Monday, March 15 @ 8:30 am on OETA OKLA

Another Hot Oklahoma Night

Another Hot Oklahoma Night shines the spotlight on Oklahoma artists who have made major contributions to that uniquely American music genre, rock "n" roll. From the 1950's Queen of Rockabilly and America's first female rocker, Wanda Jackson, to today's Grammy Award-winning band known for their lush, psychedelic arrangements, the Flaming Lips, Oklahoma has made a large footprint in this arena and these artists aren't alone. The History Center has gathered stories and artifacts from 150 artists and innovators like The Collins Kids of Tahlequah, who, along with Wanda Jackson are considered artists who nurtured the birth of Rock. Tommy Allsup of Owasso played with Buddy Holly and lost a coin toss with Richie Valens to ride with Holly on the plane that crashed and killed all on board. Leon Russell of Tulsa, the most influential rocker from Oklahoma, made Tulsa the center of the Rock and Roll universe for a moment in time during the 70's when he set up Church Recording studio. Musicians like Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Bob Dylan and Steve Ripley came to Tulsa to work with Russell. Hailed as a creative genius, Steve Ripley of Glenco, Oklahoma made his mark as a sessions musician playing with the likes of Bob Dylan, making guitars used by artists like Eddie Van Halen and starting a band called "The Tractors" in 1994. Then there is Hanson, of Tulsa ."their song, Mmmmbop" kept America's teens rocking in 1997 and earned a Grammy Award nomination. The Call, a proto-punk band from Chickasha, The Red Dirt Rangers of Stillwater and the All-American Rejects are currently enjoying large commercial success. They're all from Oklahoma and they're creating a name not only for themselves, but for the state. Gallery catches up with these hometown rock stars at the History Center's blow out event to kick off "Another Hot Oklahoma Night" and we'll have a backstage pass waiting for you.