Career

Donald Ryan – Classical, Religious & Jazz Pianist

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Donald Ryan

A commanding and dynamic pianist, Donald Ryan has been called “a music kaleidoscope, sparkling at everything he plays.” This “everything” encompasses the arenas of classical, religious/inspirational, and jazz. His virtuosity and amazing gift of improvisation have delighted audiences throughout the U. S. A.  – Carnegie Hall included – as well as in England, France, Germany, Austria, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, the Caribbean … Read more

Justin Echols – New Orleans Jazz Club

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Justin Echols

Inducted into the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame in 2012, police officer Justin Echolscroons the standards with a voice as smooth as melted chocolate and manipulates the ebonies and ivories as if he were born in a New Orleans jazz club. When Echols was faced with near immobility after a catastrophic car crash, the Oklahoma City police sergeant … Read more

Jesse Ed Davis – Washita Love Child Artist

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Jesse Ed Davis

September 21, 1944 – June 22, 1988 2002 Blues Inductee Jesse Ed Davis was born in Norman, Oklahoma on September 21, 1944 of Kiowa and Cherokee parents. He was playing guitar at venues in and around Oklahoma City by his early teens with other young musicians like bassist John Selk, vocalist Jerry Fisher, and drummer … Read more

Ernestine Dillard – Award-Winning Singer Bio

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Ernestine Dillard

Ernestine Dillard, from Bixby, is perhaps best remembered for her April 23, 1995 performance, when she electrified 11,000 mourners and a national television audience with her “God Bless America” medley that closed the Oklahoma City Memorial Service for the victims of the Murrah Building bombing. In 1994, she ended a 33-year career as a registered nurse, the last … Read more

Debbie Campbell – Buckwheat Singer – Tulsa Sound

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Debbie Campbell

November 28, 1950 – February 2001 Born Deborah Ruth Vorhies on November 28, 1950 in Forth Worth, Texas, Debbie received her first guitar as a Christmas gift from her parents when she was 12 years old. She began touring nationally while still in her teens with an all-girl band, the Kandy Kanes, and then went … Read more

Mahalia Jackson – Gospel Singer Who Changed the World

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Mahalia Jackson

October 26, 1911 — January 27, 1972 Born as Mahala Jackson and nicknamed “Halie”, Jackson grew up in the Black Pearl section of the Carrollton neighborhood of Uptown New Orleans, Louisiana. The three-room dwelling on Pitt Street housed thirteen people and a dog. This included Little Mahala (named after her aunt, Mahala Clark-Paul whom the … Read more

Steve Wilkerson – Tenor Sax Musician

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Steve Wilkerson Jazz Sax

Steve Wilkerson began his professional career at age 11, in Ramona, Oklahoma, when he joined his father’s dance band. He attended the University of Tulsa and played saxophone for their jazz ensemble. He completed a bachelor’s Degree in classical clarinet and won the Downbeat Combo Award. After graduation, he toured with the Stan Kenton Orchestra … Read more