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
OKPOP and the OKPOP Foundation mourn the loss of our dear friend and supporter, John Reaves.
A true champion of the arts, John had a deep passion for local music and an enduring love for Oklahoma’s film, music, and creative communities. When the OKPOP Phase II Capital Campaign first began, John and Leigh were among the very first to step forward. Their early belief and generous support helped lay the groundwork to ensure our state’s rich artistic heritage and homegrown talent are forever celebrated.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude, and deepest condolences to Leigh, Claire, and the entire Reaves family.
Remembering Dixie Michell, born on this day in 1939. 🎸
A gifted musician, songwriter, repairer and master luthier, Michell spent years in Tulsa making instruments that were anything but ordinary. Through her Guitar Company of America, she built one-of-a-kind guitars and mandolins known for their craftsmanship, distinctive designs and remarkable sound.
Dixie’s legacy also lives in the people she encouraged and the knowledge she shared, helping pass the craft of instrument making to a new generation of Oklahoma builders and musicians.
Today we remember a true Tulsa original, Dixie Michell (1939–2015), and the beautiful instruments and music she helped bring into the world.
#OKPOP #DixieMichell #TulsaMusic #OklahomaMusic #Luthier
🎂 Happy birthday to Jimmy Webb!
Born in Elk City, Oklahoma, Webb grew into one of America’s most celebrated songwriters, crafting songs that became part of the soundtrack of generations.
From “Wichita Lineman” and “Galveston” to “By the Time I Get to Phoenix” and “MacArthur Park,” Webb has shown just how far a song, and an Oklahoma imagination, can travel.
Today we celebrate a remarkable songwriter, storyteller, and fellow Okie whose words and melodies continue to resonate around the world.
Happy birthday, Jimmy! 🎶
#JimmyWebb #OklahomaMusic #okpop #Songwriter @jimmywebbmusic
It was great to spend time with our friends, neighbors, and fellow Oklahoma Historical Society site, the Will Rogers Memorial Museum, today as they broke ground on an exciting new chapter! 🤠
The project will add a new 20,000-square-foot facility while also renovating and improving the historic museum, creating new space for collections, research, staff, events, and future generations of visitors.
Will Rogers is such an important part of Oklahoma’s story, and we’re excited to see the place dedicated to preserving and sharing his remarkable legacy continue to grow.
Congratulations to the entire Will Rogers Memorial Museum team! We’re proud to be part of the same Oklahoma Historical Society family and can’t wait to see what comes next. ❤️
#OKPOP #WillRogers #WillRogersMemorialMuseum #OklahomaHistory #OklahomaHistoricalSociety
It was an honor to connect with acclaimed writer, artist, and producer LeAnne Howe for a video interview at OKPOP.
A citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, LeAnne reflected on her Oklahoma roots, the family storytellers who shaped her, and a remarkable creative journey spanning poetry, fiction, theater, film, journalism, and teaching. She also discussed tribalography, her influential works including Shell Shaker, Miko Kings, Spiral of Fire, and Evidence of Red, and the foundational role Native and Choctaw stories play in Oklahoma’s history and creative identity.
Her advice to fellow creators: “Keep working on your own process. Don’t let other people interrupt that process, and listen to what your own creative work is telling you.”
We are deeply grateful to LeAnne for sharing her stories, humor, insight, and creative philosophy with us. These conversations are helping OKPOP preserve and celebrate the people and stories that make Oklahoma such an extraordinary place of creativity.
#LeAnneHowe #ChoctawNation #OKPOP #OklahomaCreativity #OklahomaStories
Today, on what would have been his 90th birthday, we remember Oklahoma rockabilly pioneer Clyde Stacy.
Born on a farm near Checotah, Clyde helped shape Tulsa’s emerging rock and roll sound as the leader of Clyde Stacy and the Nitecaps. His 1957 recording “So Young” reached the Billboard charts and found an especially devoted audience in Canada. He went on to appear on American Bandstand, tour with some of the era’s biggest stars, and become recognized as one of the early architects of the Tulsa Sound.
Clyde’s music carried Oklahoma energy far beyond the state, while his story remained deeply connected to home. We are proud to help preserve and share his creative legacy.
Happy birthday, Clyde.
#ClydeStacy #OKPOP #TulsaSound #OklahomaMusic #OklahomaHistory
🦄 Oklahoma connections to The Last Unicorn
The haunting music of the beloved 1982 animated classic The Last Unicorn came from Oklahoma-born songwriter Jimmy Webb.
Born in Elk City, Webb wrote the film’s songs and composed its score, including the unforgettable title theme performed by America. His music became an essential part of the film’s dreamlike, melancholy atmosphere and helped give The Last Unicorn its lasting emotional power.
The film also has another Oklahoma connection: Enid-born actor Jack Lester, born on this day in 1915, lent his voice to several characters in the movie.
From Elk City and Enid to one of animation’s most enduring fantasy films, Oklahoma creativity has a way of showing up in wonderfully unexpected places.
#OKPOP #TheLastUnicorn #JimmyWebb #JackLester #OklahomaCreatives
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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