Radio Show Features Oklahoma Rock N Roll

Contact: Michael Dean
(405) 522-5241

Oklahoma City, OK
June 29, 2009
For Immediate Release

The Oklahoma Historical Society, in partnership with the state's public radio stations, is sponsoring a weekly radio show featuring the history of Rock and Roll in Oklahoma.

The show is produced and narrated by noted Oklahoma recording artist and record producer Steve Ripley.

"Oklahoma Rock And Roll with Steve Ripley" is a 20-part radio series that explores the music of Oklahoma artists and song writers and their influence on Rock and Roll. "We will look at not just Rock and Roll in Oklahoma," said Ripley, "but also the roots of Rock and Roll such as Woody Guthrie, Bob Wills, and Charlie Christian."

The radio show is being produced in conjunction with a major new museum exhibition at the Oklahoma History Center called "Another Hot Oklahoma Night: A Rock and Roll Exhibit."

"We gave the show a trial run on two public radio stations, KOSU at Oklahoma State University and KGOU at the University of Oklahoma," said Dr. Bob L. Blackburn, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Historical Society. "The public response was overwhelmingly positive."

Over the July 4th weekend, KOSU and KGOU will restart the show beginning with the first hour. The same show will air on KCCU at Cameron University and KWGS at the University of Tulsa. The first two shows, "Home Sweet Oklahoma" (parts 1 and 2), are basically an Oklahoma Music Revue that sets the stage for what lies ahead in the weeks and shows to come.

Ripley guides the listener through the music of Oklahomans such as Leon Russell and J.J. Cale and their direct links to people like Dylan, Clapton, and Joe Cocker. He explores the roots of Rockabilly and Oklahomans such as Wanda Jackson and The Collins Kids.

"The picture starts to emerge of an art form that owes its heart to a mixture of hillbilly, gospel, blues, rhythm & blues, and jazz," said Ripley. "Interwoven are Native American and African American influences. This is America's music. Oklahoma Rock and Roll."

KOSU, Oklahoma State University, broadcasts the show on Fridays at 7:00 p.m. The first episode will air on Friday July 3rd. KOSU broadcasts on 91.7 in Stillwater and Oklahoma City, 107.5 in Tulsa and Northeast Oklahoma, and 101.9 in Okmulgee.

KCCU, Cameron University, will broadcast the first show at 9:00 p.m., Friday, July 3rd on 89.3 in Lawton and Fort Sill, 95.9 in Woodward and Northwest Oklahoma, 88.7 in Wichita Falls, 90.3 in Ardmore, 90.1 in Altus, 89.3 in Duncan, 100.1 in Chickasha and 89.1 in Weatherford, Clinton and Elk City.

KWGS, University of Tulsa, will air the first show on Sunday, July 5th at 6:00 p.m. and broadcasts on 89.5 in Tulsa.

KGOU, University of Oklahoma, airs the show on Sunday afternoons at 12:00 p.m. and broadcasts on 106.3 in Norman, Moore and Oklahoma City. KROU is on 105.7 in Spencer and Oklahoma City, 103.1 in Seminole, and 97.9 in Ada.

"We really appreciate the support the four university-related public radio stations have given us," said Blackburn. "This is the first time all four stations have broadcast an Oklahoma produced program on a continuing basis. This shows their support for Oklahoma history, music and programming."