Oklahoma Musicians, Actors, and Entertainers
Hear and learn from the oral histories of Oklahoma's most influential musicians, actors, dancers, and other professionals in the entertainment industry.
Learn From These Influential Oklahomans
Billy Parker
Country Western MusicA country music mainstay with 20+ charted singles, but most inflential in his role as radio disc jockey.
Coke Meyer
Great Niece of Will RogersDoris "Coke" Meyer speaks about her great-uncle, Will Rogers, Oklahoma's favorite son.
Curly Lewis
Curly Lewis — Fiddle PlayerNot only did he play fiddle with the great names of Western Swing, he was one of them himself.
Dick Carson
Carson AttractionsDick Carson shares how his family's business became a pillar of entertainment promotion for over 66 years and three generations.
Guy Logsdon
Musician, Author, and HistorianA man who celebrates the music and culture of folks artists, cowboys, and western swing.
Jana Jae
Fiddle PlayerA combination of hard work and raw talent helped this dynamic entertainer accomplish stardom.
Jim Halsey
Event Promoter & Artist ManagerThe original star maker, this legendary music impresario set the standard in the music industry for over 60 years.
Jim Rodgers
Founder of Tulsa Spine and Specialty Hospital, Owner of Cain's BallroomA great surgeon, a good father, and a man whose indelible legacy includes revitalizing the legendary Cain's Ballroom and founding one of Oklahoma's most successful physician-owned hospitals.
Jimmy O'Neill
Television and Radio PersonalityThe ABC Television program Shindig was hosted by Jimmy O’Neill who was from Enid Oklahoma where he started his broadcast career, placing him in major radio markets and an interesting life in show business and broadcasting.
Joy Harjo
Native American Poet and Musicianinspired by the creative women in her life, Joy became a writer, musician, activist, and the first Native American U.S. Poet Laureate.
Mary Jo Guthrie
Woody Guthrie’s Sister, Artist & WriterWoody Guthrie's little sister shares stories about one of America's most renowned folks singers.
Peggy Helmerich
Hollywood StarletFrom Hollywood to Tulsa, the life of an actress turned philanthropist.
Ramona Reed
Country Music Singer & YodelerA County Music Hall of Fame member, her accomplished career includes many performances at the Grand Ole Opry.
Roy Clark
Entertainer & MusicianA big "Saa-lute" to the man best known for hosting the long-running varity show Hee Haw.
Steve Ripley
Musician, Songwriter, InventorA rock and roll legend in our own backyard who worked with some of the greats.
Tommy Allsup
Musician & ProducerAfter a lucky coin toss in 1959, he became a successful western guitarist and music producer.
Wanda Clark
Lucille Ball’s Personal AssistantMoving from Oklahoma City to California gave Wanda the opportunity to work with one of Hollywood's most beloved stars of the 50s and 60s: Lucille Ball
Wanda Jackson
Rockabilly SingerOklahoma's own rockabilly queen has had a long and respected career and music business.
Washington Rucker
Jazz DrummerDrummer Clarence Dixon once told Rucker: "This pair of sticks will take you all over the world, if you want to go." And they did.
Will Rogers
EntertainerDoris "Coke" Meyer speaks about her great-uncle, Will Rogers, Oklahoma's favorite son.
Woody Guthrie
Musician, Artist, WriterWoody's daughter, Nora Guthrie, recounts the story of the self-educated artist, writer, and musician.
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