The Future of Our Past
The OKPOP Foundation has officially completed the $18 million Heart & Soul Campaign, and the State Treasurer has now approved and certified the pledges, releasing the state’s matching funds. This milestone marks the beginning of OKPOP’s next chapter: exhibit design, fabrication, and the build-out of Oklahoma’s first museum dedicated to the global creative impact of its people.
Hello Friends and Potential Donors,
“You know, this whole campaign wasn’t just about raising $18 million – it was about backing a mission that means something. OKPOP is here to celebrate the crazy amount of creativity that comes out of Oklahoma, to tell the stories of the folks who shaped music, film, and art, and to fire up the next generation to chase their own big dreams. The way people showed up to support this blows me away. Oklahoma should be proud of what’s coming.”
Honorary Campaign Chair
We are saddened to hear about the passing of Tommy Crook — a Tulsa guitar legend whose artistry helped shape Oklahoma’s sound for generations.
Tommy’s playing was unmistakable: a masterful fingerstyle approach that could feel like bass, rhythm, and lead all at once. Over the years, his talent connected him with an extraordinary circle of artists, including Leon Russell, J.J. Cale, Chet Atkins, and Merle Haggard.
At OKPOP, we’re grateful we were able to record a video interview with Tommy—so a piece of his story can live on for future generations.
Our hearts are with his family, friends, and everyone who loved him. If you have a favorite Tommy memory—or a performance you’ll never forget—share it below. 🎸🖤
#OKPOP #TulsaMusic #OklahomaMusic #GuitarLegend #OklahomaHistory
🎸 Today we remember Bob Dunn 🎸
Born February 5 in Beggs, Oklahoma, Bob Dunn helped change the sound of American music.
On January 27, 1935, Dunn became one of the first musicians to record an electrically amplified instrument as a member of Milton Brown and His Musical Brownies. His electric steel guitar introduced a new amplified voice to Western swing at a time when most recordings were still fully acoustic.
Bob Dunn’s quiet innovation helped shape the future of popular music.
#OKPOP #BobDunn #BeggsOK #OklahomaMusic #MusicHistory
Oklahoma got a real treat this evening! Jimmy Webb, one of the most prolific songwriters of the 20th century, played at the McKnight Center in Stillwater this evening. And, he was joined by Lyle Lovett, Vince Gill, and Ashley Campbell for his hit song "Highwayman."
Jimmy Webb, who was born in Elk City, and raised near Laverne, Oklahoma, wrote hits like "Highwayman," "Galveston," "Wichita Lineman," and "MacArthur Park," just to name a few. His songs were performed by artist like Glen Campbell, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Linda Ronstadt, Art Garfunkel, and Carly Simon.
🎪 The Standley Players carried music, comedy, and old-fashioned storytelling across Oklahoma and the Midwest for decades, turning canvas tents into stages and small towns into packed houses.
One of their own, Johnny Standley, took that homespun humor nationwide with “It’s in the Book,” the first million-selling comedy record.
And at the heart of the troupe was Marjorie Standley, a leading lady who helped anchor the family’s performances night after night.
We’re fortunate to help preserve this legacy through the Standley Players & Knott Family Collection at OKPOP through the Oklahoma Historical Society.
Today we remember Marjorie on her birthday. ❤️
#OKPOP #OklahomaHistory #StandleyPlayers #JohnnyStandley @okhistory @okpoptulsa
Today, on this date in different years, we remember three lives woven into Oklahoma’s story.
🌹 Belle Starr (1889)** – The “Bandit Queen” of Indian Territory, her life rooted in the complicated realities and folklore of early Oklahoma.
🎯 Lillian Smith (1930)** – A celebrated sharpshooter and early female action star who toured with Wild West shows, breaking barriers and thrilling crowds across Oklahoma and beyond.
🤠 Pawnee Bill (1942)** – Gordon Lillie built his famous shows from his Pawnee ranch, turning Oklahoma talent and frontier-era skills into live entertainment seen around the world.
Different years. Different paths.
All part of the shared history of this place.
#OKPOP #OklahomaHistory #OklahomaStories #PawneeBill #BelleStarr
If you weren’t aware—Calexico drummer John Convertino was born on Long Island, New York, but his family later moved to Tulsa, where his mother’s family lived. He began learning drums here (including lessons with local Tulsa drummer Mike Bones) and grew up playing in his family’s gospel group—an Oklahoma-rooted foundation that helped shape his distinct, cinematic rhythm. 🥁
#OKPOP #TulsaMusic #Calexico #OklahomaMusic #FromTheOKPOPVault @gi_gi_1958 @casadecalexico
We were in awe of the stories and songs shared by Bryon White of The Damn Quails.
From punk bands to Red Dirt and everywhere in between — and memories of Tom Skinner along the way — his genre-blending, truth-telling songwriting captures the full soundscape of Oklahoma.
Honored to help preserve these stories in the state archive and share them in future OKPOP exhibits. This is exactly why we do what we do. 🎸✨
#OKPOP #OklahomaMusic #RedDirt #Storytelling #FromTheArchive @bryonwhite @thedamnquails
From the OKPOP Vault: via The Jim Henson Company — this roadcase and guitar performed by Oklahoman Jerry Nelson as Jowls for Muppets Tonight. 🎸✨
The red A&S Flight & Road case is stenciled “MUPPETS TONIGHT” on the front — and it even appears on-screen in the show (including a moment where Rizzo the Rat sits on it while singing “Rizzo Blues” with Gonzo). 🐀🎶
Inside: Jowls’ prop guitar — a left-handed, Muppet-sized replica of a 1930s Gibson ES-150, inspired by the iconic Charlie Christian look.
And here’s our favorite “double Okie” connection: Jerry Nelson and Charlie Christian were both Oklahomans — Oklahoma creativity echoing across jazz history and the Muppets universe. 🌾⚡️
#OKPOP #OKHistory #JimHensonCompany #MuppetsTonight #JerryNelson
Donate
Your charitable donation directly contributes to OKPOP’s future, we are grateful for your support! Donations to support the OKPOP Museum may be made to the OKPOP Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.
Donations may be made through the secure online donation form or mailed to:
OKPOP Foundation
422 North Main Street
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103
If you have questions about additional gifting options, please contact Abby Kurin at akurin@okpopfoundation.org
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