Starmaker: Jim Halsey and the Legends of Country Music
April 07, 2010 10:00am
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April 07, 2011 05:00am
800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive Oklahoma City, OK 73105
Jim Halsey is a legend in the music business. From his headquarters in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he built a talent agency with a client list that is a Who's Who in the industry. Along the way, he helped transform Country music from a regional attraction to an international phenomenon.
This exhibit features many items and memorabilia highlighting key events in Jim's momentous career. Gold and platinum albums representing over 27,500,000 albums sold by his many artists ranging from Hank Thompson, Roy Clark, The Oak Ridge Boys, Reba McEntire, The Judds, Mel Tillis, Clint Black, Tammy Wynette, Freddy Fender, and Don Williams line the walls inside a theater featuring a short video about Jim's prolific career. Artifacts on display include a rare Roy Clark pinball machine; the WKY-TV camera used to film the Hank Thompson Show beginning in 1954; performance outfits from Roy Clark, Wanda Jackson, the Oak Ridge Boys, and Hank Thompson; and selections from Jim Halsey's extensive collection of autographed guitars. There is also an area devoted to the hit television series Hee Haw that was hosted by Roy Clark. Featured in the exhibit are items from the landmark 1976 Soviet Tour, where Halsey clients Roy Clark and the Oak Ridge Boys tore a wide hole in the Iron Curtain with just their warm enthusiasm and immense musical talents. A display of posters chronicling the multitude of festivals Jim's clients have played brighten the walls of the Chesapeake Event Center.
The exhibit will be on display through April 2011.
