Press Release
March 17, 2015
Contact: Larry O'Dell
Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 405-522-6676
lodell@okhistory.org
www.okhistory.org
Oklahoma Historical Society presents "Music of South Central Oklahoma" Concert
Oklahoma City, Okla. – On Thursday, April 23, in conjunction with the 2015 Oklahoma History Conference, the Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture (OKPOP) will present a concert titled "Music of South Central Oklahoma" in Sulphur. The music of Kay Starr, Lowell Fulson, Wayne Bennett and Gene Autry will be featured. Walter Taylor and his Taylormade Jazz Band will play the music of Bennett and Fulson. Dr. Greg White and selected performers from his new musical "Rising Starr – Kay Starr, A Life in Song" will provide Starr's signature songs. Concert tickets are $10.
Lowell Fulson, raised in Ada, met bluesman Texas Alexander in Ada and played with him regionally in 1940 and 1941. After World War II Fulson migrated to California and helped develop the "Uptown Blues," a style of Blues that added a horn section. He had hits with "Every Day I Have the Blues," "Reconsider Baby," "Three O'Clock Blues" and several more.
Blues and jazz guitarist Wayne Bennett of Sulphur, collaborated with Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker and Willy DeVille. Bennett also influenced Duane Allman. Bennett's best known work was with Tennessee's Bobby "Blue" Bland. The guitarist is featured on the recordings of "Stormy Monday Blues" and "Turn on Your Love Light."
Born Kathryn LaVerne Starks in Dougherty, Kay Starr changed her name when she starred on WREC radio's Saturday Night Jamboree. She became a huge success in the 1940s and 1950s, with hits such as "Wheel of Fortune" and "Rock and Roll Waltz."
Like Will Rogers, Gene Autry was a megastar who had his own radio show, scored big hits with his recordings and was a big draw in movies. He owned a ranch near Berwyn, Oklahoma, in Carter County. The town changed its name to Gene Autry in November 1941.
The "Music of South Central Oklahoma" concert is open to the public and will be held at the Chickasaw Cultural Center's Anoli' Theater at 867 Charles Cooper Memorial Road in Sulphur. Tickets to the concert are $10. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. and popcorn and soft drinks will be provided. To reserve seats, contact the Oklahoma Historical Society at 405-522-0317 or email scrynes@okhistory.org.
The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains 31 museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.
