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
If you weren’t aware—Calexico drummer John Convertino was born on Long Island, New York, but his family later moved to Tulsa, where his mother’s family lived. He began learning drums here (including lessons with local Tulsa drummer Mike Bones) and grew up playing in his family’s gospel group—an Oklahoma-rooted foundation that helped shape his distinct, cinematic rhythm. 🥁
#OKPOP #TulsaMusic #Calexico #OklahomaMusic #FromTheOKPOPVault @gi_gi_1958 @casadecalexico
We were in awe of the stories and songs shared by Bryon White of The Damn Quails.
From punk bands to Red Dirt and everywhere in between — and memories of Tom Skinner along the way — his genre-blending, truth-telling songwriting captures the full soundscape of Oklahoma.
Honored to help preserve these stories in the state archive and share them in future OKPOP exhibits. This is exactly why we do what we do. 🎸✨
#OKPOP #OklahomaMusic #RedDirt #Storytelling #FromTheArchive @bryonwhite @thedamnquails
From the OKPOP Vault: via The Jim Henson Company — this roadcase and guitar performed by Oklahoman Jerry Nelson as Jowls for Muppets Tonight. 🎸✨
The red A&S Flight & Road case is stenciled “MUPPETS TONIGHT” on the front — and it even appears on-screen in the show (including a moment where Rizzo the Rat sits on it while singing “Rizzo Blues” with Gonzo). 🐀🎶
Inside: Jowls’ prop guitar — a left-handed, Muppet-sized replica of a 1930s Gibson ES-150, inspired by the iconic Charlie Christian look.
And here’s our favorite “double Okie” connection: Jerry Nelson and Charlie Christian were both Oklahomans — Oklahoma creativity echoing across jazz history and the Muppets universe. 🌾⚡️
#OKPOP #OKHistory #JimHensonCompany #MuppetsTonight #JerryNelson
Happy Birthday to Tulsa’s own Charlie Wilson. 🎉
Raised in North Tulsa, Charlie joined The GAP Band with his brothers Ronnie and Robert Wilson, helping shape the group’s unmistakable sound and carrying the spirit of Greenwood, Archer, and Pine into funk, R&B, and pop history. Together they gave the world classics like “Outstanding,” “Yearning for Your Love,” and “Burn Rubber on Me” — songs that still move dance floors decades later.
The story didn’t stop there. Charlie went on to build an extraordinary solo career, earning Grammy nominations, chart-topping albums, and collaborations with artists from Snoop Dogg to Kanye West, becoming a bridge between generations of soul, funk, and hip-hop.
From the OKPOP vault: here he is with fellow Tulsan, the late great Ernie Fields Jr. — two hometown legends, side by side.
#OKPOP #CharlieWilson #TheGapBand #OklahomaMusic @imcharliewilson
Had such a great time with our friends at @thechurchstudio featuring @isaachanson @mrssarahmoseley and @gabrielthomasbroussard
There’s nothing better than hearing the stories behind the songs — the sparks, the struggles, and the moments that shaped the music. Nights like this remind us why storytelling matters.
Special thanks to @vothmusic and @hotelbrut for helping make it happen. Grateful to be part of a community that keeps Oklahoma’s creative spirit alive. 🎶✨
Remembering our friend D.C. Minner on his birthday today.
Born in 1935 in Rentiesville, Oklahoma, D.C. was more than a blues musician — he was a teacher, a philosopher, and a keeper of culture. Through decades of performing, mentoring young artists, and hosting the legendary Dusk ’til Dawn Blues Festival, he helped make Rentiesville a sacred place on the blues map.
His music carried history. His words carried wisdom. His porch felt like home to anyone who showed up with a guitar and a story.
We also hold close the memory of his beloved wife, Selby Minner, his creative partner in life and in blues — together they built community, preserved tradition, and welcomed generations into the music.
Their legacy still echoes down those Oklahoma backroads. 🎶
Happy birthday, D.C. We miss you both.
🎬✨
It was an honor to connect with Tulsa artist Diana Folsom, wife of the late William F. Matthews, alongside production designer James Spencer, to reflect on William’s life and creative legacy.
A production designer, art director, and set designer, William helped shape the worlds of iconic films and television, including Poltergeist, The Karate Kid, Gremlins, Lost, and more. His work reminds us that the magic we see on screen is built by visionary artists behind the scenes.
After a celebrated Hollywood career, he later made Tulsa home — bringing a lifetime of creativity and experience back to Oklahoma.
🎨 Storytellers. World-builders. Oklahoma originals.
#OKPOP #TulsaArts #FilmHistory #ProductionDesign #OklahomaCreativity
Today we’re remembering “The Godfather of Steel Guitar,” Speedy West, on his birthday. 🎶
Raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and later retiring in the Tulsa area, Speedy helped redefine what the pedal steel guitar could be — not just a background instrument, but a bold, front-and-center voice.
Through his legendary partnership with guitarist Jimmy Bryant, he brought speed, humor, and jaw-dropping technique to country and early rock recordings in the 1950s, influencing generations of players across country, rock, and beyond. His inventive playing and custom Fender steel setups pushed the instrument into entirely new territory.
From the OKPOP collections: a few highlights from our Speedy West archive, which includes thousands of photos and materials preserving his remarkable legacy.
🎸 A true original. A pioneer. An Oklahoma legend.
#OKPOP #OklahomaMusic #SteelGuitar #CountryMusicHistory #TulsaMusic
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
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