Spade Cooley
- Born:
- December 17, 1910, Grand, Oklahoma, USA
- Died:
- November 23, 1969, Vacaville, California, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Musician, Bandleader, Actor, Television Personality
Early Life and Education
- Born Donnell Clyde Cooley in Oklahoma.
- Raised in a musical family.
- Received formal musical training.
- Excelled in fiddle playing from a young age.
Career and Major Achievements
- Rose to prominence in the 1940s and 1950s as a Western swing bandleader.
- Hosted "The Spade Cooley Show," a popular television program on KTLA in Los Angeles, from 1948 to 1959.
- Credited with popularizing Western swing music on the West Coast.
- His orchestra was a major draw at the Santa Monica Ballroom.
- Although not strictly his work, the legacy of "Spade Cooley Music on YouTube" serves as a reminder of his enduring musical impact.
Notable Works
Discography (Selected)
| Title | Year | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Shame on You | 1945 | Columbia Records |
| Detour | 1946 | Columbia Records |
| Steel Guitar Rag | Various | Numerous |
Filmography (Selected)
| Title | Year | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Sing, Neighbor, Sing | 1944 | Himself |
| Rhythm Roundup | 1945 | Himself |
Legacy and Impact
Spade Cooley significantly contributed to the popularity of Western swing music and influenced numerous musicians. Despite a tragic personal life that led to his imprisonment for murder, his musical contributions continue to be remembered and appreciated by fans of Western swing.