We recently connected with Matt Abts, longtime drummer for Gov’t Mule, for an OKPOP oral history interview.

Born at Fort Sill, Matt shared stories from a remarkable life in music, from receiving his first drum set while living in Panama and playing paid gigs at 14, to working with Dickey Betts and Ronnie Montrose and helping form Gov’t Mule with Warren Haynes and Allen Woody.

He reflected on the listening, trust, and fearlessness behind improvisation:

“It’s a conversation between the instruments.”

Matt also spoke candidly about life on the road, the physical toll of decades of touring, the loss of Allen Woody, and how Gov’t Mule transformed grief into the landmark Deep End project.

A proud Oklahoma native, Matt shared his love for Cain’s Ballroom, Leon Russell, and the Tulsa Sound, and his hope to heal and return to the road.

Thank you, Matt, for sharing your creative journey with OKPOP and helping us preserve another important chapter of Oklahoma music history.

#OKPOP #MattAbts #GovtMule #OklahomaMusic #oklahoma ...

It was an honor to welcome Chief Eganwale Amusan—author, and history recovery specialist—to OKPOP for an oral history interview.

Our conversation explored the enduring legacy of Greenwood and Black Wall Street, the importance of historical recovery, the power of place, and why preserving authentic stories matters. We also discussed Oklahoma’s remarkable network of historic All-Black Towns, the role communities play in shaping culture, and how museums can help ensure these stories remain visible for future generations.

One thought from Chief has stayed with us:

“This is an American story, not a Black story.”

And another that beautifully captures the responsibility we all share:

“Let our children inherit the truth about who we are and what we’ve contributed.”

At OKPOP, we believe creativity doesn’t emerge in a vacuum. It grows from people, places, communities, and lived experiences. By preserving oral histories like Chief Amusan’s, we’re not only honoring the past—we’re helping inspire future generations to understand the places that shaped Oklahoma’s extraordinary cultural legacy and the people who continue to shape its future.

Thank you, Chief Amusan, for sharing your wisdom, your scholarship, and your passion for ensuring these stories are never forgotten.

#OKPOP #Greenwood #BlackWallStreet #AllBlackTowns #Tulsa @chief.amusan ...

Today we celebrate the birthday of Roy Milton (1907–1983)—a pioneering drummer, singer, bandleader, and one of the architects of rhythm & blues.

Before becoming an R&B legend, Milton honed his craft in Oklahoma as a member of Ernie Fields’ Royal Entertainers. He later moved to Los Angeles, formed The Solid Senders, and launched one of the most successful careers in early R&B.

With 19 Top 10 R&B hits, including classics like “R.M. Blues” and “Hop, Skip and Jump,” Roy Milton helped bridge the worlds of swing, blues, and the emerging sound of rock and roll. His energetic performances and infectious rhythms influenced generations of musicians and helped define the sound of postwar American popular music.

From Oklahoma stages to the national spotlight, Roy Milton’s legacy continues to echo through the history of American music.

#OKPOP #RoyMilton #RhythmAndBlues #OklahomaMusic #MusicHistory ...

Today, OKPOP remembers Tulsa-born filmmaker Blake Edwards on his birthday.

Born in 1922, Edwards became one of Hollywood’s most versatile directors, writers and producers, moving effortlessly between sophisticated comedy, romance and deeply human drama. His celebrated films include Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Days of Wine and Roses, The Great Race, 10, Victor/Victoria and the beloved Pink Panther series. He also created the influential television series Peter Gunn, beginning a memorable creative partnership with composer Henry Mancini.

In 2004, Edwards received an Honorary Academy Award recognizing his extraordinary body of work as a writer, director and producer.

From Holly Golightly to Inspector Clouseau, his films continue to make audiences laugh, think and fall in love with the movies.

What’s your favorite Blake Edwards film?

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We so enjoyed connecting with Native artist and performer Randy Kemp for a video interview to be preserved in the Oklahoma Historical Society’s state archives and shared through future OKPOP exhibits.

Randy reflected on his Muscogee, Choctaw and Yuchi heritage; his journey through painting, design, film, theater and music; and the quiet power of the river-cane flute. He also shared how eight years of playing for palliative-care patients revealed art’s ability to create comfort, connection and space for healing.

His advice to the next generation of Oklahoma creators:

“Practice your instrument, your art, your craft. Do it when people are not looking. Do it because you love to do it.”

Thank you, Randy, for sharing your creativity, wisdom and story with us.

#RandyKemp #OKPOP #OklahomaArtists #NativeArtists #OklahomaCreativity @randykemp.artist ...