The OKPOP Radio Hour

OKPOPcast: The Elvis Episode

Today is the 46th anniversary of the death of Elvis Presley. It’s really not possible to overstate Elvis’ influence on popular culture. Decades after his death, he is still the best-selling solo artist of all time, and his influence goes way beyond music. Elvis left his mark on film, fashion and the very idea of celebrity. Elvis had many connections to Oklahoma, and we’re pleased to share some of those with you in this very special episode of the OKPOP Radio Hour.

OKPOPcast: Sam Harris

It’s Wednesday and that means HOT NEW POD DROP!! We gotta say, this interview truly is one of the best we’ve ever done. We had the amazing opportunity to chat with our friend and Sand Springs ‘Sandite,’ Sam Harris, to discuss his life and times and it’s such an honest, raw, and inspiring conversation. We had some big laughs too! Sam is a pop-culture icon with his historic and legendary first WIN on the 80’s TV talent show juggernaut “Star Search.” It was “American Idol” before there was “American Idol,” for you youngsters. Sam went on to be a star on the “Great White Way” (Broadway, babies), television, and film. He’s also a fantastic writer and had big success with his book “HAM.” We adore this man and know you will, too, so take a listen to the OKPOP Radio Hour’s latest pod with the man, the myth, the legend—Sam Harris.

OKPOPcast: Barron Ryan

Our guest this week is the very talented musician and author Barron Ryan. He's written a beautiful illustrates storybook for adults based on a touching true story of love, loss, and the power of music to connect us with those we cherish - even after they’re gone.
The book is called Honey, If It Wasn’t for You, and, without giving too much away, the story goes something like this:
Don Feagin wrote the words and Barron Ryan wrote the music. But this wasn’t your average partnership. That’s because Don died in 1981 - six years before Barron was born.
As a young songwriter and composer, Feagin wrote music that would be heard around the world, but his favorite person to write for was his wife, Linda. The two were building a beautiful life together, but Don was living on borrowed time. They both knew that his disease, cystic fibrosis, would take him from this world far too soon.
When Don died, Linda thought she had heard all the songs he would ever write… until a chance encounter paved a path to bring his lyrics and legacy back to life.
It really is a remarkable story and a lovely book.
Honey, If It Wasn’t for You is available now on Barron’s website: https://www.barronryan.com/get-the-book
Barron made a music video to go along with the book, which you can watch here:
https://fb.watch/madMswrcWN/
And be sure to check out Barron’s book release event Sunday, August 20 at the TU Lorton Performance Center.
https://www.facebook.com/events/258036206973452/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A%5B%5D%7D

OKPOPcast: Mike Ayling // Desi & Cody

It’s an OKPOPcast Double Feature! First, we have the latest installment from Joey Duffy’s “Sound of Oklahoma” where he speaks with local lovebird+songbirds Desi & Cody. Then, we speak to Mike Ayling who has an interesting connection to The Master of Space and Time, Mr. Leon Russell. He shares some stories with us you won’t wanna miss!

OKPOPcast: Tulsa Music Month

HOT POD ALERT - and we aren't just talking' about the weather, folks! July is TULSA MUSIC MONTH, and we have as our special guest Natalie Bowling from the Tulsa Film, Music, Arts and Culture Office - or "FMAC" if you're cool. Natalie chats with us about how important the music biz is here in Tulsa ($335 million impact! 4000 jobs! Fastest growing industry in Tulsa!), and how you can celebrate Tulsa Music Month to support our friendly local musicians.

OKPOPcast: The 50th Episode!

Here it is, folks! This is the big one - our 50TH EPISODE of the OKPOP Radio Hour podcast! We're celebrating by looking back at some of our favorite moments from our little show. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
+Tulsa radio icon BRENT DOUGLAS resurrecting his Roy D. Mercer character to prank one of OKPOP's dear friends, +Little Wing Productions/Former Cain's Ballroom owner Larry Shaeffer!
+Actor Tim Blake Nelson sharing what he thinks makes his hometown of Tulsa so special
+Reservation Dogs Sterlin Harjo on the real reason he created his groundbreaking show
+And MUCH MORE!
Big thanks to all our guests and listeners, and we hope you'll join us over in our OKPOP Radio Hour Facebook group!

OKPOPcast: Annie Ellicott

They just don’t make ‘em like Annie Ellicott anymore. This talented Tulsan is an all around ENTERTAINER who’s made a name for herself as a jazz singer, songwriter, performer and voice actor. In this week’s episode of the OKPOP Radio Hour, Annie gives us a preview of her upcoming album "Happy Talk", and tells us how she went from playing Tulsa clubs with her dad to sharing the stage at Glastonbury with Jeff Goldblum!
Give us a listen, and don’t miss Annie Ellicott & The Lucky 7 live at Summer’s Fifth Night - July 13th at Utica Square!

OKPOPcast: Steph Simon

THE ELECTRICITY IS BACK, AND SO ARE WE! Bouncing back from Tulsa's big storm, your friends at the OKPOP Radio Hour return this week with a new episode... and a special guest - our very own Cinematographer Tyler Mann!
This episode we are featuring our second "Sound of Oklahoma" segment, lovingly crafted by OKPOP's Joey Duffy. This week, Joey talks to Tulsa hip-hop artist Steph Simon, Executive Producer of Fire in Little Africa, a multimedia project commemorating the 100th anniversary of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. He also speaks about his Tulsa roots and the love he has for this community, and how the creative spark he had as a kid has transformed into the multifaceted, talented artist he is today.
Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and if you haven't already, be sure to join our OKPOP Radio Hour Facebook group. It's a place to share your love of pop culture, and the creative spirit that makes Oklahoma great.

OKPOPCast: JUSTIN GORSKI, Tulsa Driller’s Tulsa Sound Weekend!

Thursday, June 22 - Sunday, June 25 is the official ‘918 Tulsa Sound Weekend’ at the Tulsa Driller’s stadium! Meg, Garrett, and Jarrod sit down with Driller’s Justin Gorski to chat about baseball, the contributors to the Tulsa Sound era, and so much more. Check it out!

OKPOPcast: BRANJAE + Dane & The Soup

🔥HOT POD ALERT🔥 Tulsa’s resident groove goddess and musical phenom, Branjae, brings the heat for today’s OKPOP Radio Hour! An absolute pleasure learning about the mystical mix that makes Branjae tick, from singing in church as a kid to the final form that we see now, wowing audiences with her distinctive vocals, inspirational songwriting, and dynamic stage presence.
The OKPOP Radio Hour is also featuring a new segment for your lovely ears —“The Sound of Oklahoma”—hosted by OKPOP’s own Joey Duffy, who also is in a stellar band, CLIFFDIVER. It’s our chance to highlight the great music coming out of the Sooner state. First up, Joey introduces us to the swoon worthy neo-soul sounds of Dane and the Soup. It’s a BIG episode with local Tulsa sound, so click that link and turn.it.up, y’all!