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
It was an honor to spend time with Charles Shadle, Choctaw composer and Senior Lecturer in Music at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and preserve his story as part of the growing OKPOP Oral History Collection.
A proud member of the Choctaw Nation from Tishomingo, Oklahoma, Charles shared how Oklahoma’s landscapes, family traditions, and a treasured shaped-note hymnal passed down through generations—including one carried on the Trail of Tears—helped shape his musical voice. Throughout his remarkable career as a composer and educator, he has woven together Choctaw heritage, contemporary classical music, and a deep love for Oklahoma into works that continue to inspire audiences around the world.
One thought from our conversation perfectly captures the spirit of his work:
“The closer the music was to images or ideas I associate with Oklahoma and my family… the more powerfully my own music sounded.”
Thank you, Charles, for sharing your wisdom, your creativity, and your story. We’re honored to help preserve your legacy and inspire future generations of Oklahoma creators.
#OKPOP #Oklahoma #Choctaw #ClassicalMusic #Storytelling @choctawnationok
Happy Birthday, David T. Walker! 🎸
Born in Tulsa, David T. Walker became one of the most heard—and often unseen—guitarists in modern music. His soulful, instantly recognizable playing helped shape recordings by Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Jackson 5, Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, The Supremes, and countless others.
From Motown and soul to jazz, gospel, pop, and film scores, Walker brought taste, feel, and a signature voice to every session. He is a reminder that some of the most influential artists in popular culture are the ones whose names may not be on the marquee—but whose sound is everywhere.
Happy birthday to a Tulsa original and a true guitar great.
#DavidTWalker #TulsaMusic #OklahomaMusic #GuitarLegend #OKPOP
Fans of @casadecalexico don`t need to be told that the recording of Minas de Cobre on the album "Black Light" was recording magic...they already know! But, have you heard the story? John Convertino (@gi_gi_1958) sat down with us and talked about that recording session and why collaboration is an important part of what Calexico is all about. And collaboration has defined their sound since they started recording this album in 1997.
We recently connected with Tulsa comedian, writer, and Saturday Night Live veteran Steven Castillo to record his creative journey for the OKPOP archive.
Born in Tulsa and raised in Oakhurst, OK, Steven’s story traces a path from late-night comedy obsessions, Weird Al records, video games, and his first life-changing open mic at the Tulsa Looney Bin to studying film at the University of Tulsa, performing in Chicago, and eventually joining the writing staff of Saturday Night Live, where he contributed to memorable sketches including Stu, Tiny Horse, and Sábado Gigante.
Steven reflected on the lessons he learned along the way: staying true to your voice, embracing failure, asking for help, surrounding yourself with good people, and remembering why you create in the first place.
From Tulsa open mics to Studio 8H, Steven’s journey is a reminder that big creative dreams can begin anywhere—and that Oklahoma continues to send storytellers, performers, writers, and creators out into the world.
Thank you, Steven, for sharing your story, humor, and creative journey with OKPOP.
#OKPOP #StevenCastillo #SNL #TulsaComedy #OklahomaCreatives @steezus_castillo
We recently sat down with Cherokee filmmaker Jeremy Charles to talk about his creative journey from growing up in Oolagah and photographing bands at Cain’s Ballroom to co-founding Fire Thief Productions and Pursuit Films.
From Voices of the Cherokee People and Red Bird to Cherokee-language animation and Anvdvnelisgi, a contemporary album recorded entirely in Cherokee, Jeremy spoke about representation, language preservation, collaboration, and authentic storytelling.
As he shared:
“My number one advice is write about what you know, tell stories about what you know, because only you can tell those stories.”
Thank you, Jeremy, for helping tell stories that inspire, empower, and remind us of the transformative power of creative expression.
#OKPOP #OklahomaCreators #CherokeeNation #Filmmaking #Storytelling @jeremycharles @pursuit_films
Happy birthday to Candy Clark!
Born in Norman on June 20, 1947, Clark went on to become one of the most memorable actresses of the New Hollywood era. She earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her breakout role as Debbie Dunham in American Graffiti, appearing alongside fellow Oklahoma native Ron Howard in the beloved coming-of-age classic directed by George Lucas.
Her career spans decades of film and television, with notable roles in The Man Who Fell to Earth, Blue Thunder, and The Blob. Through it all, Candy Clark has remained a shining example of Oklahoma talent making an impact on screens around the world.
From Norman to Hollywood, her story is a reminder that extraordinary journeys can begin right here in Oklahoma.
🎬 What’s your favorite Candy Clark performance?
#OKPOP #CandyClark #AmericanGraffiti #OklahomaFilm #OklahomaCreatives @candyclarkamericangraffiti
From the Vault: A Japanese poster for the film adaptation of The Grapes of Wrath.
Few stories are more deeply connected to Oklahoma than The Grapes of Wrath. Published in 1939, John Steinbeck’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel followed the Joad family as they fled the Dust Bowl and economic hardship in Oklahoma in search of opportunity in California. A year later, legendary director John Ford brought the story to the screen, starring Henry Fonda as Tom Joad.
This Japanese release poster is a reminder that an Oklahoma story became a global story. What began amid the red dirt, wind, and hardship of the Great Depression resonated with audiences around the world, carrying themes of resilience, family, dignity, and hope across cultures and continents.
Artifacts like this help tell not only the story of Oklahoma, but the story of how Oklahoma’s people, places, and experiences have shaped popular culture far beyond our borders.
#FromTheVault #OKPOPMuseum #GrapesOfWrath #DustBowl #OklahomaHistory
Today we’re remembering bassist Carl Radle on his birthday.
Born in Tulsa in 1942, Radle became one of the most respected bass players of his generation. A cornerstone of the Tulsa Sound, his steady, soulful playing helped shape recordings by Leon Russell, J.J. Cale, and countless others before reaching a global audience as a member of Derek and the Dominos. His bass work can be heard on the landmark album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, where his understated groove provided the foundation beneath some of rock’s most enduring music.
Carl never chased the spotlight, but his influence can still be heard in the work of generations of musicians who understand that sometimes the most powerful thing you can play is exactly what the song needs.
Happy Birthday, Carl Radle. Thank you for helping carry the sound of Oklahoma to the world.
#OKPOP #CarlRadle #TulsaSound #OklahomaMusic #OnThisDay
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
*Required fields.
Note: Fees for online processing are a necessary part of online giving and vary based on donation amount and type of card used. The fees charged by the credit card processor will be subtracted from the donation amount.