Born on February 22, 1915 , Jesse Ashlock was a fiddler, songwriter (“My Life’s Been A Pleasure,” “The Kind of Love I Can’t Forget”), and occasional vocalist, best known for his longtime work with Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys. In addition to being an integral part… Read More »Jesse Ashlock, born February 22, 1915
On this date in 1932, a feature film from the prestigious MGM Studios called FREAKS hit America’s theaters — to MGM’s almost immediate regret. This tale of life and love in a touring circus, directed by DRACULA’s Tod Browning, was a horror picture like no other, its… Read More »Freaks, premiered February 12, 1932
Happy birthday today to Garth Brooks, the top musical act of the 1990s and one of the most successful entertainers of all time. I was privileged to be the TULSA WORLD’s country-music writer during his ascendency, and I have to say that he has handled superstardom… Read More »Garth Brooks, born February 7, 1962
I’ve often told people that our birthday boy today, John Carradine, is the only celebrity I ever encountered in my 23 years on the TULSA WORLD’s entertainment beat who actually intimidated me. And I’ve written many times before about his coming to Tulsa to shoot a… Read More »John Carradine, born February 5, 1906
This week, SWING ON THIS is privileged to be able to debut some tunes from the upcoming Brazos Valley Boys disc, SWINGIN’ OUR WAY.As western-swing fans know, the Brazos Valley Boys began as Hank Thompson’s band back around 1950 and continued with him until his 2007… Read More »6 February 2021
1. “By An Old Water Mill by A Waterfall,” Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys(for STAN & JANE JOHNSON)2. “Lone Star Beer and Bob Wills Music,” Caravan Swing Band3. “Don’t Call Me from A Honky-Tonk,” Johnny & Judy Mosby(for BOB & VICKI FJELDSTED and the… Read More »30 JANUARY 2021
1. “She’s Killin’ Me,” Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys2. “Wabash Cannonball,” Leon Russell(for ROBERT BLANCK and the COLORADO-BASED LEON LIFERS)3. “Beer Drinkin’ Honky Tonkin’ Blues,” Billy Mize(for WES & JEANNIE BENGE and the GLASS LIFTERS and WAYNE MCCOMBS)4. “Give the World A Smile,” Hank… Read More »23 JANUARY 2021
1. “Bob Wills Boogie,” Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys(for LEE HAMRICK)2. “Sioux City Sue,” Eric Diamond3. “Bottle by Bottle,” Lattie Moore(for WAYNE MCCOMBS and JIM & JACKIE KARSTEN and the GLASS LIFTERS)4. “Whose Heart Are You Breaking Now,” Johnnie Lee Wills w/Curly Lewis(FOR BILLY… Read More »16 January 2020
For almost a generation of Tulsa-area radio listeners, Phil & Brent and their Roy D. Mercer ruled a lion’s share of the airwaves. These days, Brent Douglas — who voiced the hilariously bellicose Mercer character for many years — has overcome health issues and dipped… Read More »ANOTHER HILARIOUS CHAPTER
1. “Don’t Be Ashamed of Your Age,” Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys 2. “Prairie Lullaby,” Michael Nesmith 3. “That Little Old Wine Drinker Me,” Robert Mitchum (for DALE CLARK and the GLASS LIFTERS) 4. “Noah’s Wife,” Hoosier Hot Shots (for WAYNE MCCOMBS) 5. “In… Read More »9 JANUARY 2021