It’s been a hot minute since your favorite cousins have brought you a story so horrible and gruesome we’ve had to attach a listener's discretion to it…so let’s dive in…
Spade Cooley, born Donnell Clyde Cooley on December 17, 1910, in Grand, Oklahoma, was a prominent figure in Western Swing music, often referred to as "the King of Western Swing." Cooley's musical journey began at a young age, mastering the fiddle while at the Chemawa Indian School. After relocating to California in the 1930s, Cooley gained recognition as a bandleader, rivaling other notable musicians like Bob Wills. His career flourished during the 1940s. Alongside his music, Cooley ventured into acting, appearing in numerous Western films and even hosted his own successful tv show. However, his personal life was tumultuous, marked by heavy drinking and infidelity, particularly during his second marriage to Ella Mae Evans…
Cooley's violent tendencies culminated in a tragic incident on April 3, 1961, when he brutally attacked and murdered Ella Mae in front of their daughter, Melody. Following the murder, Cooley attempted to claim innocence by alleging that Ella Mae had slipped in the shower, but he was ultimately found guilty of first-degree murder in a highly publicized trial. Sentenced to life in prison, he was later transferred to a mental facility where he continued to engage with music. Cooley was paroled in 1968 but tragically died of a heart attack shortly after performing in a benefit concert in 1970, just months before he would have regained his freedom.
This story serves as a cautionary tale of the darker sides of fame, domestic violence, and the impact of mental health issues.
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