Oklahoma Rock and Roll Radio
Finally finished production on the first “episode” of the new radio show called Oklahoma Rock and Roll. It took about two weeks of long hours – by both me and Charlene. Charlene is doing the research. It would be nice to have a staff of 4 or 5 people, but for now it’s just us. I think it’s a good show. Oklahoma has a rich musical history, so there’s a nice variety.
A PARTIAL LIST (with working show or segment titles):
Leon Russell: Don’t Ever Take A Bus To California (The Wrecking Crew, Gary Lewis, Delaney and Bonnie, Joe Cocker, George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton)
J.J. Cale
Jazz and Blues (Charlie Christian, Oklahoma City Blue Devils, Jay McShann, Lowell Fulson)
Made In Oklahoma (Jim Edgar and The Roadrunners, The Disciples, Jimmy Markham, etc.)
Rockabilly – Oklahoma Style (Wanda Jackson, The Collins Kids, Big Al Downing, Conway Twitty)
Lee Hazlewood: These Rebel Rouser Boots Are Made For Walking (Duane Eddy, Nancy Sinatra)
Western Swing (Bob and Johnnie Lee Wills, Spade Cooley, Speedy West)
L.A. Power Pop – Okies at Madam Wong’s (Moon Martin, 20/20, Dwight Twilley)
The Keltner Connection (Leon, Bob Dylan, Ry Cooder, John Lennon, George Harrison, The Rolling Stones, Neil Young, on and on…)
To quote me:
“We’re gonna take a look at not just rock and roll in Oklahoma, but the roots of rock and roll, and we’re gonna follow those roots wherever they take us and let them tell us how we got to this place today… how we got to this thing we call Oklahoma Rock and Roll. As the weeks go by, we’re gonna try to dig deep into the details of the music, and the artists and the musicians that made that music, and how it all ties together. But for the first couple of shows, what I want to do is to try to present the overall picture. I think you’ll find some surprises, and I think at times – I hope at times – you’re gonna be stunned just like we have been each time we find that extra special thing, and that direct link to Oklahoma.”
The first two shows, “Home Sweet Oklahoma” (parts 1 and 2), are basically an Oklahoma Music Revue, with the aim of trying to paint the big picture, and also set the stage for what lies ahead in the weeks and shows to come.
Covered in the first shows, and featured in more detail on future shows, are what might seem obvious: Leon Russell, J.J. Cale, and the whole Tulsa culture of musicians with direct links to people like Dylan, Clapton, Joe Cocker and the Mad Dogs and Englishmen; Wanda Jackson, The Collins Kids, and rockabilly (Oklahoma style); Moon Martin, Dwight Twilly, and 20/20 – the LA Power Pop scene. But we’re also taking a good look (and listen) to the early roots players and bands that changed music around the world: Charlie Christian, blues man extraordinaire Lowell Fulson, the Oklahoma City Blue Devisl, and Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys. As with any adventure, there are surprises… like the probable first ever Rhythm and Blues record – a smash hit in 1945 by a piano player and singer from Guthrie.
The picture starts to emerge of an art form that owes its heart to a mixture of hillbilly, gospel, blues, rhythm & blues, and jazz. Intertwined with all of that are the Native American and African American cultures. This is America’s music – Oklahoma Rock and Roll.
“Don’t forget… Family is what’s important. Tell your mama you love her. Kiss your babies. We’re all in this together. Bye bye kids…”
Praise the lord. About time.
Steve/Charlene – I’ve heard nothing but great comments but I’ve missed every show so far and I’m pretty angry with my schedule conflicts… any chance that podcasts are available and if so, please send me in the right direction to download them.
Hi Steve and Charlene,
I heard the first show last Sunday on KWGS. It is great! I like the spirit of it all. I’ll be saving my kitchen chores for Sunday evening so I can listen to them all.
Congrats! Fantastic job. My husband and I love the show! We have a home in Pawnee and plan to retire there. We love the small community. Both very proud OSU alumn, so we must be near our Cowboys – Go Pokes! I was particuly ‘tickled’ by the Red Dirt’s song “Elvis loved his Momma and so do I,”. Anything by and about Elvis is awesome! I hope to hear more from you and your excellent wife – good luck! And THANKS!
Oh my Steve, you’ve finally let the “cat” out of the bag — a remarkable variety of top-notch Okie “magicians” (Bryan Sweet, one of many I have known once explained “we take these machines and make pleasing sounds come out of them”) have influrnced the arc of American music for a long time. Haven’t heard such good, real, free-form radio since my radio daze in AZ in the 1970′s! Ear-candy! Thanks for making me grin. jimb, norman, ok Oh yeah, are you the only Aggie graduate who can spell good?
Steve, thanks so much for your work on this series. It’s been magnificent, and there’s not an hour in my week that goes by faster. Please, keep them going into perpetuity: we’ll be listening.
Maybe a spot on the Oklahoma roots for Midnight Special? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midnight_Special_(song)
Keep it coming, and thanks a million!
Hey Gary…
Thanks for the message. We haven’t got this site going like we hoped – of course, we still have hope.
I love the Midnight Special story… We covered it on two different shows.
As far as the request to “keep them going…” we’ve completed the series, so it’s over – at least for now. Last week was the final show (#20). We’re looking for sponsors and/or underwriters for another series next year.
Thanks again.
Steve Ripley
Keep plowin those furrows farmer and put ‘em up on the web so us dislocated Okies can catch up!
I am so thrilled to know you through your wonderful show. Can you imagine how delighted I am to find your program? I am from Washington, DC/Maryland area and have been in Oklahoma for four years now. I can remember singing to Kay Star and just now I find out, thanks to you, that she was from here!!!! And all the other great Oklahoma folks that contributed largely to Rock and Roll that now has roots that have grown thoughout the world…amazing. I absolutely love your voice! Please know I’ll always be listening. I enjoy hearing about your lovely family on the farm that you inherited from your Dad in Pawnee, OK Thank you Steve. Maryann
Hi Steve,
I was wondering if the Tractors will ever perform as a group again and if you’ll do any appearances. I’m in California and would sure love to see you all in person!
Mar-Huntington Beach, CA
I was very pleased to find this site.I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post.
glad to be one of the visitants on this awesome site : D.
I gather that you are the same Steve Ripley that I have in my music collection with the Tractors.
Just found this sight. were you familiar with a Cherokee Indian named Leo Feathers?
I’ve been trying to find information about him. He was a first cousin and I lost all contact with his Family after my Mother’s death in 1957.
I understand that he was a part of the Tulsa Sound as you are.
Sure miss the Tractors music. I live in Oregon.
Thanks for the enjoyment.
Ray