When you hear country music, Nashville, Tennessee, maybe the first place that comes to mind. But the soul and history of country music extend far outside Music City's limits. Oklahoma, with its long musical heritage, has been at the forefront of country music, from its early beginnings in traditional ballads to today's modern hits that fill the air on country radio. The Oklahoma country music scene is a rich tapestry with the finest threads of classic country, honky-tonk, outlaw country, and new country woven into it, making it a fulcrum of American musical history.
Oklahoma country music has roots deep in the ground and is entangled with its history and culture. The country settlers brought folk songs and ballads from Europe that mingled with the musical traditions of the Native American tribes and African American religious. The mix gave rise to a very special sound which eventually would evolve to what we now call country music.
Among the first forms of country music to appear in Oklahoma was the old ballad. These story songs, many passed from person to person orally, told tales of love, tragedy, and life on the frontier. They were plain but compelling, evoking the raw beauty of human nature. With growth came expansion to the state's musical horizon as well, as honky-tonk bars provided the incubator for a newer, more lively type of country music.
Honky-tonk music, with its fast-paced rhythms and twangy guitars, became the epitome of Oklahoma's country music scene during the mid-20th century. The loud, danceable songs were the soundtrack to many nights in smoky bars and dance halls throughout the state. Honky-tonk was not just music; it was a lifestyle for many Oklahomans.
Singers like Waco, Texas-born Hank Thompson, but based for most of his career in Oklahoma, promoted the honky-tonk style. Thompson's successes, including "The Wild Side of Life," spoke to the hearts of those who enjoyed the unbridled, unfettered emotion of the music. The honky-tonk period also witnessed the emergence of female artists such as Wanda Jackson, the "Queen of Rockabilly," who combined country with rock 'n' roll to produce a sound that was all her own.
With the arrival of the 1960s and 1970s, the nation's country music scene changed. Nashville's sleek, pop-tinged sound filled the radio waves, but a collective of renegade performers wanted to reassert the country genre's rural roots. It was an outlaw country, and Oklahoma provided it with a solid base of support.
Outlaw country was a response to the homogenization of country music. It celebrated a raw, untamed sound and lyrics that reflected often on rebellion, heartbreak, and the mundane struggles of life. Born in Oklahoma, Waylon Jennings was one of the most familiar faces of the movement. Jennings, accompanied by fellow outlaws Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson, defected from Nashville and paved the way for a younger generation of country artists.
Jennings' contribution to the country music scene of Oklahoma was phenomenal. His honest and true-to-life music connected with individuals disillusioned with the industry's slick production. "Luckenbach, Texas" and "Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys" were anthems, of a kind, for those who felt as if they lived the outlaw ethos.
With the arrival of the 1980s and 1990s, country music underwent another shift. The new country movement brought a new, contemporary sound that appealed to more people. In this period, artists came who blended old country with pop and rock influences to produce a new yet old sound.
Oklahoma remained an important part of this development. Such artists as Garth Brooks, born in Tulsa, became household names, shattering records and expanding the definition of what a country artist was. Brooks' high-energy live performances and crossover popularity brought country music to new levels of popularity. Brooks' albums, "No Fences" and "Ropin' the Wind," controlled the charts and brought country music to a worldwide audience.
Another native Oklahoman, Reba McEntire, also had a strong impact during this period. McEntire's strong vocals and emotional performances secured her position as one of the best in country music. Her talent for being able to easily merge traditional country with modern influences served to fill the gap between the genre's past and present.
Today, the Oklahoma country music scene remains strong, with a new crop of artists picking up the mantle. The state's heritage music provides a backdrop for these contemporary troubadours, who take a cue from the classic country, honky-tonk, and outlaw country traditions that preceded them.
Such an artist is Blake Shelton, who was born in Ada, Oklahoma. Country radio success and being a coach on the TV show "The Voice" have turned him into one of the best-known faces in the genre. His music, which frequently nods to his Oklahoma heritage, has been well-received by audiences all over the United States and not just solely within country music circles.
Another emerging star is Parker McCollum, who, while being born in Texas, has close roots in Oklahoma's music culture. McCollum's blend of traditional country and modern sounds has earned him a devoted fan base and critical acclaim. His ballads, such as "Pretty Heart" and "To Be Loved by You," show his ability to craft sappy lyrics and memorable melodies.
Country radio has played a vital part in the establishment of Oklahoma's country music business. Since the start of AM radio today, country radio stations have served as a prime venue for musicians to have their songs heard by the world. KOKE-FM in Austin, Texas, and KXXY in Oklahoma City are a couple of examples of stations that have helped launch known artists, as well as new artists, into the scene.
In the past few years, social media and streaming have changed the way that fans are listening to and discovering music. Country radio remains a power to be reckoned with in the business, however, uniting people in a sense of belonging and community. It's still a launching pad for new artists and a way for fans to stay connected to the music they love.
As we look toward the future, Oklahoma's country music scene indicates no slowdown on the horizon. With its bountiful musical history and a high-spirited group of creatives and audience members, it can rest assured that Oklahoma's country music scene will see its best years yet for the many years ahead.
The genre's power to adapt without losing the integrity of its past is a reflection of its timeless popularity. From the classic ballads of the past, through the renegade attitude of outlaw country, to the contemporary chart-toppers that fill up country radio today, Oklahoma's significance to the genre of country music is clear.
The Oklahoma country music scene is a dynamic and continually changing presence that continues to define the genre in deep ways. From the authentic traditional ballads of the old days to the cutting-edge modern hits of today, Oklahoma's musical heritage is a tribute to the power of storytelling, integrity, and the timelessness of country music. As long as there are tales to share, tunes to give away, and people to reach, Oklahoma will continue to be a foundation of the country music scene, inspiring artists and listeners alike for years to come.
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