Oral history interview with Johnny Hicks; 1995 March 3; interview conducted by John W. Rumble. 1995 Mar. 3.

ArchivalResource

Hicks, Johnny;. Oral history interview with Johnny Hicks; 1995 March 3; interview conducted by John W. Rumble.

Oral history interview with Johnny Hicks; 1995 March 3; interview conducted by John W. Rumble. 1995 Mar. 3.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/58841226

Radio announcer Johnny Hicks recalls his career in Texas during the 1940s and 1950s. Discussion includes his family background; his early experiences in radio, including work with Pappy O'Daniel; impact of the 1940s musicians' strike on radio; the popularity of border stations during the 1940s; his association with Lyndon B. Johnson; memories of the radio show, Cornbread Matinee, including the on-air wedding of Hank Thompson; his work as a freelance announcer; memories from Hillbilly Hit Parade; early record promoters and promotion techniques; experiences from his work as host of the Big D Jamboree; his band, the Country Gentlemen; working for Howard Hughes; memories of country performers, including Bob Wills, Billy Walker, Hank Snow, and Elvis Presley; changes at the Big D Jamboree with the advent of rock & roll; and a summary of his career after leaving radio in 1959.

2 sound cassettes (1 hous, 56 minutes)

Country Music Foundation, Library & Media Center