Muscle Shoals, Alabama area for music recording history. I took advantage of the opportunity to go discover it myself.

The Wilson Brothers, Ronnie, Charlie and Robert all from Tulsa, Oklahoma with help from Leon Russell would leave Tulsa's small clubs to opening, in a stadium, in front of 50,000 Screaming fans for Leon Russell.

Two Oklahoma Music Makers will forever be linked to the History of the 70's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Band, Lynard Skynard. Siblings, Steve and Cassie Gaines.

While he was born in Texas, Bob Wills fame would come directly from his long association with Tulsa, Oklahoma, KVOO Radio and the fabled Cain's Ballroom. His style of music and his band mates would influence generations of Oklahoma Music Makers and Legends.

John Moreland is an Americana Folk, Songwriter, Singer and Music Maker who is leading the charge on this Genre of Music

Charlie Christian from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma only had 25 years on this earth his revolutionary single string style of play would go on to influence generations of Electric Guitar Players.

Barney Kessel began learning the guitar in Muskogee, Oklahoma and grew to become the most requested Guitarist for recording sessions. Recording over 60 Albums of his own and playing on recordings for most of the greats of the day. He may just be the most recorded guitarist you never knew you heard.  

Jesse Ed Davis was maybe the most requested Recording Session Guitar Player in the 60's and 70's. He was a Slide Guitar Stylist whose techniques were often copied. He played on a long list of Who's Who in the Music Industries records. 

Over Vince Gills 40 plus year career he has written, played and sang some of the worlds best music. He is a gifted songwriter, penning some of the best love songs of all time.
He may be the most versatile musician on the planet earth too. 

During his nearly 2 decade career Carl Radle played with some of the most Talented Musicians in the world. He was a part of some of the Rock Scenes Most Iconic Concerts and the World's Biggest Music Events. While playing on some of the most Iconic records of the Mid 60's and late 70's.  He is the self taught, Rockstar Bassist.

Jody Miller career has traveled from the stages of local talent shows to the biggest stages. Her talents have allowed her much success in Folk, Pop, Country, Patriotic and Contemporary Christian Music Genres.

Steve Ripley was an accomplished Guitar Player, Band Leader, Singer, Songwriter, Recording Engineer, Record Producer, Inventor and outstanding human being. He lost his fight with Cancer a few weeks ago. You may not immediately recognize his name but after hearing his story, you will be very familiar with Tulsan, Steve Ripley. 

Ronnie Dunn honed his stage presence and his musical skills, working in the Tulsa Music schene for over 19 years before getting The Nashville call.

Blake Shelton from humble beginnings, with help from his Uncle learned to play a little on the guitar, began playing and singing around his Home Town of Ada, Oklahoma. Blake worked very hard and today is a Mega Country Music Star.

Dr. Hugh Foley, Jr. Professor at Rogers State College in Claremore, Oklahoma is Certainly an expert on Oklahoma Music, He's pinned 2 books on the Subject. We interview Dr. Foley on Oklahoma Music and Oklahoma's Influence on the World of Jazz.

From his very humble beginnings, thru his drive and perseverance, Gene Autry rose to great heights in Recording, Songwriting, Radio, Movies, Television and the world of business. To become one of America's most admired and loved entertainers.

Reba McEntire is a full fledged Country Super Star in every way. But she still remembers where she came from and hangs onto her roots.
Along with Younger Brother Pate and Sister Susie as kids they formed a group, The Singing McEntire's, to sing at Rodeos and School events. Its said they mostly formed to get themselves out of doing chores around the Ranch. All of them went on to have successful Music careers.