12/27/2025
Oklahoma!
Do you know why Oklahoma is proud to call Texas-native Bob Wills an Okie, and why he will be featured prominently at OKPOP?
Bob Wills, the "King of Western Swing," first began broadcasting over KVOO in Tulsa, Oklahoma on February 9, 1934. But, he actually came to Oklahoma in January of 1934 for a fresh start in Oklahoma City at the WKY radio station. Wills had been playing across Texas for a number of years in different ensemble bands, including the Light Crust Doughboys, when he set his sights on Oklahoma.
While in Texas, Wills found himself in conflict with the sponsor for the Light Crust Doughboys, W. Lee "Pappy" O'Daniel, president of Burrus Mills, the company that produced the Light Crust flour. After Bob Wills left the Light Crust Doughboys, O'Daniel initiated an unsuccessful lawsuit that claimed damages because Wills advertised his band as "formerly the Lightcrust Doughboys." Though unsuccessful with the lawsuit, O'Daniel wouldn't relent.
Bob Wills first went to start a show at Oklahoma City's WKY radio station, but O'Daniel promised WKY that he would buy air time if they would cancel Wills' show, which the radio station did. So, Bob Wills moved on to Tulsa's KVOO radio station. O'Daniel again tried to buy KVOO time with promises to buy airtime, but the station declined to cancel Wills' broadcast, and Tulsa's Cain's Ballroom became Bob Wills home base, using KVOO to launch his career nation wide. Also, while performing over KVOO, Wills began to use the name, "The Texas Playboys."
Though Bob Wills was a well-respected musician and band leader before coming to Oklahoma, Tulsa is where Bob Wills truly became the "King of Western Swing."
