Steve Ripley to narrate Oklahoma rock history radio show
Steve Ripley
The Oklahoma Historical Society, in partnership with the state’s public radio stations, is sponsoring a weekly radio show exploring the history of rock ‘n’ roll in Oklahoma.
The show is produced and narrated by noted Oklahoma recording artist and record producer Steve Ripley, according to a news release. It will begin broadcasting this weekend.
“Oklahoma Rock And Roll with Steve Ripley” is a 20-part radio series that explores the music of Oklahoma artists and songwriters and their influence on rock music.
“We will look at not just rock ‘n’ roll in Oklahoma,” said Ripley, “but also the roots of Rock and Roll such as Woody Guthrie, Bob Wills, and Charlie Christian.”
The radio show is being produced in conjunction with the Oklahoma History Center’s “Another Hot Oklahoma Night: A Rock and Roll Exhibit.”
“We gave the show a trial run on two public radio stations, KOSU at Oklahoma State University and KGOU at the University of Oklahoma,” said Dr. Bob L. Blackburn, executive director of the Oklahoma Historical Society, in the release. “The public response was overwhelmingly positive.”
Over the July 4 weekend, KOSU and KGOU will restart the show beginning with the first hour. The same show will air on KCCU at Cameron University and KWGS at the University of Tulsa.
The first two shows, “Home Sweet Oklahoma” (parts 1 and 2), are basically an Oklahoma Music Revue that sets the stage for what lies ahead in the weeks and shows to come.
Ripley guides the listener through the music of Oklahomans such as Leon Russell and J.J. Cale and their direct links to people like Dylan, Clapton and Joe Cocker. He explores the roots of rockabilly and Oklahomans such as Wanda Jackson and The Collins Kids.
“The picture starts to emerge of an art form that owes its heart to a mixture of hillbilly, gospel, blues, rhythm & blues, and jazz,” said Ripley in the release. “Interwoven are Native American and African American influences. This is America’s music.”
KOSU, Oklahoma State University, broadcasts the show at 7 p.m. Fridays. The first episode will air this week on July 3.
KOSU broadcasts on 91.7 in Stillwater and Oklahoma City, 107.5 in Tulsa and Northeast Oklahoma, and 101.9 in Okmulgee.
KCCU, Cameron University, will broadcast the first show at 9 p.m., Friday on 89.3 in Lawton and Fort Sill, 95.9 in Woodward and Northwest Oklahoma, 88.7 in Wichita Falls, 90.3 in Ardmore, 90.1 in Altus, 89.3 in Duncan, 100.1 in Chickasha and 89.1 in Weatherford, Clinton and Elk City.
KWGS, University of Tulsa, will air the first show on at 6 p.m. Sunday and broadcasts on 89.5 in Tulsa.
KGOU, University of Oklahoma, airs the show at noon Sundays and broadcasts on 106.3 in Norman, Moore and Oklahoma City.
KROU is on 105.7 in Spencer and Oklahoma City, 103.1 in Seminole, and 97.9 in Ada.
“We really appreciate the support the four university-related public radio stations have given us,” said Blackburn in the release. “This is the first time all four stations have broadcast an Oklahoma produced program on a continuing basis. This shows their support for Oklahoma history, music and programming.”
Speaking of rock ‘n’ roll history, check out BAM’s Blog on Friday to read my preview story on next week’s Woody Guthrie Folk Festival, which will kick off this year with a special benefit show featuring none other than Wanda Jackson.
-BAM
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